WO2018161112A1

WO2018161112A1 - Mouthguard

Info

Publication number: WO2018161112A1
Application number: PCT/AU2018/050197
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ross James CLARK
Original assignee: Ross James Clark
Priority date: 2017-03-06
Filing date: 2018-03-05
Publication date: 2018-09-13

Abstract

A moulded mouthguard for protecting a row of teeth in a person's mouth, including a front and back sections shaped to respectively overlie front and back sides of the row of teeth, a bridging section separating the front and back sections so as to define a teeth engaging channel, wherein the front section and back sections are at least partially perforated with slots extending therethrough so that air and/or saliva can flow through the row of teeth.

Description

MOUTHGUARD

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a moulded mouthguard .

Background of the Invention Mouthguards have been used by sportsmen to prevent damage to their teeth. In essence, the mouthguard aims to absorb energy associated with an impact and/or to transfer forces applied to the front teeth during an impact towards the much stronger back teeth . To this end, the back teeth have 5 times the thickness and 2-3 times the number of roots.

Types of Mouthguards

1. Stock Mouthguard This type of store bought mouthguard comes in various sizes and shapes depending on the age of the athlete and the size of the mouth. This type of mouthguard is difficult to retain in the mouth because it can only be held in when the mouth is closed . As such, it offers only minimal protection. Also, breathing and talking are extremely difficult. Sports dentists do not recommend this type of mouthguard .

2. Mouth Formed Mouthguard

This type of store bought mouthguard is made from a thermoplastic material, which can be reformed by placing it in boiling water for 10-45 seconds. The heated mouthguard is then placed in the mouth and the athlete is instructed to close the lips and using a sucking action to help mould it to the teeth and gingival tissues.

3. Custom Made Mouthguard The dentist takes an impression of the athlete's maxillary dental arch and then makes a cast. A vacuum-heating unit is used by the dentist and a soft vinyl material is suctioned over the cast to create an exact fit. This type of mouthguard is often made of polyvinyl acetate-poly-ethlene product. Since this type of mouthguard fits the athlete's mouth precisely, thus breathing and talking are made easy.

The mouthguard at least partially wraps around the sides of each tooth. As such, forces from a point load on the front teeth are better transferred to the neighbouring teeth . This improved transfer of the load results in optimal protection for the teeth. Moulded mouthguards clearly have superior performance over store bought mouthguards. However, they still have performance issues, including :

1. Mouthguards are typically 3 to 5 mm thick. When fitted, the mouthguard effectively applies a 3 to 5 mm layer of impervious ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) material over a row of teeth and part of the gums. The volume of an average mouth is 37 millilitres for females and 85 mill i litres for men . As such, mouthguard occupies a considerable amount of real estate in the mouth, which reduces the capacity of the mouth to hold oxygen. Consequently, the amount of oxygen that the mouth can feed into the lungs may be reduced .

2. The teeth act as a natural barrier blocking airflow into and out of the mouth.

When fitted, the mouthguard increases the size of this barrier, further decreasing the size of the opening at the front of the mouth through which air travels into and out of the lungs. Consequently, the amount of oxygen fed into the lungs from the mouth may be reduced .

These difficulties are exaggerated when the person is breathing heavily during exercise.

The reduced airflow ultimately results in a reduced ability for a person to take in desperately needed oxygen during exercise and, therefore, increases fatigue. In highly competitive sporting events, this increased fatigue could mean the difference between winning and losing the game. In short, the person would be less fatigued if they exercised without the mouthguard . However, they would be at risk of damaging their teeth. Body temperature, at least in part, is regulated by air flowing into and out of the lungs. As such, any reduced ability to breath during exercise may result in a reduced ability to cool the body which could lead to increased fatigue. Saliva also naturally moves around the mouth and between the teeth . Saliva maintains a wet feeling in the mouth which helps with a sportsman's comfort level . The mouthguard acts as a barrier to saliva flowing through the top teeth, for example, reducing the person's comfort level . These difficulties are exaggerated when the person is breathing heavily during exercise when the sportsman may feel that his mouth is dry which may exaggerate the effects of dehydration.

Further, the solid mass of the mouth guard inhibits the athlete's ability to talk when it is in place. In team sports, the mouth guard can inhibit communication between players and complicate and/or frustrate on field communications.

It is generally desirable to overcome or ameliorate one or more of the above mentioned difficulties, or at least provide a useful alternative.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a moulded mouthguard for protecting a row of teeth in a person's mouth, including :

(a) a front and back sections shaped to respectively overlie front and back sides of the row of teeth,

(b) a bridging section separating the front and back sections so as to define a teeth engaging channel,

wherein the front section and back sections are at least partially perforated with slots extending therethrough so that air and/or saliva can flow through the row of teeth .

Preferably, the front and back sections are both perforated with slots in positions corresponding with bordering sections of neighbouring teeth in said row of teeth so that air and/or saliva can flow through the row of teeth . Preferably, the front and back sections are substantially perforated with slots so that air and/or saliva can flow through the row of teeth.

The introduction of the perforation slots in the mouthguard advantageously addresses one or more of these problems. The mouthguard 10 has the following advantages:

(a) breathing through the teeth which allows air to more easily flow through the mouth;

(b) movement of saliva through the teeth which improves comfort; and (c) voice to travel through the teeth which allows the person to talk easier.

The mouthguard uses the natural arch of the row of teeth 12 to spread point loads to the stronger teeth . The slots are preferably defined by triangular segments that are arranged to form a lattice structure. The segments are preferably generally triangular. The mouthguard comprises the lattice formed by the triangular segments. The lattice is a Stochastic lattice. In accordance with the invention, there is also provided a method of manufacturing a moulded mouthguard for protecting a row of teeth in a person's mouth, including the steps of:

(a) taking an impression of the person's maxillary dental arch;

(b) making a cast;

(c) using a vacuum-heating unit to suction a blank over the cast to form the mouthguard;

(d) at least partially perforating the mouthguard with slots so that air and/or saliva can flow through the row of teeth . Preferably, the step of perforating includes the step of cutting perforations into the mouth guard. The step of cutting is effected using a laser cutter or a a high pressure water cutter.

In accordance with the invention, there is also provided a method of manufacturing a moulded mouthguard for protecting a row of teeth in a person's mouth, including the steps of:

(a) taking an impression of the person's maxillary dental arch;

(b) making a cast; and

(c) using a vacuum-heating unit to suction an at least partially perforated blank over the cast to form the mouthguard,

wherein the mouthguard is at least partially perforated with slots so that air and/or saliva can flow through the row of teeth .

(a) generating 3D model of the row of teeth using an optical scanner; and

(b) using a 3D printer to build the mouthguard,

The slots are preferably defined by segments that are arranged to form a lattice structure. The segments are preferably generally triangular. The mouthguard comprises the lattice formed by the triangular segments. The lattice is a Stochastic lattice.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are hereafter described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which :

Figure 1 is a front view of a moulded mouthguard;

Figure 2 is a back perspective view of the mouthguard shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a section view through the line A-A of the mouthguard shown in Figure 1 ; Figure 4 is an image of a person's teeth;

Figure 5 is a front view of another mouthguard;

Figure 6 is a front perspective view of another mouthguard;

Figure 7 is a plan view of a blank for forming the mouthguard shown in Figure 1;

Figure 8 is a top perspective view of another moulded mouthguard;

Figure 9 is a top view of the mouthguard shown in Figure 8; Figure 10 is a bottom view of the mouthguard shown in Figure 8;

Figure 11 is a left front view of the mouthguard shown in Figure 8;

Figure 12 is a right front view of the mouthguard shown in Figure 8;

Figure 13 is a front view of the mouthguard shown in Figure 8;

Figure 14 is a back view of the mouthguard shown in Figure 8;

Figures 15a and 15b are illustrations showing results of impact tests for a solid block of EVA (Young Modulus = 15MPa);

Figure 16a is an energy plot showing internal and kinetic energy for the impact tests shown in Figures 15a and 15b;

Figure 16b is a velocity plot (Z-direction) for the impact tests shown in Figures 15a and 15b;

Figures 17a and 17b are illustrations showing results of impact tests for a lattice block results (Young Modulus = 15MPa);

Figure 18a is an energy plot showing internal and kinetic energy for the impact tests shown in Figures 17a and 17b;

Figure 18b is a velocity plot (Z-direction) for the impact tests shown in Figures 17a and 17b;

Figures 19a and 19b are illustrations showing results of impact tests for a lattice block results (Young Modulus = 30MPa);

Figure 20a is an energy plot showing internal and kinetic energy for the impact tests shown in Figures 19a and 19b;

Figure 20b is a velocity plot (Z-direction) for the impact tests shown in Figures 19a and 19b;

Figures 21a and 21b are illustrations showing results of impact tests for a lattice block results (Young Modulus = 45MPa);

Figure 22a is an energy plot showing internal and kinetic energy for the impact tests shown in Figures 21a and 21b;

Figure 22b is a velocity plot (Z-direction) for the impact tests shown in Figures 21a and 21b;

Figures 23a and 23b are illustrations showing results of impact tests for a lattice block results (Young Modulus = 75MPa);

Figure 24a is an energy plot showing internal and kinetic energy for the impact tests shown in Figures 23a and 23b;

Figure 24b is a velocity plot (Z-direction) for the impact tests shown in Figures 23a and 23b; Figures 25a and 25b are illustrations showing results of impact tests for a lattice block results (Young Modulus = lOOMPa);

Figure 26a is an energy plot showing internal and kinetic energy for the impact tests shown in Figures 25a and 25b;

Figure 26b is a velocity plot (Z-direction) for the impact tests shown in Figures 25a and 25b;

Figures 27a and 27b are illustrations showing results of impact tests for a lattice block results (Young Modulus = 200MPa);

Figure 28a is an energy plot showing internal and kinetic energy for the impact tests shown in Figures 27a and 27b;

Figure 28b is a velocity plot (Z-direction) for the impact tests shown in Figures 27a and 27b;

Figures 29a and 29b are illustrations showing results of impact tests for a lattice block results (Young Modulus = 400MPa);

Figure 30a is an energy plot showing internal and kinetic energy for the impact tests shown in Figures 29a and 29b;

Figure 30b is a velocity plot (Z-direction) for the impact tests shown in Figures 29a and 29b

Figures 31a and 31b are illustrations showing results of impact tests for a lattice block results (Young Modulus = 700MPa);

Figure 32a is an energy plot showing internal and kinetic energy for the impact tests shown in Figures 31a and 31b;

Figure 32b is a velocity plot (Z-direction) for the impact tests shown in Figures 31a and 31b

Figures 33a and 33b are illustrations showing results of impact tests for a lattice block results (Young Modulus = 800MPa);

Figure 34a is an energy plot showing internal and kinetic energy for the impact tests shown in Figures 33a and 33b; and

Figure 34b is a velocity plot (Z-direction) for the impact tests shown in Figures 33a and 33b. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

Mouthguard 10 The moulded mouthguard 10 shown in Figures 1 to 3 is used to protect the row of teeth 12 of the person 14 shown in Figure 4, for example. For simplicity of illustration, the moulded impressions of the person's teeth 12 are not shown. The embodiment of the mouthguard 10 shown in Figures 1 to 3 is used to protect the person's maxillary dental arch 12. However, principals used to make the mouthguard 10 could be applied to making the mouthguard for the mandibular dental arch 16.

The mouthguard 10 includes a front 18 and back 20 sections shaped to respectively overlie front 18 and back 20 sides of the row of teeth 12. The mouthguard also includes a bridging section 22 separating the front 18 and back 20 sections so as to define a teeth engaging channel 24. The front 18 and back 20 sections are at least partially perforated with slots 26 so that air and/or saliva can flow through the row of teeth .

As shown, the mouthguard is substantially perforated by the slots 26. That is, the slots 26 are distributed across all surfaces of the mouthguard . Preferably, the slots 26 are equispaced .

Alternatively, the bridging section 22 is not perforated. Alternatively, both the bridging section 22 and the back section 20 are not perforated .

In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the front and back sections 18, 20 are both perforated in positions corresponding with bordering sections 28 of neighbouring teeth in the row of teeth 12 so that air and/or saliva can flow through the row of teeth. The remaining non-perforated sections 30 overlying the teeth provide additional protection for the teeth 12. That is, an improved ability to distribute force from a point load away from the impact zone toward the stronger teeth.

An alternative embodiment of the mouthguard 10 is shown in Figure 6. In this embodiment, impressions 34 of the person's teeth 12 in the moulded mouthguard are nnore clearly shown.

The moulded mouthguard 10 wraps, at least partially, around each tooth . As such, the mouthguard 10 does not translate with respect to the teeth 12 when a point load is applied to the incisors, for example. This allows the mouthguard 10 to distribute forces from point loads across all teeth 12 in the row. Such performance of moulded mouth guards has been well documented . However, moulded mouthguards still suffer from the problems of:

(a) occupying a considerable amount of real estate in the mouth;

(b) inhibiting air flow;

(c) inhibiting movement of saliva and/or other fluids; and

(d) inhibiting a persons ability to talk.

The introduction of the perforation slots 26 in the mouthguard 10 advantageously addresses one or more of these problems. The mouthguard 10 has the following advantages:

(b) movement of saliva through the teeth which improves comfort and heat transfer; and

(c) voice to travel through the teeth which allows the person to talk easier. The mouthguard 10 uses the natural arch of the row of teeth 12 to spread point loads to the stronger teeth.

The slots 26 have a diameter of D_P which is suitable for allowing passage of air and saliva therethrough without significantly reducing the performance of the mouthguard 10. That is, the mouthguard's ability to distribute forces away from a point of impact towards the other teeth 12. For example, D_P is 1mm to 3mm .

The mouthguard 10 can be made in a number of different ways. Some preferred methods of manufacturing the mouthguard are set out below. Method 1 The mouthguard 10 is manufacture by performing the steps of: taking an impression of the person's maxillary dental arch 12 using dental putty;

making a cast;

using a vacuum-heating unit to suction a blank over the cast to form the mouthguard 10;

at least partially perforating the mouthguard with slots 26 so that air and/or saliva can flow through the row of teeth 12.

Step (d) includes one or more of the following perforating the front and back sections 18, 20 of the mouthguard 10 in positions corresponding with bordering sections 28 of neighbouring teeth in the row of teeth 12 so that air and/or saliva can flow through the row of teeth;

substantially perforating the front and back sections 18, 20 with slots 26 so that air and/or saliva can flow through the row of teeth; and perforating the bridging section 22 of the mouthguard 10. The step of perforating includes the step of cutting slots 26 into the mouthguard 10. The step of cutting is effected using a laser cutter or a high pressure water cutter. Alternatively, any other suitable cutting device can be used to for the slots 26.

The blank is a piece of polyvinyl acetate-poly-ethlene. Alternatively, the blank is any other suitable material .

Method 2

The mouthguard 10 is manufacture by performing the steps of: (a) taking an impression of the person's maxillary dental arch 12 using dental putty;

(b) making a cast; and

(c) using a vacuum-heating unit to suction the at least partially perforated blank 32 shown in figure 5 over the cast to form the mouthguard 10, wherein the mouthguard 10 is at least partially perforated so that air and/or saliva can flow through the row of teeth .

The blank 32 is perforated such that one or more of the following occur in the resultant mouthguard : i. the front and back sections 18, 20 of the mouthguard 10 are perforated in positions corresponding with bordering sections 28 of neighbouring teeth in the row of teeth 12 so that air and/or saliva can flow through the row of teeth;

ii . the front and back sections 18, 20 are substantially perforated with slots 26 so that air and/or saliva can flow through the row of teeth; and iii . the bridging section 22 of the mouthguard 10 is perforated .

The blank 32 is a piece of polyvinyl acetate-poly-ethlene. Alternatively, the blank 32 is any other suitable material.

Method 3 - 3D Printing

The mouthguard 10 is manufacture by performing the steps of:

(a) generating 3D model of the row of teeth using an optical scanner; and

(b) using a 3D printer to build the mouthguard 10,

wherein the mouthguard 10 is at least partially perforated so that air and/or saliva can flow through the row of teeth 12.

The mouthguard 10 is perforated such that one or more of the following occur: the front and back sections 18, 20 of the mouthguard 10 are perforated in positions corresponding with bordering sections 28 of neighbouring teeth in the row of teeth 12 so that air and/or saliva can flow through the row of teeth;

Dental Geometry - Scanning & Processing

The 3D model of the row of teeth 12 is directly generated from inserting an intraoral scanners into the person's mouth and scanning the teeth to capture the required geometry. Alternatively, the 3D model of the row of teeth 12 is generated by: a. first taking a dental impression of the row of teeth 12 using dental putty, which allows for an accurate representation of the teeth 12 and gum structure.

b. From the impression, a positive plaster mould is created and the geometry of the positive mould is obtained a 3D digital Scanner.

If a generic (non-dental) scanner is used, the geometry is then imported into the scanner's software and further processed, which involves removing an un-necessary scan data and fixing anomalies in the scan, once this process is completed, a manifold STL file is exported for further processing . STL (an abbreviation of "stereolithography") is a file format native to the stereolithography CAD software created by 3D Systems. The generation of the scanned geometry through a dental scanner is already optimized to generate accurate scans of teeth and gums and used in combination with proprietary software for easy design generation of mouthguard geometry.

At this stage, two possible methods ("A" and "B".) can be used to generate the mouth guard template. These methods are described below in further detail

Generating Mouthguard Template - Method A.

Method A involves using specialized medical software (Materialize 3-matic). The manifold STL scan is imported into Materialize 3-matic. Using a Boolean operation, the surface is extracted from the imported dental scan. The surface is then offset by the mouthguard desired thickness and sharp corners are further processed for a smoothed finish. The new geometry is then ensured to be manifold and exported into generative design software.

To generate the gum protection the STL is manually edited with the original dental scan as reference. After sufficient gum protection is created a final Boolean operation is performed between the mouth guard geometry and the dental geometry to ensure that there are no conflicts between the two models.

Generating Mouthguard Template - Method B. Using CAD dental systems such as 3-shape, the teeth geometry is imported into the software to be used as a dental guide. The user is then able to trace around the imported guide to produce the mouth guard shape. All Boolean operations and interference clearance are automated by the dental CAD package. After this, the STL model of the mouth guard can be exported for further processing in other CAD packages.

3D Printing and Post Processing

The generated models are then be prepared for SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) printing.

Mouthguard 100

The moulded mouthguard 100 shown in Figures 8 to 14 is used to protect the row of teeth 12 of the person 14 shown in Figure 4, for example. The mouthguard 100 is used to protect the person's maxillary dental arch 12. However, principals used to make the mouthguard 100 could be applied to making the mouthguard for the mandibular dental arch 16. The mouthguard 100 includes similar features to the mouthguard 10 and like features are identified with like reference numbers in Figures 8 to 14.

The mouthguard 100 includes front 18 and back 20 sections shaped to respectively overlie front and back sides of the row of teeth 12. The mouthguard 100 also includes a bridging section 22 separating the front 18 and back 20 sections so as to define a teeth engaging channel 24. The front 18 and back 20 sections are at least partially perforated with slots 26 so that air and/or saliva can flow through the row of teeth.

As shown, the mouthguard 100 is substantially perforated by the slots 26. That is, the slots 26 are distributed across all surfaces of the mouthguard. The slots 26 are defined by a plurality of segments 27 arranged to form a lattice structure 29. As shown, the segments 27 are generally triangular 27. The generally triangular segments 27 ensure that any added force is evenly spread through all three sides. This improves the mouthguards 100 ability to absorb a load of an impact when compared with a standard EVA solid mouthguard .

A summary of the compression characteristics of the mouthguard 100 when compared with a typical EVA mouthguard is set out in Figures 15a to 35. A summary of compression results for different materials is set out below.

Table 1. Summary of Compression Results

The results in Table 1 indicate that as the stiffness of the lattice 29 is increased it has similar performance to that of the solid EVA mouth guard .

In an alternative embodiment of the mouthguard 100, the bridging section 22 is not perforated with the slots 26. Impressions 34 of the person's teeth 12 in the moulded mouthguard are more clearly shown.

The moulded mouthguard 100 wraps, at least partially, around each tooth . As such, the mouthguard 100 does not translate with respect to the teeth 12 when a point load is applied to the incisors, for example. This allows the mouthguard 100 to distribute forces from point loads across all teeth 12 in the row. Such performance of moulded mouth guards has been well documented . However, moulded mouthguards still suffer from the problems of:

(a) occupying a considerable amount of real estate in the mouth;

(b) inhibiting air flow;

(c) inhibiting movement of saliva and/or other fluids; and

(d) inhibiting a persons ability to talk.

The introduction of the perforation slots 26 in the mouthguard 100 advantageously addresses one or more of these problems. The mouthguard 100 has the following advantages: (a) breathing through the teeth which allows air to more easily flow through the mouth;

(c) voice to travel through the teeth which allows the person to talk easier.

The mouthguard 100 uses the natural arch of the row of teeth 12 to spread point loads to the stronger teeth .

The generally triangular segments 27 define slots 26 which have a diameter sufficient to allow passage of air and saliva therethrough without significantly reducing the performance of the mouthguard 100. That is, the mouthguard's ability to distribute forces away from a point of impact towards the other teeth 12.

The mouthguard 100 is manufacture by performing the steps of: (a) generating 3D model of the row of teeth using an optical scanner; and

(b) using a 3D printer to build the mouthguard 100,

wherein the mouthguard 100 is at least partially perforated so that air and/or saliva can flow through the row of teeth 12.

Dental Geometry - Scanning & Processing

At this stage, two possible methods ("A" and "B") can be used to generate the mouth guard template. These methods are described below in further detail Generating Mouthguard Template - Method A.

Method 3. a. involves using specialized medical software (Materialize 3-matic). The manifold STL scan is imported into Materialize 3-matic. Using a Boolean operation, the surface is extracted from the imported dental scan. The surface is then offset by the mouthguard desired thickness and sharp corners are further processed for a smoothed finish. The new geometry is then ensured to be manifold and exported into generative design software.

Generating Mouthguard Template - Method B.

Using CAD dental systems such as 3-shape, the teeth geometry is imported into the software to be used as a dental guide. The user is then able to trace around the imported guide to produce the mouth guard shape. All Boolean operations and interference clearance are automated by the dental CAD package. After this, the STL model of the mouth guard can be exported for further processing in other CAD packages.

Lattice Generation Once a solid mouth guard geometry has been generated using the above described techniques, the STL file is imported into a generative design software package for lattice generation, including the following steps: a. A node surface map is created to be used as control points for the thickening and thinning the lattice 29, this information can either be entered manually or can be imported from a FEA package such as Abaqus.

b. Using these control points, a Stochastic lattice 29is generated with the required element size and node seed that is known to respond to the structural requirements of the application. The lattice 29 is then thickened using the control points and meshed to produce a solid STL file. The file is then exported ready for 3D Printing .

3D Printing and Post Processing The generated models are then be prepared for SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) printing.

Figures 15a and 15b show results of impact tests for a solid block of EVA (Young Modulus = 15MPa). Figure 15a shows an uncompressed view:

Step: Step- 1

Step Time = 0

Deformation Scale Factor: + 1.000e+00 Figure 15b shows a compressed view:

Step: Step- 1

Step Time = 1.2755E-03

Deformation Scale Factor: + 1.000e+00

Figure 16a shows an energy plot showing internal and kinetic energy for the impact tests shown in Figures 15a and 15b. Figure 16b shows a velocity plot (Z-direction) for the impact tests shown in Figures 15a and 15b. Figures 17a and 17b show results of impact tests for a lattice block (Young Modulus = 15MPa). Figure 17a shows an uncompressed view:

Step: Step- 1

Increment 0

Step Time = 0

Deformation Scale Factor: + 1.000e+00

Figure 17b shows a compressed view: Step: Step- 1 Frame: 111

Increment 59806

Step Time = 1.1100E-03

Primary Var: S, Mises

Deformed Var: U

Deformation Scale Factor + 1.000e+00 Total Time: 0.001110

Figure 18a shows an energy plot showing internal and kinetic energy for the impact tests shown in Figures 17a and 17b. Figure 18b shows a velocity plot (Z-direction) for the impact tests shown in Figures 17a and 17b.

Figures 19a and 19b show results of impact tests for a lattice block (Young Modulus = 30MPa). Figure 19a shows an uncompressed view:

Step: Step- 1

Increment 0 : Step Time = 0.0

Primary Var: S,Mises

Deformed Var: U Deformation Scale Factor: + 1.000e+00 Figure 19b shows a compressed view:

Step: Step- 1 Frame: 75

Increment 85060

Step Time = 1.1250E-03

Primary Var: S, Mises

Deformed Var: U

Deformation Scale Factor + 1.000e+00

Total Time: 0.001125

Figure 20a shows an energy plot showing internal and kinetic energy for the impact tests shown in Figures 19a and 19b. Figure 20b shows a velocity plot (Z-direction) for the impact tests shown in Figures 19a and 19b.

Figures 21a and 21b show results of impact tests for a lattice block (Young Modulus = 45MPa). Figure 21a shows an uncompressed view:

Step: Step- 1

Increment 0 : Step Time = 0.0

Primary Var: S, Mises

Deformed Var: U Deformation Scale Factor: + 1.000e+00 Figure 21b shows a compressed view:

Step: Step- 1

Increment 90134

Step Time = 9.7500E-04

Primary Var: S, Mises

Deformed Var: U

Deformation Scale Factor + 1.000e+00 Figure 22a shows an energy plot showing internal and kinetic energy for the impact tests shown in Figures 21a and 21b. Figure 22b shows a velocity plot (Z-direction) for the impact tests shown in Figures 21a and 21b

Figures 23a and 23b show results of impact tests for a lattice block (Young Modulus = 75MPa). Figure 23a shows an uncompressed view:

Step: Step- 1 Frame: 0

Increment 0 : Step Time = 0.0

Primary Var: S, Mises

Deformed Var: U Deformation Scale Factor: + 1.000e+00

Total time: 0.000000

Figure 23b shows a compressed view: Step: Step- 1

Increment 135664

Step Time = 1.1400E-03

Primary Var: S, Mises

Deformed Var: U

Deformation Scale Factor + 1.000e+00

Figure 24a shows an energy plot showing internal and kinetic energy for the impact tests shown in Figures 23a and 23b. Figure 24b shows a velocity plot (Z-direction) for the impact tests shown in Figures 23a and 23b Figures 25a and 25b show results of impact tests for a lattice block (Young Modulus = lOOMPa). Figure 25a shows an uncompressed view:

Step: Step-1 Frame: 0

Increment 0: Step Time = 0.0

Primary Var: S, Mises

Deformed Var: U Deformation Scale Factor: +1.000e+00 Figure 25b shows a compressed view:

Step: Step-1

Increment 150641

Step Time = 1.0950E-03

Primary Var: S, Mises

Deformed Var: U

Deformation Scale Factor +1.000e+00

Figure 26a shows an energy plot showing internal and kinetic energy for the impact tests shown in Figures 25a and 25b. Figure 26b shows a velocity plot (Z-direction) for the impact tests shown in Figures 25a and 25b.

Figures 27a and 27b show results of impact tests for a lattice block (Young Modulus = 200MPa). Figure 27a shows an uncompressed view:

Step: Step-1 Frame: 0

Increment 0: Step Time = 0.0

Primary Var: S, Mises

Deformed Var: U Deformation Scale Factor: +1.000e+00

Figure 27b shows a compressed view:

Step: Step-1

Increment 189128

Step Time = 9.7500E-04 Primary Van S, Mises

Deformed Var: U

Deformation Scale Factor + 1.000e+00 Figure 28a shows an energy plot showing internal and kinetic energy for the impact tests shown in Figures 27a and 27b. Figure 28b shows a velocity plot (Z-direction) for the impact tests shown in Figures 27a and 27b.

Figures 29a and 29b show results of impact tests for a lattice block (Young Modulus = 400MPa) . Figure 29a shows an uncompressed view:

Step: Step- 1 Frame: 0

Increment 0 : Step Time = 0.0

Primary Var: S, Mises

Deformed Var: U Deformation Scale Factor: + 1.000e+00

Total Time: 0.000000

Figure 29b shows a compressed view: Step: Step- 1

Increment 215705

Step Time = 7.8000E-04

Primary Var: S, Mises

Deformed Var: U

Deformation Scale Factor + 1.000e+00

Figure 30a shows an energy plot showing internal and kinetic energy for the impact tests shown in Figures 29a and 29b. Figure 30b shows a velocity plot (Z-direction) for the impact tests shown in Figures 29a and 29b.

Figures 31a and31b show results of impact tests for a lattice block (Young Modulus = 700MPa) . Figure 31a shows an uncompressed view:

Step: Step- 1 Frame: 0

Increment 0 : Step Time = 0.0 Primary Var: S, Mises

Deformed Var: U Deformation Scale Factor: + 1.000e+00 Figure 31b shows a compressed view:

Step: Step- 1

Increment 21857

Step Time = 7.3500E-04

Primary Var: S, Mises

Deformed Var: U

Deformation Scale Factor + 1.000e+00

Figure 32a shows an energy plot showing internal and kinetic energy for the impact tests shown in Figures 31a and 31b. Figure 32b shows a velocity plot (Z-direction) for the impact tests shown in Figures 31a and 31b.

Figures 33a and33b show results of impact tests for a lattice block (Young Modulus = 800MPa) . Figure 33a shows an uncompressed view: Step: Step- 1 Frame: 0

Increment 0 : Step Time = 0.0

Primary Var: S, Mises

Deformed Var: U Deformation Scale Factor: + 1.000e+00 Figure 33b shows a compressed view:

Step: Step- 1

Increment 341488

Step Time = 6.1500E-04

Primary Var: S, Mises

Deformed Var: U

Deformation Scale Factor + 1.000e+00

Figure 34a shows an energy plot showing internal and kinetic energy for the impact tests shown in Figures 333a and 333b. Figure 34b shows a velocity plot (Z-direction) for the impact tests shown in Figures 33a and 33b.

Many modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention

Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia.

Claims

Claims Defining the Invention

1. A moulded mouthguard for protecting a row of teeth in a person's mouth, including :

2. The mouthguard claimed in claim 1, wherein the front and back sections are both perforated with slots in positions corresponding with bordering sections of neighbouring teeth in said row of teeth so that air and/or saliva can flow through the row of teeth.

3. The mouthguard claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the front and back sections are substantially perforated with slots so that air and/or saliva can flow through the row of teeth .

4. The mouthguard claimed in claims 3, wherein the slots are distributed across all surfaces of the mouthguard .

5. The mouthguard claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the bridging section is at least partially perforated with slots.

6. The mouthguard claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the slots are equispaced.

7. The mouthguard claimed in claim 1, wherein the slots are defined by a plurality of segments arranged to form a lattice structure.

8. The mouthguard claimed in claim 7, wherein the segments are generally triangular.

9. The mouth guard claimed in claim 8, wherein any force applied to the lattice is evenly spread through all three sides of each impacted segment.

10. The mouthguard claimed in claim 7, wherein the mouthguard comprises the lattice formed by the triangular segments.

11. The mouthguard claimed in any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the teeth engaging channel includes impressions of the row of teeth, wherein the impressions at least partially wrap around each tooth to inhibit translation of the mouthguard with respect to the teeth .

12. A method of manufacturing a moulded mouthguard for protecting a row of teeth in a person's mouth, including the steps of:

(a) taking an impression of the person's maxillary dental arch;

(b) making a cast;

(d) at least partially perforating the mouthguard with slots so that air and/or saliva can flow through the row of teeth .

13. A method of manufacturing a moulded mouthguard for protecting a row of teeth in a person's mouth, including the steps of:

(a) taking an impression of the person's maxillary dental arch;

(b) making a cast; and

14. The method claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, wherein front and back sections of the mouthguard are both perforated in positions corresponding with bordering sections of neighbouring teeth in said row of teeth so that air and/or saliva can flow through the row of teeth.

15. The method claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the front and back sections are substantially perforated so that air and/or saliva can flow through the row of teeth.

16. The method claimed in any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein a bridging section of the mouthguard, separating the front and back sections so as to define a teeth engaging channel, is at least partially perforated .

17. The method claimed in any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the step of perforating includes the step of cutting perforations into the mouth guard .

18. A method of manufacturing a moulded mouthguard for protecting a row of teeth in a person's mouth, including the steps of:

(a) generating three dimensional (3D) model of the row of teeth using an optical scanner; and

(b) using a 3D printer to build the mouthguard,

19. The method claimed in claim 18, wherein the slots are defined by segments that are arranged to form a lattice structure.

20. The method claimed in claim 19, wherein the segments are generally triangular and wherein the mouthguard comprises the lattice formed by the triangular segments.