Abstract: A mandibular advancement device is disclosed. The upper jaw (12) has fitted to it an upper plate (30). The upper plate (30) is firmly received, and generally comprises a body component (32) and two opposed flange components (34), are located to be lying in an area beside and close to the posterior teeth, and particularly the buccal side of the upper posterior teeth. The leading edge (36) of the flanges (34) provide engagement surfaces complementing the engagement surfaces of the trailing edges (26) of the lower flanges (24). The relative lengths of the respective trailing edges (26) and leading edges (36) ensure that mandibular advancement is maintained over a desired range of jaw openings. The angle of inclination of the engaging edges (26, 36) provides a jaw opening path generally arcuate with the protrusive border path.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the treatment of conditions including obstructive sleep apnea and/or snoring resulting from excessive nasal airway resistance are disclosed. A rapid maxillary expansion device (10) is fitted to teeth (12, 14) of the upper jaw, and by operation of the jack screw (20), the maxilla is expanded such that, usually, the intermaxillary suture opens. The expansion is maintained until the maxilla stabilizes, for example by new bone growth along the suture. In this way the minimum cross-sectional area of the nasal cavity increases, reducing nasal airway resistance and curing, or at least ameliorating, obstructive sleep apnea and/or snoring.