Pressure‐forming method using a single‐mouthguard sheet

Background/Aim

Mouthguard thickness is important for the prevention of orofacial trauma during sports. However, it is difficult to maintain the necessary thickness after forming the mouthguard. The aim of this study was to evaluate a pressure‐forming method using a single‐mouthguard sheet.

Materials and Methods

A mouthguard sheet of 3.8 mm ethylene vinyl acetate was prepared by cutting 3 mm from the anterior margin of the sheet holder with a length of 7 mm and with the width being from the buccal cusp of the upper right first premolar to the buccal cusp of the upper left first premolar and compared with the original sheet. The sheets were pressure‐formed when the sheet was heated until the centre was displaced by 15 mm from baseline. The thickness of the mouthguard was measured at the labial surface of the central incisor, and the buccal and occlusal surfaces of the first molar. The fit of the mouthguard was examined at the right central incisor and right first molar by measuring the distance between the mouthguard and the cervical margin of the working model. Differences in the thickness and the fit of the mouthguards between the sheet conditions and the measured regions were analysed by two‐way analysis of variance.

Results

Mouthguard thickness varied among the measured regions of the central incisors and first molars (P < .01). The greatest thickness was found at the labial surface of the central incisor in mouthguards fabricated using the cut sheet (P < .01). Mouthguard fit did not differ between the two sheets.

Conclusions

The results suggest that a useful mouthguard with proper thickness and fit can be produced with the pressure‐forming method using a single‐mouthguard sheet by cutting the anterior part of the sheet.     

Natural course of temporomandibular disorders with low pain‐related impairment: a 2‐to‐3‐year follow‐up study

To describe the natural course of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in patients with low levels of pain‐related impairment, independently by the physical diagnoses they received. Amongst all patients who attended the TMD Clinic, University of Padova, Italy, during the year 2009, those who: (i) had Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (RDC/TMD) axis II Graded Chronic Pain Scale (GCPS) grade 0 or 1 scores, (ii) received counselling on their signs and symptoms at the time of their first visit and suggestions on how to self‐manage their symptoms, (iii) did not attend the Clinic since the time of their last visit and (iv) were visited by the same resident, were recalled for a follow‐up assessment during the period from September to December 2011. Sixty‐nine patients (79% females; mean age 47.4 ± 11.3 years; range 26–77) of 86 who were potentially eligible accepted to enter the study. The time span since the first visit ranged from 23 to 36 months. At the follow‐up assessment, the percentage of patients with muscle disorders decreased from 68.1% to 23.1%; disc displacement with reduction remained unchanged (52.1%), whilst the 5.7% of patients who had disc displacement without reduction with limited opening then showed absence of limitation; diagnoses related to other joint disorders decreased from 30.4% to 14.4% for arthralgia and from 27.5% to 24.6% for osteoarthritis/osteoarthrosis. In a sample of patients TMD with low pain‐related impairment followed up with a single recall assessment at 2‐to‐3 years, the natural course of disease was generally favourable.     

Management of a 9‐year‐old boy experiencing severe dental injury – a 21‐year follow‐up of three autotransplants: a case report

Abstract – The replacement of missing anterior teeth is a particular challenge in children and adolescents. This report describes the management of a 9‐year‐old boy suffering a severe dental injury. The treatment included three autotransplantations and orthodontic space closure to replace four maxillary teeth. A follow‐up period of 21 years demonstrated a successful outcome. Autotransplantation of premolars in growing individuals is a predictable method for replacement of missing teeth and for re‐establishment of the alveolar process after traumatic bone loss. This case report shows that a multidisciplinary approach is essential for the management and outcome of severe dental injuries in children.