Dimensions of Hybrid and Nanohybrid Mouthguards for Mixed Martial Arts Fighters–Evaluation of a New Method of Fabrication

Abstract

Ethylene vinyl acetate mouthguards are the most often used custom protective intraoral appliances by combat sports practitioners. However, due to the difficulties in maintaining the hygiene of such mouthguards and thinning during fabrication, resulting in difficulty in predicting final dimensions, they may not be the optimal solution. The aim of this research was to evaluate an innovative method of mouthguard formation using intraoral modeling of the mouthguard pattern, hybrid acrylic material, and the addition of ZnO nanoparticles. Seventeen mouthguards patterns and 34 custom mouthguards were evaluated: 17 hybrid and 17 nanohybrid. A total of 1122 measurements were performed: each mouthguard and pattern was measured at 22 points. Statistical analyses were performed with the use of IBM® SPSS® Statistics 27.0.0 software (IBM, Armonk, NY USA). The mean thickness of the patterns and mouthguards at all labial areas of central incisors were between 4.65 and 4.80 mm. The thickness at the buccal surface of the first molar was between 3.71 and 4 mm, and at the occlusal surface between 3.40 and 3.56 mm in the cusp area. All measurements of hybrid and nanohybrid mouthguards were strongly and highly correlated with the measurements of the mouthguard patterns. Hybrid and nanohybrid mouthguards are an advantageous alternative to thermoformed custom appliances.

Dental injuries in Swiss soccer supporters: A comparative study of regular fans, ultras, and hooligans for public health strategies

“…The use of mouthguards has become increasingly prevalent in various sports, and they are mandatory or commonly used in combat sports such as boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts (Holmes & Holmes, 2000 ; Ifkovits et al, 2015 ; Mańka‐Malara et al, 2022 ; Shimoyama et al, 2009 ; Tulunoglu & Ozbek, 2006 ; Zürcher et al, 2020 ). It is worth noting that many hooligans participate in recreational martial arts activities to the extent of organized competitions (Sekulic et al, 2015 ).…”

Enhancing mouthguard longevity: Impact of surface treatment against aging from brushing and disinfectant exposure

“…Another cleaning method involves the use of chemical solutions, allowing mouthguards to be immersed for a specific period before or after usage. However, a comparative analysis of these methods is notably absent in the literature 18 …”

“…However, a comparative analysis of these methods is notably absent in the literature. 18 Considering the above, this study aims to assess the surface characteristics of sports mouthguards fabricated from EVA under different cleaning methods. The evaluation includes the analysis of roughness (Ra) and wettability to gauge topographical changes and potential deterioration of these devices over time.…”