Abstract: A medical apparatus that holds open a mouth of a patient. The apparatus contains a passage through which the patient can breathe by mouth. The apparatus contains a port to which an oxygen line is connected and which delivers oxygen to the passage for inhalation by the patient. The apparatus contains a sampling port which samples air in the passage and delivers sampled air to a monitoring device. The latter measures, for example, carbon dioxide content in the sampled gas, and issues a warning if carbon dioxide concentration is out-of-bounds. Phosphor material can be added to the apparatus, to make the apparatus glow in a darkened operating room, to allow technicians to easily find the patient's mouth and to insert tools, tubing, instruments and the like in the patient's mouth.

Abstract: A device for retaining a tongue in a predetermined position, the device comprising, a flange having a first and second surface, the flange further including a protrusion extending from the first surface of the flange; and an aperture formed through the first and second surfaces of the flange, wherein the protrusion covers the aperture, whereby the protrusion form a hollow chamber, the hollow chamber is accessible through the aperture from the second side of the flange.

Abstract: A bite block intended primarily for use with upper gastrointestinal endoscopy comprises a unitary body that fits into the mouth between the teeth or dental ridges. The bite block includes a central passageway large enough to accommodate a gastroscope. The bite block also has a surface which lies exterior to the oral cavity and extends around the outer surface of the lips. A suction wand is releasably connected to the body and extends into the intra-oral portion thereof where it forms an angle and allows suction drainage of pooled oral fluids from the cheek cavity. The interior tip of the suction wand has a terminal opening as well as multiple circumferentially arranged secondary openings adjacent the terminal opening all of which allow suction drainage of oral fluids with diminished occlusion by the oral tissues.

Abstract: Systems and methods selectively stabilize tissue in the oral cavity. The systems and methods provide a first material sized and configured to be fitted to less mobile tissue in the oral cavity, e.g., the roof of the mouth or upper/lower teeth. The systems and methods provide a second material sized and configured to be releasably fitted to more mobile tissue in the oral cavity, e.g., a region of the tongue. The second material is magnetically attracted toward the first material to stabilize a preferred tissue orientation. During sleep, the systems and methods restrain movement of the more mobile tissue within the oral cavity toward positions in which snoring and/or sleep apnea events can occur, but are capable of otherwise leaving the tongue unaffected during waking hours.

Abstract: Musculoskeletal repositioning devices are described. The devices are worn in the mouth and cause the lower jaw of the wearer to move into an active optimal position that relieves stress on the temporomandibular joint, causing increased muscular strength and decreased muscular tension. The devices have ramps on their upper surfaces which contact the upper posterior teeth and lingual anatomy and cause the jaw to reposition from a passive bite position to an active optimal bite position. A casting device for forming a musculoskeletal repositioning device and a method for using the casting device are also described.

Abstract: Protective shield and protective or ornamental cover for protecting the vulva and labia minora of a female. The protective shield is shaped to conform to the outer shape of the labia minora and protects the vulva of a female user.

Abstract: A respiratory mask provides improved sealing through the use of an intraoral mouthpiece with a large sealing area. A tubular extension, configured at one end to accept standard respiratory fittings, is the conduit for gas delivery to the intraoral mouthpiece. The respiratory mask may also include an intraoral oropharyngeal airway which flexes so that it can be inserted without the need for rotation or use of a tongue blade. The respiratory mask may also include an external shield to enhance sealing and provide a barrier of protection for the healthcare provider. The mask's design allows for a novel handgrip technique that allows a single healthcare provider to ventilate with enhanced sealing.

Abstract: A dental oral appliance for use with patients who suffer with sleep disorders, to reduce or eliminate snoring and to open the airway for a sleeping individual who suffers with obstructive sleep apnea. The appliance covers the inside (lingual) of the upper teeth and has an open palate. Retention for the appliance is provided by either clasps placed over the upper right and left molars and a retainer in the anterior area or by an occlusal coverage of the upper teeth. A raised incisor ramp that extends from the incisal tip (biting edge) of the incisors toward the lingual, or posterior raised ramps, separate the posterior teeth to reduce spasm on the temporalis muscle. A transverse, transpalatal member, which extends from the inside (lingual) of the upper right molars to the inside of the upper left molars, covers the tongue, preventing it from moving upward or backward during sleep, opening the airway.

Abstract: A dental oral appliance to reduce or eliminate snoring or obstructive sleep apnea and to open the airway for a sleeping patient. The appliance covers the inside (lingual) of the upper or lower teeth and has an open palate. Retention for the appliance is provided by an occlusal coverge of the upper or lower teeth. A raised incisor ramp that extends from the incisal tip of the incisors toward the lingual, or posterior ramps, separate the posterior teeth to open the airway. A transpalatal bar, which extends from the inside (lingual) of the right molars to the inside of the left molars, inhibits the upward and backward movement of the tongue. An anterior tongue restrainer which is attached to the transpalatal bar at one end and the front of the appliance at the other end, aids in inhibiting and restraining the upward and backward movement of the tongue.

Abstract: Two substantially rectangular, thin, flexible plates, connected by a third substantially narrow, rectangular, thin, flexible plate, together forming the preferred embodiment, is placed between the cheeks and the jaws to prevent the molars biting into the cheeks and the front incisors biting into the lip.

Abstract: Methods and systems for lung volume reduction of a patient are described. The methods include implanting a flow control device in a bronchial passageway of the lung. The flow control device regulates fluid flow through the bronchial passageway and includes a valve protector that at least partially surrounds a valve member. The valve protector has sufficient rigidity to maintain the shape of the valve member against compression.

Abstract: Provided is an airway maintenance apparatus that draws the lower jaw forward to forcibly maintain an airway during sleep, designed to allow quick and easy setting of a drawing extent for the lower-jaw side attachment suitable for each patient. The airway maintenance apparatus contains an upper-jaw side attachment 1 to be attached to the upper jaw side in the oral cavity, and a lower-jaw side attachment 2 provided separately from the upper-jaw side attachment 1, and to be attached to the lower jaw side in the oral cavity, the lower-jaw side attachment 2 being connected to the upper-jaw side attachment 1 via a stepless adjusting device 3 capable of moving the lower-jaw side attachment 2 in a stepless manner in the direction of drawing the lower jaw forward relative to the upper-jaw side attachment 1.

Abstract: A dental appliance for prevention of Bruxism includes a U-shaped buccal strap having opposing right and left aft end portions. A right bite pad assembly is slidingly connected to and completely encloses the right aft end portion of the buccal strap. A left bite pad assembly is slidingly connected to and completely encloses the left aft end portion of the buccal strap. The right bite pad assembly can include a right upper bite surface member for contacting right upper molars of a wearer and a right lower bite surface member for contacting right lower molars of the wearer. The left bite pad assembly can include a left upper bite surface member for contacting left upper molars of a wearer and a left lower bite surface member for contacting left lower molars of the wearer. A right channel extends through the right upper bite surface member and the right lower bite surface member. A left channel extends through the left upper bite surface member and the left lower bite surface member.

Abstract: A method and system for preventing head injury by providing parallel alignment of a jaw are disclosed. A method of preventing a head injury comprises providing a dental appliance having a left body, a right body and a lingual bar engaging the left body and the right body; placing the dental appliance over a plurality of teeth of a lower jaw so the lower jaw and a upper jaw are approximately parallel; and absorbing a force applied to the lower jaw, wherein the dental appliance absorbs the force applied to the lower jaw while preventing a condyle of a mandible from transferring the force to a temporal bone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for avoiding leakage from the mouth when nasally supplying a respiratory gas on a pressure level lying above ambient pressure. The device comprises a base body made from an elastomeric material and comprises an inner edge portion and an outer ring edge portion, wherein the two ring edge portions are coupled with each other via a web portion, and wherein furthermore the base body, in combination with the two ring edge portions and the web portion, is configured in such a manner that in the application position of the base body the latter defines a lip receiving area for receiving the lips of the user.

Abstract: An anti-snoring and obstructive sleep apnea device for preventing one's lower jaw from receding and preventing one's tongue from blocking the air passageway thus eliminating one's snoring. The anti-snoring and obstructive sleep apnea device includes an first support being removably retained by a user's upper teeth; and also includes a second support being supported by a user's lower teeth; and further includes an assembly being retained to the first support for positioning the second support and preventing the lower jaw from receding and the tongue from blocking the air passageway of a user and to allow the user to open one's mouth and to move one's lower jaw forwardly and laterally.

Abstract: This invention relates to a non-invasive patient immobilisation assembly for immobilising a body part of a patient and for at least temporarily fixing the position thereof. The immobilisation assembly comprises a rigid template (1) made of a thermoplastic material. The template is thermoformed or otherwise moulded in such a way that the inner surface conforms to and contacts the body part to be immobilised along a contact surface area between the template and the body part. The contact surface area corresponds to at least part of the inner surface of the template. The immobilisation assembly also comprises a fixation plate (3, 12, 13) and connecting means (10, 11, 14, 15, 16) for connecting the template (1) to the fixation plate (3, 12, 13) in view of fixing the position of the template and the body part with respect to the fixation plate.

Abstract: A method and system for training a patient to improve swallowing, for retraining jaw muscles and for holding or keeping the jaw in a correct bite position. All of this in-turn causing an improvement in posture. The system includes a combination of exercise and oral apparatus pieces or mouth-guards to retrain and balance the facial muscles and to develop a correct swallow. The mouth-guards of the present invention can improve biomechanical imbalance, posture and in turn athletic performance. A particular embodiment of an oral apparatus of the present invention includes top and bottom troughs for receiving top and bottom teeth into the apparatus. The troughs can be adapted to hold the upper canine teeth lower than the central and lateral incisor teeth and hold the upper teeth outside the lower teeth from the incisors to the molars. The apparatus can be pre-fabricated or custom made for a particular patient.

Abstract: Protective shields with and without retaining wings and shield cover for protecting the vulva and labia minora of a female. The protective shield is shaped to conform to the outer shape of the labia minora and may include retaining wings which hold the shield in place. An outer cover may be installed on the shield for protective and ornamental purposes.

Abstract: A comfortable and viable and removable device of channel-type tongue position correction for anti-snoring. The device is made of wire or band material, including a fixer, an upper and nether force-components which are connected with the fixer. The device is mostly applied on upper jaw. The force end of the upper force-component is designed to be suitable to the soft palate palatine velum, and acts to raise up the soft palate palatine velum and uvula upward/upward and backward suitably. The force end of the nether force-component is designed to be suitable to the normal configuration of the corpora linguae (anterior tongue), and acts on the portion in front of the sensitive position of the hind half of the corpora linguae (anterior tongue) to press the big tongue downward/downward and forward. Thus, depending on the co-action of the upper and nether force-components, the blocked respiratory tract could be expanded to prevent snore and remit sleep apnoea syndrome.

Abstract: An anti-snoring device including first and second arcuate members. The first member defines a receptacle for receiving teeth located on either of the user's upper or lower jaw, and a first plurality of fasteners on an opposite side and extending outwardly therefrom. The second member defines a receptacle for receiving teeth located on the other of the user's upper or lower jaws, and a second plurality of fasteners on an opposite side and extending outwardly therefrom. The first and second plurality of fasteners are each formed by elongate, parallel extending projections that define voids therebetween. Selective engagement of the projections and voids allows the first and second members to be secured together in a plurality of different relative positions.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, an apparatus for treating a breathing condition includes a body, a threaded member, a hook, and a receiver. The body comprises a front stop, a rear stop, and a guide extending between the stops. The threaded member couples between the stops and rotates relative to the body. The hook couples to the guide, comprises a threaded passage and an arm that engages a lower arch, and travels in a forward direction along the guide to adjust the position of the lower arch. The receiver couples to the lower arch and comprises a shelf that engages the arm of the hook. The apparatus may include an extender coupled to the receiver and providing a shelf that is more rearward than the shelf of the receiver. The apparatus may include a post that couples the apparatus to another device.

Abstract: Devices and methods for maintaining an open airway are described. Systems and methods are described for maintaining an opening of an airway by application of force to a patient's tissues in one of inferior, anterior, and lateral directions.

Abstract: Systems and methods include magnetic structures for placement in or on tissues in an airway. The magnetic structures carry sources of magnetism, which generate magnetic fields having directions. The magnetic fields interact to provide magnetic forces that provide a desired therapeutic effect, e.g., maintaining separation between the soft palate and/or tongue and the posterior pharyngeal wall. The systems and methods size and configure the directions of the magnetic fields to provide stability, which makes possible the achievement of the desired therapeutic effect in a straightforward and elegant manner.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, an apparatus for treating a breathing condition includes a body, a threaded member, a hook, and a receiver. The body comprises a front stop, a rear stop, and a guide extending between the stops. The threaded member couples between the stops and rotates relative to the body. The hook couples to the guide, comprises a threaded passage and an arm that engages a lower arch, and travels in a forward direction along the guide to adjust the position of the lower arch. The receiver couples to the lower arch and comprises a shelf that engages the arm of the hook. The apparatus may include an extender coupled to the receiver and providing a shelf that is more rearward than the shelf of the receiver. The apparatus may include a post that couples the apparatus to another device.

Abstract: The present invention is a mouth guard which is worn to protect a person's teeth when the person is engaged in a sports activity such as football. A strap which has a quick release mating member at each end interconnects the mouth guard with a bar on a helmet worn by the person. One quick release mating member is removably connected to a bar on the helmet and the other quick release mating member is removably connected to a receiving member in the mouth guard. In the event of a collision between participants in the sport which results in the helmet flying off the person's head, one or both of the quick release members will disengage the strap from either the bar on the helmet, the mouth guard, or both to thereby avoid damage to the person's teeth.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a dental appliance, mouthguard and/or divers mouthpiece using an anti-microbial composition that combines the use of an elastomeric polymer composition with micronized or submicron sized particles of metal or organo/inorgano metal complexes. In addition, the use of an anti-microbial composition for use with a diver's air delivery hose to prevent breathing of contaminated air is also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a dental appliance, mouthguard and/or divers mouthpiece using an anti-microbial composition that combines the use of an elastomeric polymer composition with micronized or submicron sized particles of metal or organo/inorgano metal complexes. In addition, the use of an anti-microbial composition for use with a diver's air delivery hose to prevent breathing of contaminated air is also described.

Abstract: An interocclusal appliance is formed from a single polymer material composition as one unitary piece or from multiple polymer material compositions as a two-piece preform. The two-piece preform includes a base material and an impression material that has a softening point lower than the base material. Teeth are received into the heat-softened impression material, so as to contour the impression material. A portion of the impression material also may contour to a portion of the user's palate. In certain embodiments, substantially no polymeric material contacts the front surfaces of the front teeth, leading to greater comfort and better air flow between front teeth. In still another embodiment, the appliance fits over front teeth only and no polymeric material contacts the maxillary molars.

Abstract: An intraoral discluder for preventing chronic tension headaches, common migraine headaches, and temporomandibular disorders that are caused or perpetuated by chronic activity of the temporalis muscle. The discluder includes a trough, contoured to encompass at least one maxillary or mandibular incisor, from which extends a protruding platform, for engagement by the opposing incisors. The trough can be retained on the teeth by any adaptable material than can flow around the teeth and then maintain its shape. Once in place in the wearer's mouth, one or two opposing incisors will come into contact with the platform prior to the upper and lower posterior and/or canine teeth coming into contact, regardless of the position of the mandible, thereby reducing the intensity of the activity of the temporalis muscle.

Abstract: An oral appliance for treating sleep apnea and bruxism is formed of a maxillary tray and a mandibular tray. The maxillary tray carries a maxillary bite pad projecting downwardly toward an opposed mandibular occlusal surface. The mandibular tray carries a mandibular bite pad projecting upwardly toward an opposed maxillary occlusal surface. The maxillary bite pad is posterior to the mandibular bite pad such that upon sufficient relative posterior movement of the mandibular tray, the maxillary bite pad engages the mandibular bite pad and limits posterior movement of the mandibular tray. At least one surface, chosen from the anterior face of the maxillary bite pad and the posterior face of the mandibular bite pad, defines a guide plane disposed at an upward and forward slant. The maxillary bite pad and the mandibular bite pad are engageable at the guide plane for advancing the mandibular tray along the guide plane upon vertical closure between the trays.

Abstract: A mouthguard for allowing medical instruments to be passed into a patient includes an integrally formed or removable locking device. The locking device includes one or more mechanisms for preventing the movement of a guidewire or other medical devices during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: An intraoral aversion device to assist a user in quitting an undesirable behavior such as tobacco smoking, tobacco chewing, use of snuff, illicit drug use, excessive alcohol consumption, excessive food consumption, and/or other undesirable activity facilitated via the mouth. The aversion device may be wholly or partially configured to be disposed in the user's mouth, for example. The aversion device may include a detector and a output device, wherein the detector is configured to detect a parameter indicative of the user engaging in the habit or undesirable activity. If (and only if) the detector detects such a parameter, the output device delivers a negative stimulus to the user, thus providing negative feedback and creating an incentive for the user to limit if not eliminate the undesirable activity.

Abstract: A bite block intended primarily for use with upper gastrointestinal endoscopy comprises a unitary body that fits into the mouth between the teeth or dental ridges. The bite block includes a central passageway large enough to accommodate a gastroscope. The bite block also has a surface which lies exterior to the oral cavity and extends around the outer surface of the lips. A suction wand is releasably connected to the body and extends into the intra-oral portion thereof where it forms an angle and allows suction drainage of pooled oral fluids from the cheek cavity. The interior tip of the suction wand has a terminal opening as well as multiple circumferentially arranged secondary openings adjacent the terminal opening all of which allow suction drainage of oral fluids with diminished occlusion by the oral tissues.

Abstract: A mouth guard having a tray with a trough dimensioned to receive at least the front two incisors. Impression material is disposed within the trough for creating a dental impression of the wearer's teeth. The tray further includes a stiffening element which concentrates the force transmission through the tray created by occlusion to an area between the upper and lower front incisors.

Abstract: The combination chin protector and mouth guard provides a device for protecting both the user's teeth and chin. The device is particularly adapted for use in combination with a motorcycle or motocross helmet, for example. The combination chin protector and mouth guard includes a chin protector having opposed front and rear faces, and a mouth guard, adapted for insertion into the mouth of the user, having a front face adapted for positioning against the lips of the user and at least one substantially U-shaped recess being formed in the mouth guard to receive and protect the user's teeth. A support having opposed upper and lower ends is further provided, with the upper end thereof being secured to the mouth guard, and the lower end thereof being secured to the chin protector in order to tether the mouth guard to the chin protector.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a device for improving a user's breathing includes an upper arch adapted to receive at least some of the user's upper teeth and a lower arch adapted to receive at least some of the user's lower teeth. A hook having an end is coupled to the upper arch. The lower arch includes a recess adapted to receive and position the end of the hook to pull the lower arch forward to facilitate improved breathing.

Abstract: A mouthguard includes two sections, a vertical component and a horizontal component. The foam is molded into a configuration such that the vertical component curves around the anterior section of the maxillary dental arch to the lateral aspects, just beyond the canine teeth. At the mouth temperature of 98.6 degrees F., the vertical component is held perfectly between the upper lip and teeth by the general pressure of lip musculature. There is a V-shaped notch in the midline of the vertical section to accommodate the maxillary labial frenum. The horizontal component provides a bite platform and a slit is located along the midline forming two rearwardly extending tabs to facilitate the curvature of the bite platform. Accommodative curvature of the vertical section is provided by spaces between the horizontal component and the ends of the vertical component forming deflectable wings in these regions.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an oral appliance for maintaining stability of one or more aspects of a user's masticatory system includes a first arch adapted to receive at least some of the user's teeth and a second arch adapted to receive at least some of the user's teeth. The first arch includes an anterior substantially planar region located proximate a midline of the first arch. The second arch includes an anterior bearing platform located proximate a midline of the second arch, elongated in an anterior-posterior direction, and operable to contact the anterior substantially planar region of the first arch when the user bites down with the oral appliance inserted in the user's mouth and the user's temporomandibular joint in its proper natural position to help maintain stability of one or more aspects of the user's masticatory system.

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 an improved mouthguard which has incorporated into it at least one and preferably a multiplicity of breathing holes which extend from the front of the mouthguard which can protrude through the wearer's mouth into the air and also provide a passageway for the air to travel to the wearer's throat while the mouthguard is gripped between the wearer's teeth. As a result, the wearer is able to breathe through the wearer's mouth while gripping the mouthguard between the wearer's teeth to protect the teeth during an athletic event.

Abstract: A device for retaining a tongue in a predetermined position, the device comprising, a flange having a first and second surface, the flange further including a protrusion extending from the first surface of the flange; and an aperture formed through the first and second surfaces of the flange, wherein the protrusion covers the aperture, whereby the protrusion form a hollow chamber, the hollow chamber is accessible through the aperture from the second side of the flange.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved mouth guard (10) for braces having a U-shaped base portion (30) made from EVA or similar plastic having a melting point less than the boiling point of water, and an upper portion (20) extending generally upwardly from the outer perimeter of the base potion with an inner surface (21) made from PVC or similar material having a melting point greater than the boiling point of water, whereby a partially custom-fitted mouth guard is provided for users with braces.

Abstract: This invention relates to a protective mouthguard for use by athletes that incorporates a color customizable feature, allowing users to customize the visible color of the mouthguard. The invented protective mouthguard has a u-shaped base that will fit inside of a user's mouth. The front surface of the mouthguard can be visible when the mouthguard is worn by the user inside of his mouth. A colorable strip is placed inside a cavity in the front wall of the mouthguard and is visible through holes that are placed in the front wall.

Abstract: An oral appliance having upper and lower channel elements attached, respectively, to upper and lower bite blocks. The two channel elements are oriented at a right angle with respect to each other. One of the channel elements carries a removable insert having an array of adjustment holes. A removable coupling member has a support rod with an anchor piece and anchor pin at one of its ends. The anchor piece is received by the channel element carrying the insert, while the anchor pin is received by one of the insert's adjustment holes. A base at the other end of the support rod is received by the other channel element, so that the coupling member may releasably connect the two channel elements together.

Abstract: A customizable and reusable mouthpiece for diving use having a passageway-forming front member extending from a proximal in-mouth end to a distal outside end and a U-shaped formable back member is described. The back member provides a hollow cavity portion located in the bitewing section that may be partially filled with a gel-like or other suitable substance configured to provide custom moldability at substantially all points of contact between the mouthpiece and the teeth such that the mouthpiece is securely gripped by the teeth. The mouthpiece requires pressure relief channels so that air or fluids may enter into and be forced out of the hollow cavity providing a bellows-like action that provides a means for the bitewing and materials of composition to return to essentially its original shape. Reusability of the mouthpiece, more specifically the bitewings is directly related to the choice and combination of materials, dimensioning and processing.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a method of sealing an orifice comprising: inserting a sealing element into an orifice; transferring a fluid into the sealing element; and restricting fluid transfer into the sealing element when a pressure in the sealing element is greater than a threshold value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting a user's mouth from discomfort caused by installed dental brackets of the character having a plurality of bracket members attached to the teeth of the user with cooperating wire support members attached to the brackets. The apparatus includes a plurality of uniquely configured protective guards that can be quickly and easily connected to and removed from the bracket members of the installed dental bracket. The protective guards are preferably constructed from a soft, stretchable material and comprise an end guard, a side guard, a corner guard and a front guard, each of which can be readily, removably attached to the dental bracket at selected areas to protect the inside of the user's mouth from injury.

Abstract: A combination bite block, tongue depressor/retractor and airway for establishing and maintaining an open airway while preventing emergence clenching and the resulting dental and soft tissue damage associated with emergence clenching in procedures where anesthesia and/or sedation are used, or when the patient is not in control of their own airway, regardless of the cause. The inventive subject matter includes a tongue depressor/retractor component in both right and left conformations; and a bite block component. The bite block component is a wedge shaped, compressible component that is inserted between the upper and lower molars on either the right or left side of the mouth. The tongue depressor component is comprised by a flat portion of that is inserted into the side of the bite block, and an optional curved portion that retracts the tongue off of the posterior pharynx when in place.

Abstract: A dental appliance for maintaining a separation between the occlusal plane surfaces of the posterior teeth in order to avoid or minimize the adverse effects of bruxism, especially while sleeping. The appliance comprises bitepad assemblies, side assemblies for adjustably receiving the bitepad assemblies, and a strap assembly for connecting the side assemblies. Bitepad cores are provided with solid projections and mechanical locks that enhance bonding with associated overmolds for improved durability. Side assembly flanges are divided to achieve independent flexibility and improved conformity for enhanced stability and comfort. A mesial area of the connecting strap assembly is thickened and rigidified to create a flare in the areas of the cuspid roots to minimize irritation and discomfort to the gum tissue.