Abstract: The invention relates to a device for positioning the tongue for the treatment of disorders including snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and OSA Syndrome, comprising an anchoring body (10) and means (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18) for retracting the tongue, said means being connected to said anchoring body. The tongue retracting means comprises at least two elongated arms arranged on a respective side of said anchoring body, and extending along different sides of the midline of the tongue. There is also provided a method of preventing Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), comprising attaching tongue retracting means to permanently attached members in the tongue of a patient suffering from OSA at positions posterior of the tongue tip (apex), preferably to the corpus lingua and/or tongue root (radix lingua), said retracting means being anchored to structures in the mouth such as the jaws or teeth, whereby the tongue is directly held in a forward position.

Abstract: A combination retractor includes an operational unit, a neck region and a handle region. The operational unit further includes a tongue retractor and a flap retractor. The tongue retractor may be concave to provide for a natural area to encapsulate the tongue. The tongue and flap retractors may also be provided as part of a continuous planar extension of the operational unit or may be disposed on different planes. The flap retractor may be formed of a tapered extended edge or tab, which can be made in various lengths and include a beveled edge. A suction mechanism may be added for eliminating fluids. The neck region may contain an S-shaped bend or lateral bends for better operative functionality and ergonomics. The proximal end of the handle region, opposite the operational unit, may further include any useful apparatus, such as a periosteal elevator or periosteal retractor.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining a dry field during dental procedures includes a U-shaped tongue shield for holding the patient's tongue in a retracted position. Cheek distention arms extend laterally outward and forward from the tongue shield to distend the cheek away from the teeth. Lip retractors extend from the cheek distention arms in an arcuate shape above and below the cheek distention arms. Webbing extends between the lip retractors and cheek distention arms to support the soft tissue within the patient's mouth distal to the orbicularis oris muscle.

Abstract: An intraoral device includes a one-piece, flexible, injection molded body made of a single homogeneous material. The body includes upper front and rear flaps, and lower front and rear flaps. Upper edges of the front flaps and lower edges of the lower flaps are sealed by respective upper and lower parts of a patient's mouth to form upper and lower evacuation channels when the body is disposed within the patient's mouth. Evacuation holes in the flaps are in communication with the evacuation channels. A connection section is in communication with the evacuation channels and is configured to extend outside of the patient's mouth to connect with a vacuum source for evacuating fluid from the patient's mouth through the evacuation holes and the evacuation channels.

Abstract: The present invention is related to devices utilized for retraction of the lips, tongue and oral cavity during dental procedures. In particular, the invention relates to a flexible or semi-flexible oral device used to comfortably and quickly retract the patient's lips to properly expose the patient's teeth and gums for dental procedures.

Abstract: An intraoral device includes a one-piece, flexible, injection molded body made of a single homogeneous material. The body includes upper front and rear flaps, and lower front and rear flaps. Upper edges of the front flaps and lower edges of the lower flaps are sealed by respective upper and lower parts of a patient's mouth to form upper and lower evacuation channels when the body is disposed within the patient's mouth. Evacuation holes in the flaps are in communication with the evacuation channels. A connection section is in communication with the evacuation channels and is configured to extend outside of the patient's mouth to connect with a vacuum source for evacuating fluid from the patient's mouth through the evacuation holes and the evacuation channels.

Abstract: An intra-oral device includes a tongue shield aspirator, a bite member, a bite grip, and an evacuation tube. The tongue shield aspirator may include a tongue retractor portion and a cheek retractor portion, and may be an open, unitary, and/or flexible component made of position-memory material. The bite member includes a conduit which receives the tongue shield aspirator through one end and the evacuation tube through the opposite end. The free end of the evacuation tube is connectable directly to a HVE valve to aspirate fluid/debris from the mouth. The device may be positioned in the mouth by bending the distal (free) end of the tongue shield aspirator, inserting the bite member into the mouth first, followed by the tongue shield aspirator as the device is moved towards the patient's cheek, releasing the free end of the tongue shield aspirator, and having the patient bite down on the bite member.

Abstract: A method of using a heat sink device with an intraoral illumination device includes inserting an intraoral illumination device at least partially in a patient's mouth, connecting a heat sink device to the intraoral illumination device, the heat sink device including an illumination device that emits light and heat when activated and a heat sink member thermally coupled to the illumination device; activating the illumination device so that light is transmitted to the intraoral illumination device and into the patient's mouth, aspirating fluid from the patient's mouth at negative pressure; and causing aspirated fluid to flow past the heat sink member at negative pressure so that heat is removed from the heat sink member, causing the illumination device to be cooled.

Abstract: The present invention is a dental evacuation tool for being placed in fluid communication with a dental vacuum. The tool comprises a suction head and an elongated tubular handle. The suction head includes a mirror surface, first and second upward-facing intake orifices adjacent the mirror surface, and an exit fluid pathway that is in fluid communication with the first and second upward-facing intake orifices. The elongated tubular handle includes a first end adapted to be in fluid communication with the vacuum and a second end in fluid communication with the exit fluid pathway. The first and second upward-facing intake orifices are positioned generally opposite each other about the mirror surface, are generally centered about a line that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle, and open in generally the same direction faced by the mirror.

Abstract: An oral device for improving airway patency comprises a tongue constraint and a negative pressure source. The tongue constraint engages the patient's tongue to maintain a clear region below the palate in an oral cavity. By applying a negative pressure in the clear region, an airway behind the soft palate or tongue of the patient can be maintained. The tongue constraint is usually connected to an anchor. The anchor may be held between the patient's teeth or may engage the inferior surface of the palate. Another oral device for improving airway patency comprises a lateral tongue structure and a negative pressure source.

Abstract: A dental isolation block adapted for maintaining the mouth of the dental patient open, while keeping the work field dry and exposed with the lip retracted and the tongue suppressed to facilitate performance of a dental procedure by a dental practitioner. The dental isolation block includes a first and second bite platform capable of being disposed between the maxillary arch and mandibular arch, a lip retractor with a first end adjacent the first bite platform and a second end adjacent the second bite platform, and a tongue shield extending between the first and second bite platform. The lip retractor may include a channel for receiving and directing saliva to a suction drain and suction holes all in fluid communication with a dental office suction system. A suction extension may be affixed to the first and/or second bite platform to further evacuate saliva from entering the work field.

Abstract: A dental appliance apparatus is made up of a bite block and a snap-in, positionable fluid ejector. An aspirator tube is positioned and slideably engaged within a tube holder which, in turn, is rotatably engaged with the bite block. This allows for selective angular positioning of the aspirator tube so as to accommodate a wide range of patients in aspirating fluids as efficiently as possible.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing a dental appliance that functions as an aspirator and tongue deflector. The aspirator has a proximal end and a distal end configured to be positioned at near a treatment location in the mouth of the patient. A tongue deflector is disposed on the distal end of the aspirator for controlling movement of the patient's tongue at the location. An elongate aspiration tube emanates at the proximal end of the aspirator and terminates at the tongue deflector for aspirating liquids at or near the treatment location. The aspirator tube has an aspiration channel running concentrically along the aspiration tube from the proximal end to a collection recess in the tongue deflector. The dental appliance may be fabricated such that the tongue deflector and aspirator are formed as one contiguous unitary piece.

Abstract: A combined mouth retracting and saliva ejecting device has a forward suction portion, a right cheek retractor portion, a left cheek retractor portion, and a rearward suction portion, the device being configured to be placed within the mouth of a dental patient. The device is constructed of a single piece of rigid, but resilient, tubular material, the material having an elastomeric memory. The device is tubular and has a cylindrical or other shape cross section and can be constructed of material so as to be either disposable or nondisposable, the nondisposable version being capable of heat or chemical sterilization. The device can be made in almost any size to accommodate the wide variety of patients that it may be used with, including children.

Abstract: An intraoral device includes a one-piece, flexible, injection molded body made of a single homogeneous material. The body includes upper front and rear flaps, and lower front and rear flaps. Upper edges of the front flaps and lower edges of the lower flaps are sealed by respective upper and lower parts of a patient's mouth to form upper and lower evacuation channels when the body is disposed within the patient's mouth. Evacuation holes in the flaps are in communication with the evacuation channels. A connection section is in communication with the evacuation channels and is configured to extend outside of the patient's mouth to connect with a vacuum source for evacuating fluid from the patient's mouth through the evacuation holes and the evacuation channels.

Abstract: The invention describes methods, devices, kits and systems for isolating one or more teeth. The devices include a topology conformable device that can be constrained into a shape that can be delivered into an oral cavity and unconstrained to allow the device to isolate a target tooth and initiate a working field.

Abstract: A dental suction device includes a hollow tube having both flexibility and shape retainability. The tube has its both ends connected to a connector and is formed with suction holes. The connector can be connected to a vacuum source. A suction force produced by the vacuum source can thus be applied to the suction holes of the tube through a passage formed in the connector. The connector includes a valve for adjusting the degree of opening of the passage formed in the connector and thus the suction force applied to the suction holes. The valve includes a valve body mounted in the connector and a manual lever for controlling the valve body.

Abstract: A dental system for cleaning a user's teeth and marginal gingiva with a drug solution includes a mouthpiece made for each user and having substantially the same shape as the teeth and the marginal gingiva of the user. The mouthpiece is designed to produce a gap between the mouthpiece and the teeth together with the marginal gingiva when placed to cover the teeth and the marginal gingiva of the user. The dental system also includes a drug solution supply unit and a drain unit, both connected to the mouthpiece, and a suction unit connected to the drain unit. The mouthpiece adheres to the marginal gingiva by a suction applied from the suction unit. The dental system cleans the teeth and the marginal gingiva with a stream of the drug solution flowing through the gap.

Abstract: An intraoral device includes a one-piece, flexible, injection molded body made of a single homogeneous material. The body includes upper front and rear flaps, and lower front and rear flaps. Upper edges of the front flaps and lower edges of the lower flaps are sealed by respective upper and lower parts of a patient's mouth to form upper and lower evacuation channels when the body is disposed within the patient's mouth. Evacuation holes in the flaps are in communication with the evacuation channels. A connection section is in communication with the evacuation channels and is configured to extend outside of the patient's mouth to connect with a vacuum source for evacuating fluid from the patient's mouth through the evacuation holes and the evacuation channels.

Abstract: The present invention is a dental evacuation tool for being placed in fluid communication with a dental vacuum. The tool comprises a suction head and an elongated tubular handle. The suction head includes a mirror surface, first and second upward-facing intake orifices adjacent the mirror surface, and an exit fluid pathway that is in fluid communication with the first and second upward-facing intake orifices. The elongated tubular handle includes a first end adapted to be in fluid communication with the vacuum and a second end in fluid communication with the exit fluid pathway. The first and second upward-facing intake orifices are positioned generally opposite each other about the mirror surface, are generally centered about a line that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle, and open in generally the same direction faced by the mirror.

Abstract: The present invention involves an intraoral illumination device and method for illuminating the interior cavity of a patient's mouth during a medical procedure. The illumination device includes a bite block adapted to be engaged by a patient's teeth for resting the patient's jaw during the medical procedure and fixing the bite block within the patient's mouth. An arcuate light dispersion piece is connected to the bite block so that, in use, the light dispersion piece is orientated in a rear, central part of the oral cavity of the patient's mouth so that dispersed light can be transmitted outward from the rear, central part of the oral cavity. A tongue and cheek retractor is adapted to retract and protect the patient's tongue and adjacent cheek tissue during the medical procedure. Multiple fluid evacuation channels are carried by the device and are adapted to communicate with the interior cavity of the patient's mouth for removing fluids from the oral cavity during the medical procedure.

Abstract: The invention is a multipurpose intra-oral device made of a fastener, a first mouthguard connected to the fastener, wherein the first mouthguard has a first mouthguard base engaging a top tooth, a first mouthguard buccal surface, a first mouthguard lingual surface and a first mouthguard occlusal surface, a second mouthguard connected to the fastener, wherein the second mouthguard has a second mouthguard base to engage a bottom tooth, a second mouthguard buccal side, a second mouthguard lingual side and a second mouthguard occlusal surface, at least one first tube connected to one of the mouthguards surface, and at least one first post connected to the other of the mouthguard surface for engaging the tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining a dry field during dental procedures includes a tongue shield for holding a patient's tongue in a retracted position and a bite handle projecting forward from the tongue shield for engagement between the teeth to hold the tongue shield in a desired position. At least one cheek distention arm extends laterally outward from the tongue shield to distend the cheek away from the teeth. A stanchion on the cheek distention arm removably engages the tip of a saliva ejector and thereby secures the position of the saliva ejector relative to the apparatus and the patient's anatomy.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for applying suction adjacent to a tooth is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a suction conduit structure that includes a main conduit portion and a pair of secondary conduit portions extending from the main conduit portion. A pair of pad support members are positionable adjacent to lateral surfaces of the focus tooth, and each pad support member is mounted on one of the secondary conduit portions. A suction pad is mounted on each pad support member for positioning adjacent to the focus tooth. In one embodiment, a tooth gripping structure is mounted on each of the pad support members for gripping a lateral surface of an anchor tooth located next to the focus tooth of the patient. The tooth gripping structures extend toward each other. In another embodiment, a tooth engaging structure is mounted on each of the pad support members for engaging a jaw of the patient at a position of meeting of the focus tooth and an adjacent tooth.

Abstract: The present invention involves an intraoral illumination device and method for illuminating the interior cavity of a patient's mouth during a medical procedure. The illumination device includes a bite block adapted to be engaged by a patient's teeth for resting the patient's jaw during the medical procedure and fixing the bite block within the patient's mouth. An arcuate light dispersion piece is connected to the bite block so that, in use, the light dispersion piece is orientated in a rear, central part of the oral cavity of the patient's mouth so that dispersed light can be transmitted outward from the rear, central part of the oral cavity. A tongue and cheek retractor is adapted to retract and protect the patient's tongue and adjacent cheek tissue during the medical procedure. Multiple fluid evacuation channels are carried by the device and are adapted to communicate with the interior cavity of the patient's mouth for removing fluids from the oral cavity during the medical procedure.

Abstract: An intraoral device includes a one-piece, flexible, injection molded body made of a single homogeneous material. The body includes upper front and rear flaps, and lower front and rear flaps. Upper edges of the front flaps and lower edges of the lower flaps are sealed by respective upper and lower parts of a patient's mouth to form upper and lower evacuation channels when the body is disposed within the patient's mouth. Evacuation holes in the flaps are in communication with the evacuation channels. A connection section is in communication with the evacuation channels and is configured to extend outside of the patient's mouth to connect with a vacuum source for evacuating fluid from the patient's mouth through the evacuation holes and the evacuation channels.

Abstract: A suction tool embodying the invention includes a tubular suction tip having a first end intended to be connected to a vacuum source and having a second end connected to a paddle like structure intended to be inserted into an oral cavity. The paddle like structure facilitates retraction of the tongue, cheeks or lips within, and about, the oral cavity while providing desired suction to remove saliva and other foreign bodies from the oral cavity and enabling a dentist to work on teeth without the danger of causing injury to the retracted tongue, cheek or lips. In one embodiment, the paddle like structure has two opposing surfaces, one surface having a large orifice for facing the work area and enabling the flow of debris into the suction tip while the other surface has no openings and is designed to face (i.e., retract) the tongue and other soft tissue.

Abstract: The present invention involves an intraoral illumination device and method for illuminating the interior cavity of a patient's mouth during a medical procedure. The illumination device includes a bite block adapted to be engaged by a patient's teeth for resting the patient's jaw during the medical procedure and fixing the bite block within the patient's mouth. An arcuate light dispersion piece is connected to the bite block so that, in use, the light dispersion piece is orientated in a rear, central part of the oral cavity of the patient's mouth so that dispersed light can be transmitted outward from the rear, central part of the oral cavity. A tongue and cheek retractor is adapted to retract and protect the patient's tongue and adjacent cheek tissue during the medical procedure.

Abstract: A bite block system for maintaining the mouth of the patient in an open position during a dental procedure. In one embodiment, the bite block includes a plastically deformable material on at least a surface thereof for making an impression of the patient's teeth. Such customized bite blocks provide greater safety and comfort. In another aspect, a tongue suppressing bite block system includes a bite block and a tongue suppressor adjustably attached thereto so that the tongue suppressor can be adjusted horizontally or vertically relative to the bite block to account for variations in the size of patient's mouths, teeth and tongues. In another aspect of the invention, an anatomical tongue suppressor is provided for use with a bite block. The anatomical tongue suppressor wraps around the side and underneath the tongue in order to cradle it in a more comfortable and secure fashion when in use with a bite block.

Abstract: A suction tool embodying the invention includes a tubular suction tip having a first end intended to be connected to a vacuum source and having a second end connected to a paddle like structure intended to be inserted into an oral cavity. The paddle like structure facilitates retraction of the tongue, cheeks or lips within, and about, the oral cavity while providing desired suction to remove saliva and other foreign bodies from the oral cavity and enabling a dentist to work on teeth without the danger of causing injury to the retracted tongue, cheek or lips. In one embodiment, the paddle like structure has two opposing surfaces, one surface having a large orifice for facing the work area and enabling the flow of debris into the suction tip while the other surface has no openings and is designed to face (i.e., retract) the tongue and other soft tissue.

Abstract: The present invention involves an intraoral illumination device and method for illuminating the interior cavity of a patient's mouth during a medical procedure. The illumination device includes a bite block adapted to be engaged by a patient's teeth for resting the patient's jaw during the medical procedure and fixing the bite block within the patient's mouth. An arcuate light dispersion piece is connected to the bite block so that, in use, the light dispersion piece is orientated in a rear, central part of the oral cavity of the patient's mouth so that dispersed light can be transmitted outward from the rear, central part of the oral cavity. A tongue and cheek retractor is adapted to retract and protect the patient's tongue and adjacent cheek tissue during the medical procedure. Multiple fluid evacuation channels are carried by the device and are adapted to communicate with the interior cavity of the patient's mouth for removing fluids from the oral cavity during the medical procedure.

Abstract: The present invention involves an intraoral illumination device and method for illumiinating the interior cavity of a patient's mouth during a medical proceduire. The illumination device includes a bite block adapted to be engaged by a patient's teeth for resting the patient's jaw during the medical procedure and fixing the bite block with the patient's mouth. An arcuate light dispersion piece is connected to the bite block so that, in use, the light dispersion piece is orientated in a rear, central part of the oral cavity of the patient's mouth so that dispersed light can be transmitted outward from the rear, central part of the oral cavity. A tongue and cheek retractor is adapted to retract and protect the patient's tongue and adjacent cheek tissue during the medical procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying suction adjacent to a tooth for removing saliva from the operative area that includes a bow member for extending about a portion of a tooth of a patient that is substantially U-shaped with a central axis. The bow member includes a transverse portion that extends transverse to the central axis of the bow member and a pair of side portions each being for extending adjacent to lateral surfaces of the tooth. The side portions extend substantially parallel to the central axis, with each of the side portions having a root end connected to the transverse portion and a free end opposite the root end. The side portions of the bow member are resiliently flexible to permit spreading of the side portions. A pair of suction pads are each positionable adjacent to one of the lateral sides of the tooth and mountable adjacent to a lower surface of one of the side portions of the bow member.

Abstract: A disposable saliva ejector has a strainer tip at its distal end. The strainer tip has a plurality of slots through which saliva, blood etc. can be extracted from the patient's mouth. A protective flange is located adjacent the strainer tip, extends parallel to it, and is spaced apart from it. The space between the flange and the tip is sufficiently small that the patient's flesh is unlikely to become interposed between the tip and the flange. For this reason, slots in the region of the flange will likely always remain unblocked. For this reason, the tip and flange do not become tightly wedged against the patient's flesh as a result of the vacuum supplied to the ejector.

Abstract: A dental device (10) includes a tongue-retracting surface (14) and a throat dam (15, 16) adapted to be positioned in the mouth of a patient. Integral lip-retracting surfaces (17) and a grip portion (18) are connected to the tongue-retracting surface (14) and throat dam (15, 16) by a prop portion (12) which preferably have angled biting surfaces (19) adapted to be engaged by the teeth of the patient. An expandable throat barrier net (23) may be attached to a portion of the throat dam (15). An evacuation system (30) may be provided to remove fluids from the mouth. The biting surfaces (19) may be provided with a pad (21) or a thermoplastic material (22) for the comfort of the patient. A reflective material (27) may be attached to the tongue-retracting surface (14) and a fiber optic rod (28) may be carried by the tongue-retracting surface (14) to assist in illuminating the oral cavity of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention involves an intraoral illumination device and method for illuminating the interior cavity of a patient's mouth during a medical procedure. The illumination device includes a bite block adapted to be engaged by a patient's teeth for resting the patient's jaw during the medical procedure and fixing the bite block within the patient's mouth. An arcuate light dispersion piece is connected to the bite block so that, in use, the light dispersion piece is orientated in a rear, central part of the oral cavity of the patient's mouth so that dispersed light can be transmitted outward from the rear, central part of the oral cavity. A tongue and cheek retractor is adapted to retract and protect the patient's tongue and adjacent cheek tissue during the medical procedure. Multiple fluid evacuation channels are carried by the device and are adapted to communicate with the interior cavity of the patient's mouth for removing fluids from the oral cavity during the medical procedure.

Abstract: A dental apparatus for maintaining the mouth of a patient in an open position during a dental procedure. The apparatus having a bite block that is inserted into the patient's mouth between the upper and lower molars on either side of a patient's mouth. Disposed in operable relation to the bite block is a tongue suppressor for retaining the tongue of a patient in the bottom cavity of the mouth. The tongue suppressor having a retaining arm that extends across the tongue away from the bite block. Opposite the bite block on the retaining arm is a flange that extends downward toward the bottom of the mouth. The retaining arm and the flange retain the patient's tongue in the bottom cavity of the patient's mouth.

Abstract: An essentially a U-shaped oral isolation device having a tongue arm, a buccal arm, and a hinge section is provided. The device is an essentially hollow member having an upper suction chamber and a lower suction chamber within the hollows of the oral isolation device. Each chamber further comprising suction inlet apertures through which saliva, fluid, aerosol mist, and debris can be evacuated from the operative site, and a suction outlet chamber through which the collected saliva, fluid, and debris are removed from the device. A U-shaped hinge member joins the buccal arm and the tongue arm. It has position memory which permits the user to squeeze the arm members toward one another for placement in the mouth and upon release, the arm members exert opposing positional influence against the tongue and cheek. Also provided is a method of use for the device in which the tongue arm and buccal arms are forced toward one another.

Abstract: Dental device acting as a variable-height mouth opener, a saliva ejector and an oral dam including a casing having a shape reproducing the shape of the dental arches and able to maintain the patient's mouth open once inserted into it in contact with the dental arches, and a saliva discharge opening communicating with a tube for removing the saliva by suction applied to the other end of the tube. The size of the device casing in the mastication direction can be varied from a minimum to a maximum, for example, by pivotally mounting a projecting element to the casing.

Abstract: The present invention involves an intraoral illumination device and method for illuminating the interior cavity of a patient's mouth during a medical procedure. The illumination device includes a bite block adapted to be engaged by a patient's teeth for resting the patient's jaw during the medical procedure and fixing the bite block within the patient's mouth. An arcuate light dispersion piece is connected to the bite block so that, in use, the light dispersion piece is orientated in a rear, central part of the oral cavity of the patient's mouth so that dispersed light can be transmitted outward from the rear, central part of the oral cavity. A tongue and cheek retractor is adapted to retract and protect the patient's tongue and adjacent cheek tissue during the medical procedure. Multiple fluid evacuation channels are carried by the device and are adapted to communicate with the interior cavity of the patient's mouth for removing fluids from the oral cavity during the medical procedure.

Abstract: A dental appliance is made up of an elongated body having a substantially longitudinal axis with opposite end portions making up substantially flat surfaces extending laterally the axis for being engaged by teeth or endentulous areas of the upper and lower jaws of a patient. A circular opening is provided with in this middle region of the elongated body to allow the tube of a saliva and debris ejector to be positioned slidably therein, and within the mouth of a patient when the apparatus is being used. The elongated body is narrower between the flat surfaces of the bite pads for maximizing the visual field of a mouth to the person performing a dental procedure. The elongated body is deformable to ensure stable engagement between the teeth or endentulous region of the upper and lower jaws of a patient and the corresponding flat surface making up the bite pads of the elongated body.

Abstract: The dental device includes a buccal member and a lingual member disposable on one side of a patient's mouth for isolating the buccal and lingual sides of the patient's mandibular teeth, respectively. The buccal member is generally curved to follow an outer contour of the patient's mandibular arch for deflecting the patient's cheek from the buccal side of the mandibular teeth. The lingual member is configured to corral a side of the patient's tongue and has a neck portion in a region where the lingual member attaches to the buccal member, the neck portion being configured to rest on the patient's mandibular teeth. The distal ends of the buccal and lingual members are spaced apart to permit independent movement therebetween. In one embodiment, the device includes a prop stem releasably attachable to the patient's maxillary teeth for propping open the patient's mouth.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sterilizeable, disposable or reuseable device comprising a hollow tubular structure configured having a middle protrusion portion having holes drilled therein for tongue retraction and outer wings for mounting cheek retractors, and two cheek retractors positioned for cheek and lip retraction.

Abstract: An improved dental apparatus for removing excess saliva during dental procedures and also for maintaining a patient's jaw comfortably in an open position. A dental bite block has occlusal resting portions joined by an arcuate anterior member. One occlusal resting portion has a main vacuum port extending angularly therefrom and communicating with a hollow channel having openings on opposing lateral surfaces of said occlusal resting portion. The main vacuum port operably receives the suction hose of a vacuum evacuation system. Lingual and buccal saliva ejector ports, each having circumferential grooved attachments and nozzle portions, are communicably connected to either opening on the occlusal resting portion. Saliva is communicated from the ejector ports into the main port, whereupon it is communicated into the vacuum system for dispensation.

Abstract: This invention relates to tongue deflectors which attach to saliva ejectors. The tongue deflector of this invention is formed of a flattened body with sufficient height to extend from the floor of the mouth to the top of tooth surfaces, so that the body may extend along the inner sides of the teeth to separate contact between the tongue and at least some of the teeth. A plurality of slotted cuts are provided through the body of the device to form a plurality of straps which may be pulled or pushed away from the body. The saliva ejector stem is passed through the strap so the saliva ejector tip nests in the tongue deflector body, and the tongue deflector attaches to the saliva ejector tip.

Abstract: A dental appliance includes a circular ring member and two laterally extending rigid arm members which have bite pads on the ends thereof. The circular ring member includes an opening therethrough sized to slidably mount a saliva ejector. The arm members and the ring member are dimensioned to minimize the obstruction of the field of view of the mouth of a dental professional.

Abstract: A disposal dental saliva ejector with a suction part, at least one suction orifice in the suction part, a holder part and a curved intermediate part has a chin plate displaceably mounted on the holder part. The holder part defines a trough-shaped guiding channel for a duct and the chin plate has a mounting sleeve with a specifically shaped opening enabling the chin plate to occupy a central position and at least one lateral position, and to be temporarily fixed in a selected height position on the holder part.

Abstract: A mouth prop and tongue retractor apparatus for use in dental procedures. The apparatus includes a handle rotatably mounted within a base. A ball joint on the base fits within a socket in a mouth prop to provide pivotal positional adjustment of the apparatus. An elongated aspirator tube extends through the handle and base, and is coupled to a tongue retractor. A suction aperture on the tongue retractor communicates with the aspirator tube and provides for saliva removal from a patient's mouth. Rotation of the handle provides extension adjustment for the aspirator tube and tongue retractor.

Abstract: A dental isolation tray has an outer side wall, an inner side wall, and a roof which joins the inner and outer side walls. An aspiration conduit having spaced apart aspiration ports is molded into the peripheral edges of the side walls and into the interface between the interior side wall and the roof. An aspiration coupling is provided for fluidly connecting the aspiration conduit with a suction tube. A portion of the roof and outer side wall is pre-cut to expose the occlusal and buccal aspects of preselected teeth. An adjustable bite block is mounted on or adjacent to the roof of the tray and extends substantially perpendicular to the roof of the tray. The full arch tray may have one or two quadrants cut-out and may be placed on either the upper or the lower arch to completely cover the arch and associated alveolar ridge. A single quadrant tray may be formed as either a left hand tray or a right hand tray and can also be placed over either upper or lower arches.

Abstract: A dental apparatus includes a tray that is shaped and dimensioned to fit over at least some of the teeth of a patient. The tray defines a tunnel through which to evacuate saliva from the mouth of the patient. The tray includes a connector portion for coupling a suction source to the tunnel, and the tray defines at least a first opening in fluid communication with the tunnel through which saliva may be sucked from the mouth of the patient into the tunnel for communication to the suction source. The apparatus may take the form of a fluoride treatment tray or an impression tray, including a bite registration tray, it may include multiple trays, and it may define additional spaced-apart openings in fluid communication with the tunnel to facilitate evacuation of saliva from a larger region within the mouth of the patient. Preferably, the connector portion is configured to receive an end of a conventional saliva ejector in a close fitting relationship in order to couple a commonly used suction source to the tunnel.