Shanghai Journal of Stomatology ›› 2018, Vol. 27 ›› Issue (6): 574-578.doi: 10.19439/j.sjos.2018.06.003

• Original Articles • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Effect of impact direction on the cushion property of mouthguards: a finite element analysis

ZHU Yuan-bing, LAI Guang-yun, WANG Jun   

  1. Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology and Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology. Shanghai 200011, China
  • Received:2018-10-09 Online:2018-12-25 Published:2019-01-11
  • Supported by:
    国家重点研发计划(2017YFC0840100,2017YFC0840110)

Abstract: PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the cushion property of mouthguards when the impact object came from different directions. METHODS: A 3D finite element model of upper central incisor, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone was developed based on cone-beam CT (CBCT) images of a plastic teeth model. The mouthguards were modeled in 5 different thickness (T: 0, 1.5, 3, 4.5 and 6 mm) and a nonlinear dynamic impact analysis, in which the finite element models were collided by a steel ball from different directions (D: angles between the impact direction and the long axis of tooth were 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°, respectively), was performed. The stress cushion efficiency was calculated. RESULTS: The stress cushion efficiency of the mouthguards varied with different thicknesses and impact directions. When T=1.5 mm and 3 mm, the stress cushion efficiency was minimal as D=60° and maximal as D=120°. However, when T=4.5 mm and 6 mm, the stress cushion efficiency was minimal as D=90° and maximal as D=30°. Moreover, the stress cushion efficiency of mouthguards improved with the increasing thickness in each impact direction. CONCLUSIONS: The impact direction affects the stress cushion efficiency of mouthguards, which however is influenced by the thickness of mouthguards.

Key words: Mouthguard, Dental trauma, Finite element analysis

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