Abstract: Dental appliances formed using this method provide projections of the appliance itself which provide the necessary gripping forces rather than extraneous wires or other parts. The projections are formed by cutting grooves in casts of the teeth arches which will result in a projection, which will bear against the teeth, when the cast surface is duplicated in plastic. A first embodiment forms upper and lower plastic components, each having projections from the casts using the lost wax technique. These components are joined together in a predetermined relationship using a wax bite registration taken while the patient held his jaw in the predetermined relationship, and a dental articulator. A second method forms the plastic components directly over the casts. In this method the components are joined together, while mounted over the patient's arches, with the patient holding his jaw in the predetermined relationship.

Abstract: A patient mouthpiece apparatus which incorporates a removable covering, or protective shield, for maintaining cleanliness of the mouthpiece prior to patient use, and for containment of saliva or other body fluids which might be on or in the mouthpiece or associated breathing tube after patient use, thereby preventing possible contamination spread.

Abstract: A mouth guard which has two main portions, a stiff, thin planar portion and a compressible portion. The thin, stiff planar portion is capable of deflecting mouth and cheek tissues. The planar portion extends from two arms, or the outer and upper aspect of a solid triangle, to a handle opposite the arms. The compressible portion extends above and below the plane of the planar portion on each arm.

Abstract: A tethered, protective mouthguard assembly for attachment to a helmet or headgear including a mouthpiece portion, a connecting member integrally formed with the mouthpiece and provided with a tether attachment element therein, a separate breakaway tether constructed of a cord-like or strap-like material and a corresponding attachment element connected with the tether for selectively and easily attaching the tether to and detaching the tether from the connecting member.

Abstract: A container for a mouthguard has two closed positions. In one of these, there is an opening between confronting margins of the top and bottom halves of the container that allows an integral attaching strap of the mouthguard to pass through. Intra-oral devices such as mouthguards can be customized by using a manually operated electric gun to progressively melt a stick of pharmaceutical hot melt material and dispense the melted material onto a device, such as to fill a space in a trough of a mouthguard. Such a gun may have two barrels for melting sticks of different durometer, or a single barrel for melting a dual-durometer stick. The gun also has a quick-attach, quick-release mechanism for interchanging different dispensing nozzles.

Abstract: A bite block to protect against a patient's biting into an instrument inserted through the mouth in a medical procedure. As a patient bites on the block against a sloping channel, the block is more firmly seated in the mouth, and the tongue is more firmly held depressed.

Abstract: The guard is made of soft flexible material and includes a pair of hinged wings adapted to be placed in straddling relation with the cheek of a dental patient. A forwardly facing and generally V-shaped throat is formed in the forward margins of the wings and cradles and cushions a dental instrument to prevent the instrument from causing sores in the corner of the patient's mouth.

Abstract: A nipple assembly with an alarm buzzer and a body temperature indicator. The assembly comprises a nipple base in which is accommodated a main case and an inner case as well as a ring-shaped thermometer attached thereto. In the main case are provided an inner case, an IC board, a heat sensitive resistor and a buzzer. A heat conductive liquid is filled in the sealed space defined by the base, the main case, and the inner case. At the rear end of the base is attached a transparent convex housing to which is fastened a handle with a battery. When a baby sucks the nipple of the assembly, the heat in the baby's mouth can be transferred through the liquid to the thermometer so that it can indicate the baby's body temperature. Moreover, when the baby's body temperature reaches a predetermined warning value, a signal from a heat sensitive resistor will be sent to the buzzer so that the latter can issue an alarming sound.

Abstract: A dental guard is provided with a two layer construction wherein a soft layer is bonded to a hard layer. The soft layer makes contact with the user's upper set of teeth while the hard layer forms the exterior of the dental guard. The soft layer provides a dental guard which is comfortable to wear and less stressful on the user's teeth while the hard layer provides the desired durability.

Abstract: A dental orthosis is provided for use in the treatment of snoring. The upper portion of the device receives the upper teeth of a user. Once properly fitted, the device will firmly grip all upper teeth forward of the premolars and remain positioned independent of natural motions of the lower jaw. The lower portion of the device is formed into a ramp structure whereby natural jaw motions result in the engagement of the lower teeth against the ramp, which will cam the lower jaw into a more forward position. An aperture in the device between the upper portion and the lower portion facilitates the passage of air for mouth breathing and attracts the tongue forward. By inducing the lower jaw and tongue to a more forward position, the device induces a more open posterior airway in the user, resulting in a significant reduction in snoring.

Abstract: A mouthguard that possesses a number of unique features including: a two part main body in which the two parts are exactly identical so that they can be fabricated by the same mold; the main body has internal pockets that provide for the placement of a lower durometer material within the main body, particularly the molar regions; the main body is constructed in two parts to provide for the inclusion of air/saliva ducts and the attachment of a separate attaching strap; the relative thicknesses of the liner material and the main body material can be varied in particular ways at the occlusal wall; the buccal wall has pocketry containing different durometer material; a bite locator is provided; and the liner forms a significant portion of the buccal wall as a smooth rounded edge.

Abstract: An oral appliance for tongue thrust correction includes a pair of thin wire filament loops pivotally coupled together for limited pivotal movement about an axis. One loop forms a palatal portion and the other loop forms a lingual portion which includes a bridge for spanning the dorsum of the tongue. A spring urges the bridge away from the palatal portion and against the dorsum whereby contact with the dorsum encourages the tongue to a position through the palate and lingual portions and to properly seat on the rugae for maintaining proper proprioceptive sense. The bridge includes means for dispensing a stimulant for increasing the swallowing frequency. The corrective habit established by use of the appliance inhibits snoring and brings about improvement in malocclusion, TMJ and related disorders. An embodiment of the appliance includes a pair of thin flexible filaments which couple the palatal and lingual portions together.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing the craving for food and tobacco smoke including a flexible resilient member having a central portion with an intermediate portion inclined upwardly received between the lower lip and teeth and a pair of outwardly extending apertured side portions received between the user's cheeks and the teeth at the sides of the mouth. The central portion has a tab which may be flipped back and forth by the tongue.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for treatment of snoring and apnea. The method provides the steps of regulating the flow of air through the mouth of the user to an extent comparable to the volume of air which flows through the user's nasal passages. The apparatus provides a device having a body portion sufficiently wide to separate the user's teeth and provided with an air passsage comparable in area to the area of the user's nasal passages. In a preferred form of the invention the user is able to seal the air passage with his tongue to completely suppress the flow of air through the mouth and to control the turbulence of the air meeting the nasal inspiration.

Abstract: An antisnoring device is found in a U-shaped, wedge-like intraoral training appliance that separates the teeth, provides additional intraoral space for the tongue and retrains as it tones up the muscles of degletition and mastication while the user is in a sleep induced state. Thereby resulting in a more open airway space facilitating the improvement of snoring, of obstructive sleep apnea and nocturnal occlusal trauma.

Abstract: A nipple assembly which monitors the body temperature of a baby through an IC board, a heat sensitive resistor and a heat conductive liquid to activate a battery operated buzzer when the temperature of the liquid reaches a warning level. A heat sensing plate having plural heat reaction areas thereon provide a visual indication of the liquid temperature through a transparent magnifying cover.

Abstract: A nipple assembly which monitors the body temperature of a baby through an IC board, a heat sensitive resistor and a heat conductive liquid to activate a battery operated buzzer when the temperature of the liquid reaches a warning level. A thermocouple winding operates a pointer for providing visual indication of the liquid temperature on a temperature scale plate.

Abstract: A process for reducing the occurrence of apneic episodes in an edentulous person including the steps of determining a neuromuscularly balanced position of the temporal mandibular joint of the edentulous person and shaping an oral appliance to maintain the neuromuscularly balanced position during sleep. The oral appliance has upper and lower plates with opposing planar rest surfaces which maintain the jaw position and angle corresponding to the neuromuscularly balanced position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a protective mask, and more particularly to a protective mask usable during the act of oral sex or during the performance of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to protect a wearer against infection with communicable diseases including viral diseases such as the human immune virus which leads to the development of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The mask is formed by an elongate, generally planar membrane of a tough film material having, when lying flat, a longitudinal axis and an outline configuration which is asymmetrical about that axis, the outline configuration having a lateral extension portion for extending downwardly and rearwardly over the chin of a wearer. The mask is securely wrapped in place over the lower face of a wearer while permitting free movement of the jaw, lips and tongue of the wearer and includes a flaccid pouch-like central portion.

Abstract: A new and improved oral appliance for improving breathing, reducing or eliminating snoring, and preventing sleep apnea has a rigid shell with an upper tray, a lower cam structure to advance the mandible structure forward with respect to the maxilla structure, stops to hold the mouth partially open, and a soft resilient pliable socket inside of the tray. The pliable socket has tooth sockets for a plurality of upper teeth, and a gum socket for the maxilla gigiva tissue enabling the pliable socket to conform to the users dental structure and to spread the stress loading to maxilla structure without pain. Methods of using and making the appliance are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the control and prevention of bruxing (nocturnal teeth grinding) which comprises a sound generating means affixed to the jaw of the user, an electronic control means to "read" electrical impedance variations within said sound generating means caused by bruxing and to activate an alarm when bruxing occurs. Said apparatus utilizes the principle of bone conduction wherein sonic loading of said sound generating means differs between the open-jaw and the closed-jaw states. The alarm develops a conditioned reflex in the user such that after the first few alarms incident to bruxing the user does not awaken but merely reacts by relaxing the jaw when the alarm occurs.

Abstract: An oral appliance for correcting tongue thrust or facial oral muscular dysfunction includes palatal and lingual portions arranged to encourage the tongue to contact the rugae for maintaining proper proprioceptive feel. The appliance may include a receptacle for dispensing a stimulant for increasing swallowing frequency.

Abstract: A soft and pliable mask for the lower face for the prevention of disease, comprised of a molded mask and straps or bands to hold it in place. Breathing passages are provided. A cavity at the bottom fits around the chin and the top edge may be thicker, or reinforced, to provide close adhesion around the nose.

Abstract: A mouthguard that has a body having upper and lower troughs conforming generally to the upper and lower arches. Liners of impression material are disposed in the respective troughs for conformance to the actual impressions of the teeth of the arches. The body has an occlusal wall that contains a series of spaced-apart air/saliva ducts extending in a lingual/buccal sense to establish lingual/buccal fluid communication. The liners are mechanically interlocked to the mouthguard body by interlocking material that extend along the edges of the respective troughs and also by integral connections which extend through the occlusal wall between the two troughs in bridging portions of the occlusal wall that separate the air/saliva ducts.

Abstract: An elastic and flexible oral prophylactic that conforms to the mouth. The hygienic appliance may incorporate texture and flavor, and includes impermeable and permeable embodiments.

Abstract: A single-use annular mouthpiece for use with a diagnostic instrument such as an endoscope is provided. The mouthpiece protects the endoscope from damage and enhances patient comfort while giving a visible indication of any prior use. The mouthpiece includes a first relatively rigid portion having an annular main body shaped and dimensioned to be held in a patient's mouth and to provide clearance for an instrument through its central opening. The rigid portion includes an annular lip extending radially from the main body at one end and an annular flange extending radially from the main body at another end. The flange is shaped and dimensioned to overlie a patient's lips. The mouthpiece includes a second deformable compressible annular portion mounted around the annular main body of the first portion. The second portion is permanently deformable when subject to a patient'bite. The second portion is sized and shaped to substantially encircle the main body portion and to fit between the lip and the flange.

Abstract: The mouth moisturizing device for treatment of an individual suffering from xerostomia comprises two mouth moisturizing pads, each of which include at least two approximately oval shaped sponge sections placed adjacent each other of a size such that together the sponge sections just fit in a cheek pouch of the individual being treated and an envelope or covering made of knit cotton cloth in which the sponge sections are held, and a connecting strap attached to both of the mouth moisturizing pads. A method of treatment of xerostomia and associated sleep disorders is also described.

Abstract: A non-surgical, non-invasive therapeutic apparatus and method, of an adult oral cavity appliance that improves airway patency for correcting snoring and/or obstructive sleep apnea due to intermittent closures or partial obstructions occurring in the oro pharynx. The appliance repositions the mandible in an inferior (open) and anterior (protrusive) position as compared to the normal closed position of the jaw, typically, on the order to 10-20 mm inferior, and 3-10 mm (preferably 3-6 mm) anterior. It is a rigid, generally V-shaped wedge molded to the entire mandibular dentition and a portion of the maxillary dentition. It is completely open in the front, and preferably open at the top (across the palatal arch). The mandibular incisal edge is embedded, with a lip extending about 1-2 mm over the labial surface of the mandibular incisors. It extends over the lingual surfaces of all mandibular teeth and downwardly into the lingual vestibule.

Abstract: A disposable appliance for inhibiting the intake of food is disclosed. The appliance comprises first and second spaced pressure sensitive adhesive pads applied to the cheeks of a user at the corners of the user's mouth, the ends of one or more bands being connected to the pads. The bands are arcuate, so that they arch over the junction of the lips of the user. The appliance permits normal breathing and speech, while at the same time inhibiting the intake of food through the lips.

Abstract: An oral appliance to prevent further oral injury to comatose patients and the like. This appliance is a flat body of substantially uniform thickness that defines a U-shape. This provides an intra-oral leg for insertion between the occlusal surfaces of the teeth on one side of the patient's mouth. The second leg is extra-oral i.e., for exterior the mouth, with the curved surface between the legs fitting into the corner of the patient's mouth. This construction permits insertion in either side of the mouth, or periodic switching sides to prevent excessive irritation. A tether or lanyard is fastened to the extra-oral leg by providing a perforation near the distal end thereof. In the preferred embodiment, the extra-oral leg is both wider and longer than the intra-oral leg to facilitate manipulation by attending personnel. This appliance does not require impressions or the like, nor does it require extra-sedation of the patient for installation or manipulation.

Abstract: This invention is comprised of a nonfiltering facial separation barrier, configurated to cover the mouth of a user, and is used for training purposes in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is formed of a relatively coarse mesh material and serves to prevent actual contact of the user's mouth with the training mannequin, while allowing a sufficient flow of air therethrough for resuscitation, with no effective filtration of air.

Abstract: An improved protective mouthguard blank is adapted for in situ custom-fitting by an athlete/patient. A method for in situ custom-fitting is disclosed. The resulting in situ custom-fitted mouthpiece provides superior retention and protective characteristics. The protective mouthguard blank has a generally V-shaped channel corresponding to a normal dental arch and is formed from thermoplastic substances which have a softening, moldable temperature in the range of 120-160 degrees F. The protective mouthguard blank has outer side walls which are longer than the labial vestibule and the buccal vestivules of the athlete/patient. The resulting in situ custom-formed protective mouthguard consequently has an outer side wall which substantially entirely fills the athlete/patient's buccal vestibules and labial vestibule.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the control and prevention of bruxing (nocturnal teeth grinding) which comprises a sound generating means affixed to one area of the face of the user, a sound receiving means affixed to another area of the face, and an electronic control means to "read" signals from said sound receiver and to activate an alarm when bruxing occurs. Said apparatus utilizes the principle of bone conduction whereby the sonic vibrations from said second generator are transmitted to said sound receiver bottom when the jaw of the user is closed than when it is open. The alarm develops a conditioned reflex in the user such that after the first few alarms incident to bruxing the user does not awaken but merely reacts by relaxing the jaw when the alarm occurs.

Abstract: The mouth moisturizing pad for treatment of an individual suffering from xerostomia comprises at least two approximately oval shaped sponge sections saturated with water and of a size such that when placed adjacent each other the sponge sections just fit in a cheek pouch of the individual being treated and an envelope or covering made of knit cotton cloth in which the sponge sections are held. The method of treatment which is even effective during sleep thus alleviating associated frequent wakefulness comprises saturating the mouth moisturizing pad with water and inserting it in the cheek pouch of the individual where it remains because of the critically chosen dimensions.

Abstract: An appliance for inhibiting the intake of food is disclosed. The appliance comprises first and second spaced adhesive strips applied above and below the upper and lower lips of a user and interconnected by lines, which may be elastic, and which provide relatively normal movement of the mouth to permit normal speech, while at the same time inhibiting, but not totally preventing the intake of solids and liquids.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for providing reduced opportunity for germs, viruses and other substances from entering the human mouth under various circumstannces. The device comprises a planar latex membrane adapted to be worn over the mouth and attached to the ears, and having a hollow, generally conical or cylindrical protuberant extension of the membrane deviating from the planar cofiguration at a central location.

Abstract: The invention is based on the realization that the pain associated with many conditions such as headaches (in particular, migraines and other severe repetitive chronic headaches) is caused by a muscle imbalance that can be traced to the masticatory muscles controlling the lower jaw. It has been found that interdigitation of the molar teeth of the upper and lower jaws is the principal factor that causes the muscle imbalance. The treatment, therefore, requires the unlocking of the interdigitation. In this regard a particular construction of splint to overlie at least the molar teeth of the lower jaw is disclosed.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a condom-like article includes a condom-like closed-end sleeve having at its open end a continuous water-impervious sheet (shield) having a height extending upwardly from the hole at-least about seven or more inches sufficiently to overlay a navel of a male person wearing the condom-sleeve and extending downwardly at-least about two inches or more, there being liquid-catching and retaining cup-like structures at the bottom of the sheet on each of the flat hole-side face of the sheet and of the opposite face, each cup-like structure being positioned and adapted to catch or receive and retain any liquid draining or forced through the lower end, and the sheet further having a handle-structure extending from its flat face at or near the upper end of the sheet, and securing elements for tying or otherwise intermittently mounting the upper end of the sheet onto a mid or upper part of the body of the male wearing the condom-like article, and as a part of a combination, a water impervious m