Abstract: An intraoral orthosis including a first shell and a second shell. The shells are connected together by an adjustable connection device, the adjustable connection device including two notched tabs that are arranged respectively on either side of one of the shells, each notched tab co-operating in adjustable manner with a respective adjustment housing, arranged correspondingly on either side of the other of the shells, the adjustment housings being molded integrally with the other shell, each adjustment housing being connected to the other shell by a foldable support structure.

Abstract: A special night guard, named as “AGP night guard”, comprising a “special retention piece and AGP (Anterior Guidance Package), is provided. The “AGP night guard comprises of; 1) one AGP and 2) two special retention pieces having an anteriorly protruded shelf to receive the maxillary guidance component of the AGP and/or mandibular guidance component of the AGP. For severe Class II malocclusion patient an AGP night guard uses: 1) one AGP, 2) one special retention piece of the current application to receive mandibular guidance component of the AGP and 3) one regular retention piece to apply maxillary guidance component of the AGP. For severe Class III malocclusion patient, the AGP night guard uses; 1) one AGP, 2) one special retention piece of the current application to receive maxillary guidance component of the AGP and 3) one regular retention piece to apply mandibular guidance component of the AGP.

Abstract: An orthotic obstructive sleep apnea treatment device is provided that includes a hyoid bone attachment element disposed to attach a ferric element to a hyoid bone, where the ferric element is disposed to face along a treatment vector from the hyoid bone, and the treatment vector is oriented relative to a sagittal plane of a human. The orthotic obstructive sleep apnea treatment device further includes an external orthotic neck device having a contoured housing with a shape disposed to conform about a neck of the human subject, where the housing includes a force delivery element disposed at an exterior-front neck region of the human subject and is disposed to provide an attractive force to the ferric element along the treatment vector. An accelerometer is disposed to measure kinematic variables or movement.

Abstract: A mouth guard composed of a polymer consisting essentially of polycaprolactone exhibits a low softening point, enabling it to be easily custom-fitted by the user or a health professional. The material is provided in the form of a generally U-shaped, unformed sheet of material, enabling the material to be heated with hot water or microwave energy and custom-fitted to the dentition of a user. The mouth guard may be perforated and may include a no-stick layer and/or a flavoring agent. A plurality of mouth guards may be provided in different sizes for children and adults and different shapes for different sports. In the preferred embodiments the mouth guard has a periphery including a plurality of lobes and cusps to enhance fitting. A method of fabricating an improved mouth guard according to the invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: An oral device for improving the breathing of a user by means of protrusion of the lower jaw includes a first dental rail that covers at least some teeth of a lower row of teeth of the user; a second dental rail that covers at least some teeth of an upper row of teeth of the user; and at least one coupling element connecting the first and the second dental rail. The first dental rail comprises a front, labial connection point and the second dental rail has two rear, buccal connection points positioned substantially at its two posterior ends. The coupling element has a substantially U-shaped configuration, and an apex of the coupling element forms a joint with the front labial connection point on the first dental rail. The posterior ends of the coupling element form a joint with the rear connection points of the second dental rail.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a layered soft palate support and an implantation method for treating sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome or snoring. The layered soft palate support is a flat implant made of a material capable of being implanted into a human body for a long term, and includes a hard palate connecting end and a support. The support is a layered structure formed by stacking two or more layers of supporting plates and capable of being inserted into a soft palate, and is removably or irremovably fixed to the hard palate connecting end. The hard palate connecting end has a connecting structure connected with a hard palate, and is fixed to the hard palate through the connecting structure. The support is implanted into a muscular layer of the soft palate, and is inserted into the soft palate by a length equal to ? to ? of its total length.

Abstract: A method, system and device for addressing the reduction of snoring includes a removable or dissolvable strip of material that adhere to mucosal tissue of a person's soft palate to provide stiffening support therefore, thus reducing the occurrence of vibration of such tissue during sleep. Preferred embodiments include of a specially textured surface, either one both or at least the outer side of an adhesive strip (the side facing away from the mucosal tissue to which it is attached) that has anti-microbial characteristics, bioluminescent expressions, etc. and a surface topography that resists bioadhesion of undesired bacteria that are typically present in a human's mouth.

Abstract: An oral appliance includes a frame for mounting to a user's teeth and a tongue contacting retaining member extending from the frame and configured in use to limit movement of the tongue toward the user's throat when the user is exercising or sleeping to maintain an open air passageway. The retaining member is positioned relative to the frame such that in use the retaining member contacts the tongue in a zone behind the second molars and in front of the pharyngeal reflex region of the tongue. The retaining member is further configured to lightly contact the tongue, and to apply a restraining force to the tongue as the tongue begins to move toward the user's throat during exercise or as the user falls asleep.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials related to oral stenting. For example, oral stenting devices (e.g., adjustable oral stenting devices) and methods for using oral stenting devices for radiation therapy are provided.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for remodeling the tongue. One or more spaces or cavities are formed in the tongue using, for example, surgical or RF ablative techniques. The cavities can be closed or collapsed by inserting a tethered soft tissue anchor into the tongue and attaching the tethered portion of the soft tissue anchor to a bony structure such as the mandible or hyoid bone in order to exert a collapsing force on the one or more spaces or cavities. The insertion pathway of the tethered soft tissue anchor may pass adjacent to or even through one or more cavities. Also disclosed herein is a tongue remodeling system that includes means for creating a space in the tongue, and a tissue anchor configured to close the space. The tissue anchor may be tethered or expandable.

Abstract: Suture passer systems for tissue suspension and tissue compression, and more particularly for palate or tongue suspension, are described. The system can include at least a first elongate tubular body or shaft, a needle having a lateral bias carried by the elongate body, and a retrieval element operably connected to the elongate tubular body. The needle can have a substantially straight configuration when located within the elongate tubular body, and be configured to exit an opening at or near a distal end of the elongate tubular body and assume a laterally biased or curved shape to form a path through tissue. The needle is configured to carry a suture. The retrieval element can be configured to retrieve the suture carried by the needle after the needle has formed a curved or otherwise angled path through tissue. The system can also include one or more bone anchors to secure the suture loops. Methods of placing one or more suture loops into tissue, such as the base of the palate or tongue, are also described.

Abstract: This invention provides an oral apparatus and method capable of alleviating or curing snore and obstructive sleep apnea by applying a negative pressure through a mini oral interface to the oral cavity. The mini oral interface creates a secure connection between the interface and mouth or teeth and prevents the interface from falling off. The oral interface also provides fixation between upper and lower lips (or tooth) and prevents opening of patient's mouth during sleeping. The negative pressure pulls the tongue toward upper palate and also pulls the soft palate forward as well. By moving the tongue and the soft palate in a forward direction, the patency of the upper airway near the pharynx is maintained to prevent sleep-disordered breathing. The negative pressure will pull the lips inward to close the mouth ad prevent air from entering the oral cavity from atmosphere.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for treating sleep apnea, snoring, and the like using an implant within an oropharyngeal region adjacent an anterior longitudinal ligament. The implant may include a central region between first and second outer regions. In one embodiment, one of the outer regions is compressible to allow the outer region to be directed through or behind the ligament such that the central region is disposed within or behind the ligament, the outer region being resiliently expandable after passing through or behind the ligament. In another embodiment, the implant may include one or more tines or other features that may be directed into adjacent tissue, e.g., the anterior longitudinal ligament and/or vertebra to secure the implant within the oropharyngeal region.

Abstract: An oral device for temporary placement in a patient's oral cavity includes a base and a tongue pocket. Partial vacuums are separately drawn through vertically oriented, tooth facing ports on the base and the tongue pocket in order to advance and control the position of the tongue in order to clear the patient's airway to reduce sleep apnea or treat other conditions.

Abstract: A method can be provided that includes measuring sound waves using a sound measuring device, determining, at a central controller of an air mattress system, one or more parameter values of the sound waves, comparing the one or more parameter values with values, ranges, or patterns indicative of snoring, identifying a snoring state of a user, and initiating, with the central controller, a change to one or more adjustable features of the air mattress system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a regulatable intraoral mandibular advancement device that can be used to prevent snoring and sleep apnoea. Said device comprises two splints connected by a central screw (1) inserted into a sheath (2) comprising an upper ring (3), said sheath being used as a guiding housing (4) for an upper bar (5) of an upper plate (6), and the lower part of the sheath comprising a longitudinal groove (8) enabling the course of an inner mobile threaded (10) ring (9) that is displaced by the screw (1), and on which a lower displacement ring (11) is arranged, open or closed, said ring being provided with a perpendicular hole (12) with elipsoidal conicity, in which the lower bar (13) fixed to the lower maxillary plate (14) is inserted. Said screw (1) is locked to the sheath (2) on its rear part.

Abstract: A device for the treatment of bruxism may include an articulation plate worn on one of the upper or lower jaw and coupled to a bite plate worn on the other of the upper or lower jaw. Posts extending from one of the bite plate or articulation plate into housings in the other of the bite plate or articulation plate may couple the bite plate and articulation plate. The posts may include a solid, flexible material to allow for relative movement of the coupled bite plate and articulation plate. First articulating components on one of the bite plate or articulation plate may engage second articulating components on the other of the bite plate or articulation plate to allow for 360 degree articulating motion between the bite plate and articulation plate. A damper may adjust a distance between teeth received in the bite plate and teeth received in the articulation plate.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for treating sleep apnea, snoring, and the like using an implant within an oropharyngeal region adjacent an anterior longitudinal ligament. The implant may include a relatively narrow central region between first and second relatively wide outer regions. In one embodiment, one of the outer regions is compressible to allow the outer region to be directed through or behind the ligament such that the central region is disposed within or behind the ligament, the outer region being resiliently expandable after passing through or behind the ligament. In another embodiment, the implant may include one or more tines or other features that may be directed into adjacent tissue to secure the implant within the oropharyngeal region.

Abstract: The present invention is a safe, inexpensive, easy to use and effective anti-snoring and anti-sleep apnea treatment device. The device has a vertical and horizontal bar. The horizontal bar is placed inside the mouth, behind or between the molar teeth with palatine and tongue shelves to prevent snoring and movement of the tongue backwards. The device is tethered to the hard palate by vacuum cups to prevent the movement of the tongue backwards during sleep to prevent sleep apnea. The proximal end of the vertical bar is anchored to string at the distal end with hook and loop fabric closure adhesive attachment and to the lips outside the mouth to prevent the accidental swallowing and aspiration of the device; and at the same time holds the tongue and device firmly in the mouth. The device is provided with canula with three way stopcocks to deliver supplemental oxygen and therapeutic agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthodontic apparatus that includes an upper jaw brace and a lower jaw brace. The braces each have an adjustment mechanism for an engaging part. The engaging parts engage together when the mouth is closed. Each adjustment mechanism has an adjustment spindle running in the sagittal direction of the jaw brace, the spindle head thereof can be accessed at the front by a tool. The position of the engaging part can thereby be adjusted very easily, and, among other things, also while the orthodontic apparatus is in the mouth of the patient.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an adjustable bite block for positioning within a person's mouth and maintaining the mouth in an open position. The adjustable bite block comprising at least one band of curved material comprising a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions configured to be coupled to one another so as to define a closed loop with an opening defined therethrough, wherein the first and second portions are further configured to be selectively adjusted relative to one another so as to adjust a radial dimension of the loop, and wherein the band is configured to be positioned within the person's mouth such that at least a portion of the loop maintains the person's mouth in an open position. Embodiments of the adjustable bite block may use snap tabs spaced along the band or a ratchet mechanism for adjustment of the radial dimension.

Abstract: A mandibular advancement device used in the management of snoring, obstructive sleep apnea, TMD and bruxism and jaw clenching, comprises a maxillary tray for receiving/retaining maxillary teeth, a mandibular tray for receiving/retaining mandibular teeth, and one to two advancement member(s)/prong(s) located on the mandibular tray at the anterior region thereof. The advancement member(s)/prong(s), when in use, contact the outer surface of the maxillary tray in an anterior region thereof, thereby advancing and retaining the mandible and tongue in a protrusive position. Raized occlusal surfaces/bite pads in a region contiguous and posterior to the advancement prong(s) allow a passive tongue retaining gap or space to be formed in the anterior and posterior regions of the device. A lingual retaining strap may be provided between opposite posterior portions of the mandibular tray to passively retain the tongue in a protruded, non-obstructive position.

Abstract: Devices and methods for improving the coupling between the soft palate and the genioglossus. This may be accomplished, for example, but shortening or stiffening the palatoglossal arch. Improved coupling between the soft palate and the genioglossus may be beneficial to a patient suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as a stand-alone procedure, or in combination procedures and devices that cause anterior displacement of the tongue such as hypoglossal nerve stimulation, genioglossus advancement surgery, mandibular advancement surgery, mandibular advancement (oral) appliances, etc.

Abstract: An orthosis includes an upper tray and a lower tray, which are designed to line the teeth of an upper jaw and the teeth of a lower jaw, respectively. A connection joins the trays. The upper tray has at least a first fixed base, and the lower tray has at least a second fixed base. The connection has a fixed length and is designed to be fixed, on the one hand, to the first base and, on the other hand, to the second base, in a position that has an advancing effect and that is adjustable by way of a control element integrated in at least one of the two bases.

Abstract: Systems and methods implant structures in, on, or near the floor of the mouth. The structures can be sized and configured to resist buckling of tissue structures in, on, or near the floor of the mouth in a cranial direction. The systems and methods can also be sized and configured, singly or in combination, for stabilizing a hyoid bone, and/or stabilizing a tongue, and/or suspending a tongue, and/or providing neuro-muscular stimulation of tissue structures in, on, or near the floor of the mouth.

Abstract: A sleep evaluation device includes an obtainment unit configured to obtain audio and a determination unit configured to determine a snoring level in the audio obtained by the obtainment unit based on an amount of time for which the audio occurred. The determination unit is configured to determine a snoring level based on a ratio of a cumulative time in which the obtainment unit obtains the audio to a number of times the audio is obtained by the obtainment unit.

Abstract: A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) system provides positive airway pressure therapy. It has been recognized that users generally prefer to breathe freely rather than to fight the pressurized air when possible. A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) system provides positive airway pressure therapy when required, but allows the user to breathe freely with the mask on when positive airway pressure is not required. The system has a valve that moves between two positions to open and close the unassisted breathing vent and the outlet from the flow generator.

Abstract: The present invention is a dental oral appliance to open the airway for a sleeping individual who suffers with snoring or obstructive sleep apnea. The appliance includes a base to secure the appliance within the mouth for the individual. Typically, the base will fit over and secure to the lower teeth of the individual. The appliance also includes a tongue restraining device connected to the base. The tongue restraining device has a substantial breach formed therein to permit movement of the tongue so that the user can more easily swallow saliva. A ramp might also be attached to the anterior portion of the base to advance the mandible.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided, including one or more valve support guide members configured to be delivered to one or more commissures of a native atrioventricular valve of a patient, one or more valve support anchors configured to be anchored to the one or more commissures of the native valve, a prosthetic valve support advanceable toward the native valve along the one or more valve support guide members and anchored to the native valve at least the one or more commissures, and a prosthetic valve configured to be coupled to the valve support. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea by first performing an assessment of the patient that involves observing the patient's upper airway during a tongue protrusion maneuver. The assessment may, for example, be done using endoscopy to observe the upper airway while the patient is awake in the supine position. An adequate response of the upper airway during the tongue protrusion maneuver is indicative of likely therapeutic success with hypoglossal nerve stimulation, and may be used for making clinical decisions. The principles of the present invention may be applied to other therapeutic interventions for OSA involving the upper airway.

Abstract: An intraoral orthosis having a first shell and a second shell, the shells being connected together by an adjustable connection device. The adjustable connection device has two notched tabs that are arranged respectively on either side of one of the shells, each notched tab co-operating in adjustable manner with a respective adjustment housing, arranged correspondingly on either side of the other of the shells, each notched tab having adjustment teeth to adjust the position of the shells one relative to the other, and locking housings to lock the position. The locking housings are oriented transversally relative to the adjustment teeth.

Abstract: A device for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea treatment has an oral elastic glove portion adapted to removably cover a free moving portion of a user's tongue. Three vacuum suction cups are used to attach the device to the hard palate and the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the tongue in order to hold the device in place without allowing the tongue to move backwards. A vacuum creating cannula and a syringe attached to a tip of the device to create a vacuum once the device in positioned in the user's mouth. In addition, a balloon is provided to prevent soft palate vibrations. A skin attachment pad is removably attached to the user's face close to the mouth and holds the end of a string provided to secure the tongue glove from moving during sleep or be accidentally swallowed.

Abstract: In a sleep posture alerting method or an apparatus therefor, the sleep posture of a person is detected and the person is automatically alerted by an alerting device when the sleep posture is out of a predetermined body posture range. The detection of the sleep posture or at least the alerting of the person, when his/her body posture is out of the predefined body posture range, is deactivated during a sleep-in time period.

Abstract: Apparatus for the alleviation of sleep apnoea in which dentition engagement units or dental overlays shaped to engage the maxillary and mandibular dentition of a subject each having a laterally located pair of flanges the ends of which almost abut, magnets embedded in said flanges with their like poles adjacent or sinusoidally-shaped extension elements made from shape-memory material having a transition temperature equal to or slightly less than normal body temperature and accommodated in cavities in said flanges provide, respectively, a magnetic repulsion force or expansive force when warmed by body heat sufficient, during sleep-induced relaxation, to displace said mandibular dentition engagement unit or dental overlay forwardly in relation to said maxillary dentition engagement unit, displacing the mandible of the subject and thereby effecting a displacement of the temporomandibular joint.

Abstract: An orthotic obstructive sleep apnea treatment device is provided that includes a hyoid bone attachment element disposed to attach a ferric element to a hyoid bone, where the ferric element is disposed to face along a treatment vector from the hyoid bone, and the treatment vector is oriented relative to a sagittal plane of a human. The orthotic obstructive sleep apnea treatment device further includes an external orthotic neck device having a contoured housing with a shape disposed to conform about a neck of the human subject, where the housing includes a force delivery element disposed at an exterior-front neck region of the human subject and is disposed to provide an attractive force to the ferric element along the treatment vector. An accelerometer is disposed to measure kinematic variables or movement.

Abstract: The invention is generally a dental appliance that, in exemplary embodiments, includes a mandibular advancement mouthpiece equipped with a tongue-securing mechanism. The dental appliance helps to keep a user's airway unobstructed by moving the mandible forward with respect to the maxilla, and securing a tip portion of the tongue slightly anterior to the mandible, so that the tongue is held from falling back into the throat. This invention helps alleviate problems including severe snoring and sleep apnea, which are typically caused by the tongue obstructing the airway at the throat, impeding respiration during sleep or when unconscious. In an exemplary embodiment, the dental appliance comprises of maxillary and mandibular components that make up a mouthpiece, which is configured to circumscribe a tongue retaining mechanism, or tongue sleeve that secures a user's tongue in place.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a uvula to a soft palate. The uvula may be attached to either the nasopharyngeal side or the oral side of the soft palate with a uvula securement device. The uvula may be secured to the nasopharyngeal side of the soft palate with a suture.

Abstract: The cheek pouch anchor, formed of a resilient filament, fits within a user's cheek pouch. The anchor dynamically spans a user's inter-occlusal space and lip opening as a user's jaws open and close. The anchor can be formed of inter-connected, conversely-adjustable loops to enable user adjustment of its span. It can stabilize a work piece, such as an airway, in a user's mouth. The cheek path airway fits a path between a user's lips and through the user's cheek pouch and rear-jaw gap, avoiding the user's bite. It provides supplemental air to a user's rear-mouth cavity independently of a user's nasal airways while a user's lips remain closed. It can be used in combination with mandibular jaw-control and tongue-control devices whereby the combination mitigates breathing restrictions in a user's nasal and throat airways. It can be manufactured in-line and folded by a user to fit the user's cheek pathway.

Abstract: An anti-snoring and sleep apnea device is disclosed in which the device comprises an upper tray structure adapted for receiving upper teeth of a mouth of an individual, a lower tray structure adapted for receiving lower teeth of the mouth of the individual, a first Herbst mechanism connected to the upper tray structure and the lower tray structure, and a second Herbst mechanism connected to the upper tray structure and the lower tray structure, the first and second Herbst mechanisms for adjusting the position of the lower tray structure relative to the upper tray structure.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for retaining a treatment device in the patient's oral cavity through the course of treatment are provided. Retainer elements, which match the upper and lower teeth of the patient, are worn by the patient and coupled to the bite plate of the treatment device. The upper and lower retainer elements can be coupled to the bite plate or otherwise positioned relative to one another such that the lower teeth and mandible are advanced in the anterior direction, which helps maintain airway patency. The treatment device can also apply a vacuum to the oral cavity to help maintain airway patency.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a device having a first member and a second member coupled to the first member where the second member is configured to modify a configuration of a human or animal orifice or conduit. In some embodiments, the first member is a shaft and the second member is an inflatable membrane system configured to facilitate inflation or deflation of the inflatable membrane system. In some embodiments, the first member is a U-shaped member with end members configured for insertion to an internal nasal valve. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of maintaining airway patency in an airway of a patient which includes the steps of implanting a device into tissue adjacent an airway, the device having a bioerodable material wound around a resiliently deformable body to temporarily maintain the deformable body in a stretched, deformed state, and permitting the bioerodable material of the device to bioerode to apply a force to maintain airway patency. The invention also provides devices for practicing the method.

Abstract: A sleep apnea prevention sleep-aid mask is described. The sleep-aid mask is configured to secure the lips of a user together in a natural state, in order to encourage the respiratory system of the user to employ the nasal passages rather than the mouth for respiration. A pad equipped with a perforated mesh or channel is positioned over the lips and mouth of the user, and secured in position on the user via an adhesive, which temporarily affixes the pad to the face of the user. The sleep-aid mask is preferably shaped and sized according to the specific size of the user's face, and is configured to limit the effective diameter of the mouth of the user, in order to cause continued use of respiration via the nasal passages.

Abstract: Described herein are nasal devices. In particular, layered nasal respiratory devices are described. Layered nasal device may include a layered airflow resistor that is configured to resist airflow in a first direction more than airflow in a second direction and that includes a flap valve adjacent to a flap valve limiting layer and an adhesive holdfast layer that is configured to secure the layered airflow resistor in communication with the subject's nasal cavity. Methods of using and methods of assembling layered nasal device are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing sleep apnea in a wearer comprises upper and u-shaped appliances, a bottom protrusion extending from the lower appliance in a direction generally away from an occlusal surface of the lower appliance and a top protrusion extending from the upper appliance, the top protrusion including an adjusting block having a height of between 5/16 and 13/32 of an inch adjustably extending therefrom and having a leading surface oriented to engage the top protrusion. A method for preventing sleep apnea in a wearer comprises locating the top protrusion below and extending away from the top occlusal surface of a wearer's upper teeth, locating the bottom protrusion above and extending away from the bottom occlusal surface of a wearer's lower teeth and extending the adjusting block in an anterior direction from the top protrusion towards the bottom protrusion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and devices for the treatment of airway obstruction, such as obstructive sleep apnea, and devices and methods that facilitate insertion and retrieval of the same. In one embodiment, disclosed is a tissue tensioner that includes an elongate flexible tether having a first end and a second end, a bone anchor configured to be connected to a patient's mandible, a tissue ingrowth implant configured to be implanted in a patient's tongue and connected to the second end of the tether, and an adjustment mechanism configured to be held by the bone anchor adjacent the patient's mandible and configured to receive the first end of the tether and configured to adjust tension in the flexible tether between the patient's mandible and tongue. Various anchors, tethers, securement mechanisms, and adjustment mechanisms that can be used with glossal and palatal remodeling systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dental device has a U-shaped carrier with at least one channel for embracing an arch of teeth. There are recessed insets in the channel. Discrete inserts carrying a beneficial agent can fit into the insets and release the agent gradually. The device may be used in a therapeutic application and as an athletic mouthguard. Temporary blanks may be initially fitted in the insets, while a portion of the mouthguard is softened before an arch of teeth is pressed into the channel to make a custom impression. The inserts possess different physical properties than the carrier and may be positioned and shaped to mechanically buffer teeth of the arch from mechanical shocks as well as release beneficial agents. The inserts may be replaced or refreshed to maintain the beneficial agent. A dental device having a core carrying a beneficial agent inside a liquid-permeable shell functions as an infant's teething device.

Abstract: Devices for monitoring patient breaching comprise a collar having a microprocessor and memory which is connectable to a plurality of sensors. Therapeutic devices comprise similar diagnostic capabilities and further provide energy delivery elements for stimulating a patient's upper respiratory muscles in order to terminate and an apneic or snoring event.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and mandibular protruders and positioning devices, comprising, for example: an upper mounting bracket having an upper dental appliance; a lower mounting bracket having a lower dental appliance; and a rail system configured to couple the upper mounting bracket to the lower mounting bracket. Some embodiments comprise a drive motor and/or an initial position adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: Methods of use of a nasal insert to support smoking cessation, and methods of use of a nasal insert to reduce or eliminate snoring, and a method of use of a nasal insert to reduce the severity or to eliminate obstructive sleep apnea, and a method of use of a nasal insert to gain smoother, easier breathing through the nose. The nasal insert comprises a body having an inner surface which defines an air passageway surrounded by an outer surface of soft, flexible material. The nasal insert body can have a first portion and a second portion where the outer surface of said nasal insert body is configured to the nasal cavity.