Introduction: Mouthguards represent an important part of protective equipment in many
contact sports, as they significantly reduce the risk of injuries to the teeth, periodontal tissues,
and, in some cases, even the bones of the head. From the first simple models made of basic
materials, modern mouthguards have evolved into advanced tools that allow individualized
fit, a high level of comfort, and improved shock absorption. In contemporary sports, they
play a key preventive role, enabling athletes to participate more safely and reducing the
consequences of unwanted impacts. Purpose: The purpose of this work is to present the
historical development of sports mouthguards, their importance in protecting the teeth, and
the advantages and limitations of different types. We will highlight the importance of
cooperation between athletes, coaches, and healthcare professionals in selecting and
correctly using oral protection. Furthermore, we will fabricate an individually adapted
professional sports mouthguard and describe the procedures involved in its production.
Methods: We began the thesis with a literature review on sports mouthguards, using English
sources. The literature was searched through platforms such as Google Scholar, PubMed,
and COBISS, with most sources limited to the last ten years. Due to their relevance and
historical value, several older articles were also included. The procedures for fabricating the
mouthguard were documented using an iPhone 15 smartphone. Results: We described the
procedure for fabricating an individually adapted professional sports mouthguard, which
was produced in the laboratory of the Dental Clinic in Ljubljana. The entire process was
documented, described, and visually presented. Discussion and conclusion: The literature
analysis and the fabrication of our own product confirmed that even relatively simple
procedures can achieve good fit and functionality, which increases the likelihood of regular
use. Nevertheless, athletes still have concerns regarding comfort and the impact on
breathing. We found that a properly selected and precisely fabricated mouthguard
significantly reduces the risk of injuries and contributes to greater safety during sports
activities. Further development of materials and increased awareness among users will be
crucial for even better protection and wider use in the future.
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