Design, Use, and Contemporary Technological Approaches of Mouthguards in Pediatric Athletes

Abstract

Orofacial trauma is a common concern among child athletes, particularly those participating in contact and high-impact sports. Due to their developing dentofacial structures, children are more vulnerable to injuries. Mouthguards are intraoral devices designed to absorb and disperse impact forces, playing a critical role in injury prevention. This review outlines the classification of mouthguards, fabrication techniques, and the process of personalized design. It also examines usage trends in children and highlights how awareness among parents and coaches influences adherence. Recent advancements in digital dentistry—especially CAD/CAM systems and 3D printing technologies—have enabled the production of custom-made mouthguards that provide superior fit, comfort, and protection. Studies suggest that individualized mouthguards improve compliance among young athletes and significantly reduce the risk of orofacial trauma. Therefore, technological innovations, combined with increased stakeholder awareness, are believed to enhance the adoption and clinical success of effective protective mouthguards in pediatric sports dentistry.

Keywords

• mouthguard
• pediatric athletes
• CAD/CAM
• 3D printing
• dental trauma

Çocuk Sporcularda Ağız Koruyucularının Tasarımı, Kullanımı ve Güncel Teknolojik Yaklaşımlar

Abstract

Spor yapan çocuklarda, özellikle temas ve darbe içeren spor dallarında orofasiyal travmalar yaygın olarak görülen bir sorundur. Gelişim sürecindeki dentofasiyal yapıları nedeniyle çocuklar bu tür travmalara karşı daha hassastır. Ağız koruyucular, darbeleri emip yayarak bu yaralanmaların önlenmesinde kritik rol oynayan intraoral apareylerdir. Bu derlemede ağız koruyucuların sınıflandırılması, üretim teknikleri ve kişiselleştirilmiş tasarım süreçleri ele alınmaktadır. Ayrıca çocuklarda kullanım eğilimleri ile ebeveyn ve antrenör farkındalığının uyumu nasıl etkilediği incelenmiştir. Son yıllarda dijital diş hekimliğindeki gelişmeler — özellikle CAD/CAM sistemleri ve 3B yazıcı teknolojileri — sayesinde, daha iyi uyum, konfor ve koruma sağlayan kişiye özel ağız koruyucuları üretilebilmektedir. Araştırmalar, bu bireyselleştirilmiş koruyucuların düzenli kullanımı artırdığını ve orofasiyal travma riskini önemli ölçüde azalttığını göstermektedir. Bu nedenle, teknolojik yeniliklerin artan farkındalık ile birlikte değerlendirilmesi, çocuk sporcular için etkili ağız koruyucularının benimsenmesini ve klinik başarıya entegrasyonunu desteklemektedir.

Keywords

• Ağız Koruyucular
• Çocuk sporcular
• CAD/CAM
• Dental travma
• 3B yazıcı

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