Comparison of usability properties of custom-made and standard self-adapted mouthguards

Background: Sports-related injuries, such as those typically incurred during bicycle racing, playing football, basketball, handball, hockey, and while skiing, represent a common problem in dental practice. The use of mouthguards helps prevent such injuries. Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate clinical usability of custom mouthguards made of various polymers with the use of various techniques versus that of the 'boil-and-bite' mouthguards available on the market. Materials and methods: Five types of custom-made and three types of 'boil-and-bite' mouthguards, represented by 168 devices in total, were evaluated in terms of usability with the use of a questionnaire. Results: The usability of custom mouthguards, especially the ones molded from Corflex, was rated much higher than that of self-adapted mouthguards. Thus, it is the custom mouthguards that should be suggested to and fitted in patients prone to orofacial injuries.