"Análise da espessura do protetor bucal como redutor de impacto secundário em região da articulação temporomandibular: um estudo de elemento finito "

Abstract

There are few studies that cite the responses of the articular disc and mandibular condyle in the face of an impact suffered in the region of upper and lower incisors. The objective of the study was to analyze the thickness of the mouthguard as a secondary impact reducer in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) region by means of finite element analysis. The hypothesis was that the mouthguard would be able to reduce the tension and deformation generated in the TMJ, regardless of the thickness. Methods: An impact simulation was performed using finite element analysis using a three-dimensional (3D) model modeled in the InVesalius® software. The study compared the frontal impact without mouthguard and with three different thicknesses (2, 3 and 4 mm) of sport mouthguards, totaling four groups of analysis. A frontal impact of 250 N at 2.5 m / s and one of 500 N at 5 m / s in 1 second were with a rubber sphere of 30 mm in diameter in the region of the upper and lower incisors. Results: The results were divided into Von Misses tension and linear elastic deformation. Without the mouth guard it was possible to observe the highest values. The model with 2 mm greater deformation, but not greater stresses. The mouthguards with thicknesses of 3 and 4 mm were more effective in reducing secondary impacts on the TMJ, obtaining lower values of stress and deformation. Conclusion: It can be reached that the mouthguards of 3 and 4 mm are ideal to reduce the stresses and deformation in the articular disc and in the mandibular condyle. [resumo fornecido pelo autor]