Abstract: A mouthguard releasable in-line tether assembly including a forwardly extending tether-connecting tab extending from an anterior portion of a mouthguard. The anterior portion has a forward end adapted to releasably receive and hold a breakaway tab fastener in parallel or in-line arrangement with the tab. The tab fastener is pivotally held by a stiff tether to permit pivotal movement of the fastener along a first axis perpendicular to both the tab and the tether. The tether further has a face mask end adapted to pivotally hold a face mask catch connectable to a face mask and to permit pivotal movement of the tether along a second axis parallel to the first axis.

Abstract: A thermoplastic mouthguard has a U-shaped base with top and bottom sides and upward inner lingual and outer labial walls forming a channel for the upper jaw teeth having posterior and anterior portions. Occlusal posterior pads are on the bottom side of the base along the posterior portions of the guard to space apart the anterior teeth of the lower jaw from the anterior portion of the bottom side of the U-shaped base and to lessen pressure and possible impact forces exerted at the temporomandibular joint. Occlusal impact chambers are located within the occlusal posterior pads for shock dissipation and absorption. Anteriorly directed ridges are located along the bottom of the impact surfaces of the occlusal posterior pads for custom fitting of the mouthguard and tending to move the lower jaw anteriorly when a force impact is imposed upon the lower jaw. An anterior impact brace is located along the anterior portion of the outer labial wall.