Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved form of a splint having a contact portion for maintaining the vertical separation of rearwardly opposed teeth in the oral cavity of a patient wearing the splint. The splint is provided with a contact portion for contacting opposed forward teeth to the forward teeth to which the splint is attached such that movement of the opposed forward teeth with respect to the contact portion maintains the spacing of the rearward teeth. The contact portion is provided with a central or intermediate section to which a forward portion is angularly inclined. The splint is optionally provided with a third portion angularly inclined to the central or intermediate portion for stabilising the position of the jaw or teeth to prevent permanent or long term change in the jaw position (strictly).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved form of a splint having a contact portion for maintaining the vertical separation of rearwardly opposed teeth in the oral cavity of a patient wearing the splint. The splint is provided with a contact portion for contacting opposed forward teeth to the forward teeth to which the splint is attached such that movement of the opposed forward teeth with respect to the contact portion maintains the spacing of the rearward teeth. The contact portion is provided with a central or intermediate section to which a forward portion is angularly inclined. The splint is optionally provided with a third portion angularly inclined to the central or intermediate portion for stabilising the position of the jaw or teeth to prevent permanent or long term change in the jaw position (strictly).