Characterization of mouth-formed mouthguards: Thermal performance

Abstract

This study examined whether the thermo-modeling process suits the thermal properties of the material constituting mouthformed mouthguards (MGs). Five mouth-formed MGs were compared: four commercially available MGs (SDITM, Gel NanoTM, Opro Shield GoldTM, and Kipsta R300TM) and one prototype. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to determine melting (Tm) and crystallization (Tc) temperatures and specifi fusion and crystallization enthalpies (∆Hf and ∆Hc (J/g)). MGs were modeled with recording of vestibular flnge and occlusal cushion temperatures (Toccl). Tm ranged from 45.3°C to 53.0°C and Tc ranged from 40.9°C to 48.2°C. Specifi heat of fusion ranged from 40.2 J/g to 62.0 J/g. Toccl was higher than Tm for all MGs except Kipsta R300TM. Guidelines provided by manufacturers may not be adapted to thermal properties of the MG material. To ensure proper thermomodeling, heating and biting durations should be adjusted.