Effect of thickness and occlusal accommodation on the degree of satisfaction with mouthguard use among water polo players: A randomized crossover trial

Abstract

Background/Aim: The optimal mouthguard type and design for each player and sport are currently unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of using a thicker custom-made mouthguard with occlusal accommodation on the degree of satisfaction among water polo players. Material and Methods: Twenty-five elite water polo players participated in this randomized four-period crossover trial conducted from February to May 2019. For each participant, two customized mouthguards were fabricated using 4-mm ethyl vinyl acetate foil: Type A included no occlusal accommodation, and Type B included a 2-mm occlusal accommodation. Players wore each mouthguard during training sessions and competitions for 2 weeks in one of two randomized sequences. After each match or training session, players were asked to evaluate the mouthguards on 10-point scales across three domains: discomfort or interference with function, protection, and general satisfaction. Mouthguard preference was also recorded. Results: The mouthguard with occlusal accommodation was reported to interfere more with speech and swallowing (P < .001) and with esthetics, breathing, and athletic performance (P < .05) compared with the conventional mouthguard. Although occlusal accommodation was associated with a higher perceived degree of protection (mean difference 0.5; 95% CI: 0.2-0.8), players were still more satisfied with the conventional mouthguard (mean difference 1.5; 95% CI: 0.8-2.3). Two players preferred the occlusal mouthguard, whereas 22 preferred the conventional mouthguard (P = .007). Conclusions: Among water polo players, occlusal accommodation increasing the thickness of the custom-made mouthguards may offer a greater perceived sense of protection, but this comes at the cost of greater discomfort and reduced overall satisfaction. Dentists can recommend conventional mouthguards for most water polo players.

Attitudes and opinions towards the prevention of orofacial injuries among water polo coaches in Catalonia: A cross‐sectional study

“…Comfort can also be increased if the palatal margin is extended to 2 mm from the cervical line and tapered and if the buccal peripheries are rounded 24,28 . Occlusal‐accommodated mouthguards could be indicated for athletes who are more motivated to wear them or who are at higher risk of orofacial injury 29 …”

Effect of different custom-made mouthguard palatal extensions on the stress-state of dentoalveolar: a 3D-FEA

“…[3,12,[22][23][24] MG material and thickness are important factors affecting its protective performance and comfort performance. [25][26][27] Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) is a type of copolymer foam material known for its excellent shock resistance, good biocompatibility and the advantages of easy molding of thermoplastic. EVA is currently the mainstream material for MG production and the gold standard for testing other MG materials.…”

Comfort and wearability properties of custom‐made and boil‐and‐bite mouthguards among basketball players: A randomized parallel arm clinical trial

“…Sample size determination was performed using G*Power software (Version 3.1.5, Informer Tech) considering an α-level of 0.05, a β-value of 0.20 and an assumed effect size of 0.4, and the choice of effect size was made due to a lack of similar studies involving these specific groups in the existing literature. [37][38][39][40] The results indicated a sample size of 18 participants (resulting in 54 questionnaires). To account for potential dropouts and noncompliance, a total of 60 participants were recruited.…”

“…Once again, occlusal adjustments were made to the articulators with the mounted mandible model, and their shaping was completed by making occlusal accommodations in the form of bilateral balanced occlusion. 12,26,39 It was advised that all MGs were to be washed with cold tap water by gently brushing with toothpaste and a toothbrush before and after each use, to store them in their protective containers and to avoid direct sunlight exposure to prevent distortion (Table 4). 23,50 All participants were directed to use the assigned MGs during training sessions and official matches.…”