Vacuum formers in the dental industry are used to imprint opposing bite and fabricate other dental appliances such as sports mouth guards, bleach trays and orthodontic appliances. These formers can use a variety of thermoplastics depending on the thickness and flexibility needed. A vacuum former should be composed of a vacuum pump and a heating element, when the heating element is ready, the dental appliance and plastic sheeting are engaged and the vacuum is generated. This should leave an opposing bite appliance with minimal gaps in order to precisely fit the original appliance. Compressed air connections may be necessary for a vacuum former to run. Vacuum formers are much louder than their counterpart dental thermoformers; if noise is not an issue a vacuum former is a more economical choice. Be sure the vendor chosen uses high quality materials.