Abstract: A method of manufacturing a device for facilitating or improving nasal breathing in a human user is disclosed. The method may begin with receiving a digital scan of an exterior of a nose of a human user. Based on the digital scan, a first virtual three-dimensional model of the exterior of the nose may be created. Once created, the first virtual three-dimensional model may be deformed to produce a second virtual three-dimensional model of the exterior of the nose. The deforming may include moving selected surfaces outward to simulate the flexible tissues on the sides of the nose being in an improved or optimum position for nasal breathing. Based on the second virtual three-dimensional model, a virtual three-dimensional model of a nasal dilation device may be created. An additive manufacturing process may be used to produce a tangible instance of the nasal dilation device, which may be delivered to the human user.

Abstract: A dental appliance is disclosed. The appliance may include an arcuate base shaped to extend along at least a portion of an upper dental arch of a patient and match with a custom fit at least certain maxillary teeth of the patient. The appliance may further include a tongue-retention feature. The tongue-retention feature may connect to the arcuate base and comprise a palatal portion and a sublingual portion. The sublingual portion may cooperate with the palatal portion to form a cavity shaped to receive an anterior portion of a tongue of the patient therewithin. The palatal portion may have an exterior surface custom-formed to match at least a portion of a hard palate of the patient.

Abstract: A dental appliance for treating bruxism is disclosed. The appliance may include upper and lower portions. The upper portion may include a first base and a first feature. The first base may engage the upper teeth of a patient. The first feature may secure to an anterior area of the first base and include a concave surface forming a concavity. The lower portion may include a second base and a second feature. The second base may engage the lower teeth of the patient. The second feature may secure to an anterior area of the second base and include a protrusion. As the patient bites down, the protrusion may contact the concave surface at a point of contact that is a sole or initial contact between the upper and lower portions. Thus, the interaction of the protrusion and concave surface may control certain mandibular loadings and motions of the patient.

Abstract: A dental appliance for treating bruxism, sleep apena, or a combination thereof is disclosed. The appliance may include upper and lower portions. The upper portion may engage the upper teeth of a patient and comprise a first anterior feature comprising an indentation having a deepest point and an arcuate groove. The lower portion may engage the lower teeth of the patient and comprise a second anterior feature comprising a protrusion. As the patient bites down, the protrusion may contact or slide within the indentation at a point of contact that is a sole or initial contact between the upper and lower portions. Thus, the interaction of the protrusion and concave surface may control certain mandibular loadings and motions of the patient.

Abstract: A dental appliance for treating sleep apnea is disclosed. The appliance may include upper and lower portions and at least one biasing member. The upper portion may comprise a first base and a first feature. The first base may engage the upper teeth of a patient. The first feature may secure to an anterior area of the first base and comprise a concave surface forming a concavity. The lower portion may comprise a second base and a second feature. The second base may engage the lower teeth of the patient. The second feature may secure to an anterior area of the second base and comprise a protrusion. As the patient bites down, the protrusion may contact the concave surface at a point of contact that is a sole or initial contact between the upper and lower portions. Thus, the interaction of the protrusion and concave surface may control certain mandibular loadings and motions of the patient.

Abstract: A dental appliance for treating bruxism is disclosed. The appliance may include upper and lower portions. The upper portion may comprise a first base and a first feature. The first base may engage the upper teeth of a patient. The first feature may secure to an anterior area of the first base and comprise a concave surface forming a concavity. The lower portion may comprise a second base and a second feature. The second base may engage the lower teeth of the patient. The second feature may secure to an anterior area of the second base and comprise a protrusion. As the patient bites down, the protrusion may contact the concave surface at a point of contact that is a sole or initial contact between the upper and lower portions. Thus, the interaction of the protrusion and concave surface may control certain mandibular loadings and motions of the patient.