Dental Materials and Mouth Protectors Quiz

Materials used to prevent dental disease or injury.

A chemical element that strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities.

A type of fluoride that is acidic. It's commonly used in gels.

Fluoride gels are applied directly to teeth, often using trays.

Fluoride rinses are liquids that are swished around in the mouth.

Fluoride varnishes are thin coatings that are applied to the teeth.

These sealants are applied to the pits and fissures of teeth, preventing food and bacteria from accumulating.

A type of sealant that is cured with a special light.

The application of fluoride gel for a longer duration (4 minutes) is more effective than a shorter application (1 minute).

A groove or pit on the chewing surface of a tooth.

A viscous gel makes it easier to load into a tray and apply to teeth while still allowing for good contact with the tooth surface.

Fluoride varnishes are effective at reducing the weakening of tooth enamel that can occur during orthodontic treatment.

A mouthguard is a device that covers teeth to protect them from impact during sports activities or other situations where injury is possible.

A type of sealant that requires mixing two components, a base and an initiator, for polymerization.

A device worn in the mouth to protect teeth from injury during sports and other activities.

A common material used for mouth protectors, known for its flexibility and durability.

A type of mouth protector that is custom-made to fit the individual's mouth.

A common condition affecting the pulp of the tooth, often caused by deep cavities or trauma.

The death of the pulp tissue within the tooth.

The process of replacing old tooth structure with new bone tissue.

These are tiny grooves or cracks on the chewing surface of teeth, especially molars and premolars.

This is a common problem where debris gets stuck in pits and fissures, leading to tooth decay.

This refers to the incomplete formation of enamel, which can leave weak spots prone to decay.

This is a common type of tooth decay that starts in the enamel and can quickly spread to other parts of the tooth.

This technique uses a special drill to slightly widen the pits and fissures, making them easier to clean and seal.

Using a gentle abrasive material to clean and prepare the pits and fissures before applying sealant.

Mouth protectors pre-formed and available in various sizes, often used in an emergency for protection.

Mouth protectors formed in the mouth using heat and pressure, providing a better fit than stock protectors.

A material commonly used for mouth protectors, known for its ease of fabrication and comfort.

Polyurethanes are stronger, more durable, and absorb more energy than some other materials used for mouth protectors. They also absorb higher amounts of water.

Materials used to create custom-made mouth protectors often need to be heated to a higher temperature for molding.

Although effective at preventing injury, mouth protectors can sometimes cause discomfort or interfere with speech, especially if not properly fitted.

Repeated use and pressure can cause mouth protectors to deform, potentially reducing their effectiveness.

First, an impression of the upper jaw is taken using alginate, a type of rubber-like material.

The alginate impression is poured with plaster or stone to create a model of the upper jaw.

A thermoplastic sheet is heated until it becomes pliable and then carefully formed over the model of the upper jaw.

The final step involves trimming, smoothing, and ensuring the mouth protector fits comfortably in the athlete's mouth.

The thermoplastic sheet is clamped into a frame beneath a heating element and allowed to sag in the center.

To prevent the mouth protector from being too long, the model's edges are trimmed with surgical scissors.

The edges of the formed mouth protector are smoothed using a moist finger, a special buffing wheel, or a laboratory lathe.

After the initial fitting, adjustments are made by heating specific areas with an alcohol torch and re-fitting the mouth protector.