Evaluation of Laminated Structures for Sports Mouthguards

An investigation into the relationship between thickness variations and manufacturing techniques of mouthguards

“…However, the mean thinning value seen within the whole cohort is comparative to previous single operator studies. Excessive thinning may be addressed by the use of a lamination technique, whereby two or more layers of mouthguard materials are bonded together to create a thicker finished blank, with the aim of absorbing greater energy . Our study showed that the majority (i.e.…”

The effect of model inclination during fabrication on mouthguard calliper‐measured and CT scan‐assessed thickness

“…The thickness of a mouthguard has been shown to directly correlate with the rate at which energy is absorbed ; therefore, it is imperative to obtain the optimal material thickness when manufacturing custom‐made mouthguards and thereby increase their protective potential against orofacial trauma from impact in sport. A proposed solution to address the thinning problem, seen with some finished mouthguards, is to laminate the material using one or more layers to increase the finished thickness of the mouthguard . However, the lamination technique, where a second mouthguard blank is formed over the initial formed mouthguard, can sometimes suffer from poor bond strength between two layers of mouthguard material leading to delamination of the finished mouthguards, especially with vacuum formed mouthguards .…”

Scale of protection and the various types of sports mouthguard

“…Harmful rebound energy will also be reduced as the composite laminate will return to its original shape more slowly than a single material system. 8 Combinations of compliant/rigid materials could be built up in a multi-layered composite system with materials and layer thicknesses being adapted according to particular requirements.…”

“…7 Work carried out on the protective capabilities and physical responses to an impact of standard mouthguard material (EVA) and novel laminates for use in mouthguards has shown the levels of protection that are present. 8 The processing of EVA during the manufacturing process has also been indicated as a factor to be accounted for in any testing regimen that is to correctly assess the physical characteristics of a thermo-formed material. 9 To make athletes participating in contact sports, where the incidence of oral trauma or concussion is high, more aware of the level of protection that a mouthguard may offer, a grading system of the various types of mouthguard and their protection capabilities has been developed.…”