Conforto e usabilidade de protetores bucais personalizados obtidos por meio de fluxos de trabalho digitais e não digitais: estudo cruzado randomizado.

Abstract

Background/Objective: The use of mouthguards (MTG) protects teeth and 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-fit MTGs, obtained by conventional and digital workflow, in amateur athletes. Materials and Methods: Amateur athletes were recruited for this randomized, double-blind, crossover clinical study (n = 48). Each participant received two 4-mm-thick custom-fit MTGs made of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) sheets using two protocols: conventional impression using alginate to produce dental stone cast (CMP) or intraoral digital scanning to produce 3D-printed resin models (DMP). Each MTG was worn during all training and matches over 12 weeks. The order of MTG use was randomly assigned. Patient satisfaction with the impression protocol and MTG use, model accuracy, MTG fit were assessed. Results: The DMP protocol required less execution time (P = 0.023), caused less discomfort (P = 0.018), anxiety (P = 0.008), nausea (P = 0.027), difficulty breathing (P < 0.001) and unpleasant taste (P = 0.006) compared to the CMP protocol. The pain (P = 0.971) perceived by the participants was similar in both impression protocols. Conclusions: The digital workflow demonstrated to be efficient in the fabrication of MTGs. Digital impression was more comfortable, requiring less execution time, with more accurate printed models and produced MTGs with comfort and fit similar to those manufactured conventionally.