Patents by Inventor R. Michael Alvarez

R. Michael Alvarez has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20160367342
    Abstract: A system and method of installing dental implants to treat obstructed airflow via passive repositioning of the tongue. The present method includes the steps of installing one or more implants between the teeth along the mucogingival junction, such that the implants extend into the oral cavity and make contact with the undersurface of the tongue when the tongue is in a resting position. The positioning of the implants causes them to gently irritate the undersurface of the tongue, innervating the lingual nerve. Innervation of the lingual nerve causes the genioglossus to contract and repositions the tongue to a more anterior and superior position as compared to its resting position, vacating the airway and dilating the pharynx to improve airflow therethrough. Both the positioning and the size of the implants are customizable, thereby ensuring proper contact between the implants and the tongue regardless of topographical differences of patients' oral cavities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Inventors: R. Michael Alvarez, J. Sergio Alvarez