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PubMed · 41607037

Comfort and Usability of Digital Versus Conventional Custom-Fit Mouthguards: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Maryuri Macías Bautista·Priscilla Barbosa Ferreira Soares·Airin Karelys Avendaño Rondon·Laryssa Silva da Cunha·Ianca Daniele Oliveira de Jesus·Rodrigo Silva Moreira·Gisele Rodrigues da Silva·Liran Levin·Carlos José Soares
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Abstract

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The use of mouthguards protects teeth and the supporting tissues against impacts. Digital impressions and 3D-printed models can reduce manufacturing steps and minimize discomfort. This study evaluated the fit, comfort, and usability of custom-made mouthguards, obtained by conventional and digital workflow, in amateur athletes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Amateur athletes were recruited for this randomized, double-blind, crossover clinical study. Each participant received two 4-mm-thick custom-fit mouthguards made of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) sheets using two protocols: conventional impression using alginate to produce dental stone cast (CMP) and intraoral digital scanning to produce 3D-printed resin models (DMP). Each mouthguard was worn during all training and matches over 3&#x2009;months. The order of mouthguard use was randomly assigned. Patient satisfaction with the impression protocol and mouthguard use, model accuracy, and mouthguard fit were assessed. RESULTS: Overall, 46 participants completed the study. The DMP protocol required less execution time (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.023), caused less discomfort (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.018), anxiety (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.008), nausea (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.027), difficulty breathing (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001), and unpleasant taste (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.006) compared to the CMP protocol. The pain (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.971) perceived by the participants was similar in both impression protocols. The CMP-mouthguards were considered to be better fitting by the majority of participants (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.027). Between-group comparisons revealed that DMP-mouthguard caused less discomfort immediately postadaptation (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.034), with no significant differences observed at 30 or 90&#x2009;days. CONCLUSIONS: The digital workflow demonstrated to be efficient in the fabrication of mouthguards. Digital impression was more comfortable, requiring less execution time, with more accurate printed models and produced mouthguards with reported comfort and fit levels similar to those manufactured conventionally.

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HumansMouth ProtectorsCross-Over StudiesDouble-Blind MethodMaleFemaleEquipment DesignPrinting, Three-DimensionalAdultModels, DentalPatient SatisfactionPolyvinylsDental Impression TechniqueYoung Adult3D printingathlete injuriesdental traumaprotective equipmentsports dentistryJournal ArticleRandomized Controlled TrialComparative Study

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Maryuri Mac&#xed;as Bautista, Priscilla Barbosa Ferreira Soares, Airin Karelys Avenda&#xf1;o Rondon, Laryssa Silva da Cunha, Ianca Daniele Oliveira de Jesus, Rodrigo Silva Moreira, Gisele Rodrigues da Silva, Liran Levin, Carlos Jos&#xe9; Soares. 2026-01-28. Comfort and Usability of Digital Versus Conventional Custom-Fit Mouthguards: A Randomized Clinical Trial.. https://doi.org/10.1111/edt.70059

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Journal Article; Randomized Controlled Trial; Comparative Study resourceAdult subjectComparative Study subjectCross-Over Studies subjectDouble-Blind Method subjectEquipment Design subjectFemale subjectHumans subjectJournal Article subjectMale subjectPatient Satisfaction subjectRandomized controlled trials study

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