EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate) Thermoforming Trays are the professional’s choice for fabricating custom-fit oral appliances. Supplied as durable blank sheets, they are used in-dental-office with a thermoforming machine to create precise, patient-specific trays for teeth whitening, bleaching, mouthguards, and other protective devices.
Technical Specifications & Material Science: The sheets are made from medical-grade, high-impact EVA copolymer. This material is chosen for its excellent clarity, flexibility, tear resistance, and low moisture absorption. It is BPA-free and latex-free, ensuring biocompatibility. Upon heating in a specialized thermoforming machine (typically between 140-160°C), the EVA becomes pliable and can be vacuum-formed or pressure-formed over a precise stone model of the patient’s teeth. Upon cooling, it retains the exact anatomical detail, creating a tray with a perfect seal.
Industry Standards & Compliance: The raw EVA material complies with FDA Title 21 CFR and EU MDR requirements for medical devices. The final fabricated appliance’s compliance depends on the dental professional’s intended use and local regulations.
Application Scenarios:
- Custom Teeth Whitening/Bleaching Trays: The primary use, allowing for controlled, even application of whitening gel.
- Sports Mouthguards & Night Guards: For protection against bruxism (teeth grinding) or impact.
- Fluoride Trays & Medication Carriers: For localized treatment.
- Provisional Space Maintainers or Temporary Crown/Bridge Splints.
Usage Guidelines (for the dentist/lab): 1) Create an accurate alginate or digital impression of the patient’s teeth. 2) Pour a stone model. 3) Select the appropriate thickness of EVA sheet (e.g., 1.0mm for whitening, 2.0mm+ for mouthguards). 4) Heat and form the sheet over the model using a thermoforming machine. 5) Trim and polish the final tray. The resulting appliance is then delivered to the patient with specific instructions for home use.
Market Value Proposition: For dental labs and clinics offering in-house milling, this product enables the provision of high-margin, custom-fabricated appliances. It elevates a practice from offering generic, boil-and-bite products to providing superior, clinically effective solutions that improve patient outcomes, compliance, and satisfaction. For distributors, supplying EVA sheets positions you as a partner in this profitable, value-added service, creating a steady demand linked to the practice’s patient flow.