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Optimization of materials for a user-formed mouthguard

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Abstract

A mouthguard that can be custom formed by the user at the time of need to achieve optimum fit and protection is required for sports and clinical applications. This study has evaluated two silicone-based polymer systems found sufficiently workable to be molded to the user's mouth. Compositions were optimized for setting time and mechanical properties by varying the proportions of catalyst, cross-linking agent, and filler. Mechanical tests showed the optimized silicones to have lower tensile and tear strengths and higher penetration and rebound than most present mouthguard materials. Detailed measurements of compressive stress-strain, coupled with a stress analysis of conditions in actual mouthguard use, indicate that the optimized silicone polymers possess more than adequate strength and durability for a user-formed mouthguard.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, 32611, Gainesville, Florida

    R. E. Loehman

  2. College of Dentistry, University of Florida, 32611, Gainesville, Florida

    M. S. Chan & R. E. Going

Authors
  1. R. E. Loehman
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  2. M. S. Chan
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  3. R. E. Going
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Additional information

Research supported by Division of Sponsored Research Grant No. 2972F65, University of Florida.

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Loehman, R.E., Chan, M.S. & Going, R.E. Optimization of materials for a user-formed mouthguard. Ann Biomed Eng 3, 199–208 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02363071

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02363071

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