Abstract: Dental appliances, materials, and methods of forming such appliances and materials for improved laser marking are provided herein including the use of a particulate material for enhancing laser marking.

Abstract: Wax-based compositions for making barrier layers used in oral treatment devices are thermally stable when formed into a flat sheet or three-dimensional article to a temperature of at least 45° C. and are plastically deformable at room temperature (25° C.). The wax-based compositions include a wax fraction homogeneously blended with a polymer fraction. The wax fraction includes at least one wax and the polymer fraction includes at least one polymer selected such that, when the at least one wax and at least one polymer are homogeneously blended together, they yield a wax-based composition having the desired properties of thermal stability and plastic deformability. Barrier layers and oral treatment devices made from such wax-based compositions are dimensionally stable to a temperature of at least 40° C. without external support and can be plastically deformed in a user's mouth to become at least partially customized to the size and shape of user's unique dentition.

Abstract: A customizable mandibular advancement device for use in treating snoring and obstructive sleep apnea is provided. The device comprises upper and lower trays adapted to be fitted to a person's maxillary and mandibular arches. The upper tray comprises a stop member, which when engaged with a fin located on the lower tray, inhibits the posterior movement of the user's mandible thereby maintaining the mandible in an advanced position. Both the upper and lower trays comprise a core that is overmolded by a thermoplastic material that has a much lower softening temperature than the core.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing breathing assistance, the apparatus including a body for positioning within an oral cavity of a user, the body defining at least one first opening for allowing airflow between lips of the user, two second openings provided in the oral cavity to allow air flow into and out of a posterior region of the oral cavity and two channels, each channel connecting a respective second opening to the at least one first opening and each channel passing at least one of at least partially along the buccal cavity and at least partially between the teeth to thereby provide an airway for the user, the airway at least partially bypassing the nasal passage and acting to replicate a healthy nasal passage and pharyngeal space.

Abstract: The disclosed dental appliance is a functional daytime and nighttime anatomical removable dental appliance that is designed to overlay the existing natural dentition of the user. In desirable embodiments, the appliance can be held in place without any alterations to the user's existing dentition. The appliance is a plural piece or plural section intra-oral removable appliance with occlusal surface portions that have been built up to occupy the measured intra-occlusal spaces that exist between pairs of upper and lower teeth when the mandible is in a relaxed or rest position.

Abstract: Methods of lowering heart rate during physical activity for a user in need of an increase in their smallest concentric airway cross-sectional area include providing the person with a mandibular repositioning device having a maxillary tooth covering having a driver flange protruding laterally outward on a right and left side proximate a backmost teeth mold and a mandibular tooth covering having a protrusive flange extending cranially therefrom positioned to have a posterior side engaged with the anterior side of each driver flange. The anterior side of each driver flange has a convex curvature, and the posterior side of each protrusive flange has a concave-to-convex curvature from its base toward its most cranial point and a convex portion of the concave-to convex curvature engages the convex curvature of the driver flange in a rest position, and downward movement of the mandibular piece moves the user's mandible forward as well.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing obstructive sleep apnea, snoring and/or nasal drainage, or improving sleep even without substantial reduction in snoring. One apparatus includes an upper member fitting portions of the interior and exterior surfaces of a user's upper dentition, and a lower member fitting similarly adjacent a user's lower dentition. The upper and lower members include molar and pre-molar extensions so that when the user bites or clenches, the upper right and lower right extensions impinge on one another in substantially overlapping fashion, as do the upper left and lower left extensions. In certain embodiments, patterned surfaces on mating right and left molar and pre-molar extensions reduce friction. The lower and upper molar and pre-molar extensions may have curved or arcuate shaped interior surfaces to provide more room for a user's tongue. Right and left sub-chambers formed in the upper and lower molar and pre-molar extensions may provide lateral space for the tongue.

Abstract: The present invention provides protective repositioning appliances, accommodating mouth guards, and covering guards that protect an orthodontic patient against impact-induced injuries, as well as related systems and methods. A protective appliance can include teeth receiving cavities shaped to receive and reposition a patient's teeth and can include an occlusal portion having an impact-absorbing compliance. An accommodating mouth guard can include teeth receiving cavities shaped to accommodate a patient's teeth from a first arrangement to a second arrangement and can include an occlusal portion having an impact-absorbing compliance. A covering guard can include a guard segment that covers at least a portion of an appliance. The combination of a guard segment and an appliance can provide an occlusal compliance that absorbs impacts.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally provides oral inserts useful for determining forces experienced by a user, such as a human user, to the head, for example, by measuring one or more of acceleration, velocity, displacement, or rotation. In some aspects, the disclosure provides oral inserts that, when worn properly by a human user, calculate the forces experienced by the user's head with high accuracy. In some aspects, the disclosure provides systems for detecting and calculating forces experienced by the user's head and to determine whether such forces are above a certain threshold indicative of increased concussion risk. In some aspects, the disclosure provides methods for calculating forces experienced by the user's head and determining whether such forces are above a certain threshold indicative of concussion.

Abstract: Dental appliances, materials, and methods of forming such appliances and materials for improved laser marking are provided herein including the use of textured and/or roughened surfaces to enhance laser marking.

Abstract: An oral appliance includes: 1) a body defining a channel to accommodate an upper dentition; and 2) a motion sensor. The body includes a front portion defining a recess, and the motion sensor is affixed to the front portion.

Abstract: An intra-oral device includes an upper splint, a lower splint and a pair of lateral connecting rods. Each connecting rod has a first rod end that connects to the lower splint and a second rod end that connects to the upper splint. The connecting rods are configured to maintain the mandible in an advanced position relative to the maxilla. The upper splint includes at least one upper gutter portion that retains the upper splint on the maxilla. The lower splint includes at least one lower gutter portion that retains the lower splint on the mandible. The thickness of the at least one upper gutter portion and/or the at least one lower gutter portion may vary across the profile of the teeth.

Abstract: The new and improved mouth guard of the invention comprises a flexible mouth guard having a channel for one's teeth and an integral flexible bubble that protrudes from the upper or lower front teeth. The bubble is positioned around and under the upper two to four front teeth or around and above the lower two to four front teeth. The flexible bubble preferably of flexible polymer or plastic material prevents the upper and lower posterior teeth from engaging thereby preventing the clenching and grinding of bruxism. The multiple bubbles absorb shock and assists in preventing trauma and dental issues.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided for utilizing metallic portions in dental positioning appliances. One embodiment includes a removable dental positioning appliance having a shell having one or more cavities shaped to receive and reposition one or more teeth from a first orientation to a successive orientation and where at least a portion of the shell is formed from a mesh material.

Abstract: A dental guard (10) for preventing wear of the occlusal surfaces of a user's teeth resulting from bruxism is provided. The dental guard (10) can be can be custom-fitted to the teeth of the wearer. The guard (10) comprises a durable core (14) that is overmolded by a thermoplastic outer layer (12). The outer layer (12) can be softened through exposure to hot, but not boiling, water, and then formed around the user's teeth. The guard (10) may include one or more features (32, 84) that assist the user in proper positioning of the guard within his or her mouth during the custom fitting process.

Abstract: An airflow inhibitor apparatus for use in the mouth has an airflow inhibitor body and a tongue shelf. The tongue shelf positions the forward part of the tongue upward, improving the oral posture of the wearer and promoting proper nasal breathing. The airflow inhibitor body helps block the user from mouth breathing. The body is adjacent to the lips and the teeth when in the mouth. The tongue shelf extends laterally from the body. A bite pad may be shaped to fit the teeth of the wearer, having been made with reference to a custom mold or the like, or may have a combination of protrusions that permit the teeth to grip the pad. In an alternative configuration, the body has thinned wall sections that facilitate trimming of the airflow inhibitor apparatus with scissors or the like.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for manufacturing a mouthpiece with desired dimensions or thicknesses that may enhance the performance of an individual when participating in a contact sport. Mouthpieces and methods consistent with the present disclosure may include incremental steps of three dimensional printing that use different materials. Dimensions and materials used when manufacturing mouthpieces of the present disclosure may be optimized according to user preferences or settings.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining an acceleration at a location of interest within one of a user's head and neck. At least one of linear acceleration data, angular acceleration data, angular velocity data, and orientation data is produced using at least one sensing device substantially rigidly attached to an ambient-accessible surface of the user's head. The location of interest is represented relative to a position of the at least one sensing device as a time-varying function. An acceleration at the location of interest is calculated as a function of the data produced at the sensing device and the time-varying function representing the location of interest. The calculated acceleration at the location of interest is provided to at least one of the user and an observer in a human-perceptible form.

Abstract: Systems and methods of remote orthodontic treatment include receiving a plurality of images from a customer where the plurality of images represent teeth of the customer, receiving a first approval from a staff computing device where the first approval is indicative of a staff user approving the plurality of images for assessment by a dental professional, receiving a second approval from a provider computing device where the second approval is indicative of the provider approving a fitness of the customer for treatment, generating, in response to receiving the second approval, a treatment plan including a series of steps to reposition at least one tooth of the teeth of the customer, and manufacturing one or more aligners based at least in part on the treatment plan where the aligners are specific to the customer and are configured to reposition the at least one tooth of the teeth of the customer.

Abstract: A mouth guard includes a tray configured to encompass at least anterior teeth of a dental arch. The tray includes a pair of protrusions extending away from the tray, each protrusion configured to generally overlie a canine of the dental arch. The protrusions are configured to engage one or more anterior teeth of a dental arch, whereby damage to the at least anterior teeth of the dental arch is reduced or prevented.

Abstract: A dental appliance apparatus is disclosed herein. In various aspects, the dental appliance may include a body removably attachable to one or more teeth selected from premolars and molars, and a flange extending forth from lingual portions of the body to contact a tongue at one or more locations proximate the premolars and the molars in order to cause a contraction of the genioglossus that positions the tongue anteriorly and downward toward the mandible by stimulation of the hypoglossal nerve. The dental appliance may include a connector connected to the body, and the connector may pass about buccal-labial sides of the anterior teeth. A bumper may be included on a labial side of the connector, and the bumper may contact the lips to promote pursed lips breathing. An anterior flange may extend lingually from the connector to stimulate the hypoglossal nerve proximate a tip of the tongue in order to cause contraction of the genioglossus to position the tongue anteriorly and downward toward the mandible.

Abstract: A dental appliance apparatus is disclosed herein. In various aspects, the dental appliance may include a body removably attachable to one or more teeth selected from premolars and molars, and a flange extending forth from lingual portions of the body to contact a tongue at one or more locations proximate the premolars and the molars in order to cause a contraction of the genioglossus that positions the tongue anteriorly and downward toward the mandible by stimulation of the hypoglossal nerve. The dental appliance may include a connector connected to the body, and the connector may pass about buccal-labial sides of the anterior teeth. A bumper may be included on a labial side of the connector, and the bumper may contact the lips to promote pursed lips breathing. An anterior flange may extend lingually from the connector to stimulate the hypoglossal nerve proximate a tip of the tongue in order to cause contraction of the genioglossus to position the tongue anteriorly and downward toward the mandible.

Abstract: The invention relates to a teeth protector device (1) consisting of a rail which has a U shape or a channel shape in the cross-section, is adapted to a toothed jaw (5) of a user, and is made of a deep-drawn plastic. The rail has two plastic films (3, 4) which are laminated onto each other and between which an insert (2) is located, said insert being provided in a central front region and having a lateral extension which corresponds to multiple teeth of the user and has a width that corresponds to the distance from an approximately coverable teeth tip region to the gums. The insert (2) is a molded part made of light- or laser-cured plastic using a 3D printer.

Abstract: A method of administering a dental impression kit includes receiving, from a user, a first set of dental impressions of an upper dental arch and a lower dental arch of the user and identifying, based on the first set of dental impressions, one or more defects in at least one dental impression of the first set of dental impressions. The method includes sending a dental impression kit to the user and receiving a second set of dental impressions, the second set of dental impressions replacing the at least one dental impression having the one or more defects. The method includes manufacturing dental aligners specific to the user and being configured to reposition one or more teeth of the user.

Abstract: An appliance fabricated to improve the appearance of a patient's smile includes a plurality of simulated teeth. The interior surfaces of each of the teeth closely fits and conforms to the surface of a patient's real teeth while the outer surfaces of each of the simulated teeth has an ideal surface configuration. The dental appliance provides the patient with the appearance of a perfect set of teeth and an ideal smile without a need to alter the dental structure of the patient's teeth.

Abstract: A customizable mandibular advancement device for use in treating snoring and obstructive sleep apnea is provided. The device comprises upper and lower trays adapted to be fitted to a person's maxillary and mandibular arches. The upper tray comprises a stop member, which when engaged with a fin located on the lower tray, inhibits the posterior movement of the user's mandible thereby maintaining the mandible in an advanced position. Both the upper and lower trays comprise a core that is overmolded by a thermoplastic material that has a much lower softening temperature than the core.

Abstract: A mouthguard according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a pair of spaced lateral bite wings, a conduit defining an air channel extending between forward portions of the lateral bite wings, and a lip shield member and/or a flange disposed around and extending radially outward with respect to a forward end of the conduit. The conduit is tapered inward from its forward end toward its rearward end, and defines an incisor engaging surface proximate the rearward end of the conduit, and a lip engaging surface between the incisor engaging surface and the forward end of the conduit.

Abstract: A mouthguard according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a teeth engagement portion having a medial surface. An anterior surface is coupled to the teeth engagement portion opposite the medial surface. A first breathing channel extends from the anterior surface to the medial surface. A second breathing channel extends from the anterior surface to the medial surface. A third breathing channel extends from the anterior surface to the medial surface. A first interior wall is disposed between the first breathing channel and the second breathing channel. The first interior wall is configured to be aligned with a first upper incisor of a wearer. A second interior wall is disposed between the second breathing channel and the third breathing channel. The second interior wall is configured to be aligned with a second upper incisor of the wearer.

Abstract: A mouth appliance to promote nasal breathing and reduce or eliminate snoring and to help improve breathing during exercise. The mouth appliance includes upper and lower pieces that are hinged in the rear and conformed to fit the mouth and teeth of a wearer. The upper and lower mouth pieces come together to create a seal and promote nasal breathing. The frame of the mouth appliance may be formed from a hard or semi-hard material, and may be form-fitted to the mouth of a wearer to ensure both comfortable and effective use. The upper and lower pieces include a latching mechanism that allows for the mouth to be opened, closed, or semi-opened during wear and use of the appliance, and also allows for talking and drinking without removing the mouth appliance. The mouth piece can be worn at any time and provide protection of the teeth.

Abstract: A user-customizable orthopedic alignment device (OAD) that includes a formable mouthpiece which has an alignment gap that is aligned with the user's canine teeth when the device is placed in the user's mouth. The OAD has moldable material that cover the user's molars and may cover the front teeth. The alignment gap is provided to allow an alignment member to be positioned laterally between the user's canine teeth during molding of the moldable material. The moldable material may be positioned on a frame that includes living hinges that allow the frame and mouthpiece to flex and adjust to the specific spacing between a user's right and left molars. After the moldable material has been molded to the user's teeth, inserts can be positioned in the alignment gap in some embodiments to provide cushioning between the canine teeth when the OAD is used.

Abstract: A maxillary, mandibular, or dual concussion orthotic that substantially reduces concussion resulting from forces applied to the lower jaw, and a method of producing the orthotic. The orthotic device produced according to the method described herein is objectively measured and produced to physiological parameters for an individual user. The orthotic is constructed so that the mandibular teeth are firmly indexed into the orthotic to hold the mandible in a specific position relative to the maxilla. The upper and lower jaws are positioned by the orthotic to act as a unit, and cooperate with the orthotic to effectively dissipate concussive forces and provide spacing of the temporomandibular joint, resulting in the decompression of the joint to mitigate transmission of concussive forces from the condyles of the mandible to the temporal bones of the skull.

Abstract: A method for designing dentures according to which artificial teeth can be easily and accurately attached to a denture base, which is designed and shaped by CAD/CAM, when the artificial teeth are arranged on the denture base is provided. The method for designing a denture (10) on a computer based on data on an intraoral shape comprises: creating data on a shape of a denture base (20) based on the intraoral shape (S22); creating data on a position of an artificial tooth (30) to be arranged on the denture base (S23); and creating data on a shape of an occlusal guide (40) that is tabular and has a recess part corresponding to a shape of the arranged artificial tooth in an occlusal surface side (S24).

Abstract: The disclosed dental appliance is a functional daytime and nighttime anatomical removable dental appliance that is designed to overlay the existing natural dentition of the user. In desirable embodiments, the appliance can be held in place without any alterations to the user's existing dentition. The appliance is a plural piece or plural section intra-oral removable appliance with occlusal surface portions that have been built up to occupy the measured intra-occlusal spaces that exist between pairs of upper and lower teeth when the mandible is in a relaxed or rest position.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance case for use with a mobile computing device. The orthodontic appliance case has beveled edges and a magnet to removably couple to a mobile computing device. The beveled edges add support to the mobile computing device when propped upward. The orthodontic appliance case may also serve as a support or handle for the user of the mobile computing device.

Abstract: Oral treatment devices formed from wax-based compositions that are thermally stable when formed into a three-dimensional shape to a temperature of at least 45° C. and plastically deformable at room temperature (25° C.). The wax-based compositions include a wax fraction homogeneously blended with a polymer fraction. The wax fraction includes at least one wax. The polymer fraction includes at least one polymer selected such that, when the wax and polymer are homogeneously blended together, they yield a wax-based composition having the desired properties of thermal stability and plastic deformability. Oral treatment devices are dimensionally stable to a temperature of at least 40° C. without external support and can be plastically deformed in a user's mouth to become at least partially customized to the size and shape of user's unique dentition and/or an appliance in a user's mouth.

Abstract: A breakaway device for a mouthguard is provided, having a lanyard assembly couplable to a mouthguard assembly. The lanyard assembly includes a mouthguard tether couplable to the mouthguard assembly, and a neck tether that can be worn around a user's neck. The lanyard assembly also includes front and rear breakaway connectors, such that when a tensile force is exerted on the mouthguard tether or the neck tether, one or both of the breakaway connectors detaches before the mouthguard tether or neck tether separates.

Abstract: A mouthpiece device for the use with the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome includes at least one main air channel provided at the outlet of the mouth, at least one side air channel provided at the outlet of mouth, at least one one way valve placed inside the main air channel, at least one protective plane arranged between the inner part of the lips and the outer surface of the teeth, at least one palate chamber extending inside the mouth, at least one tongue chamber placed inside the palate chamber, at least one vent provided on the tongue chamber, at least one sensor for measuring the carbon dioxide and oxygen levels in the air exhaled by the patient, at least one palate extension extending from the palate chamber towards the soft palate, and electrically stimulates the palate when the sensor detects that the patient stops breathing.

Abstract: Refill and dosage management devices and associated systems and methods for use with computerized oral prescription administration (COPA) devices are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a housing having a structure sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of a mouthpiece of an intended user; and a dispensing unit coupled to the housing, the dispensing unit configured to dispense a substance into a reservoir of the mouthpiece. In another embodiment, a method includes receiving, by a docking station, at least a portion of a mouthpiece of an intended user; and dispensing, by a dispensing unit coupled to the docking station, a substance into a reservoir of the mouthpiece.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices that aid a user in ceasing bruxism. The devices may be placed between a user's teeth, such as during sleep, and alert the user when the user clenches his/her teeth. In an aspect, a device includes a housing containing a battery power source, a vibration device, and an electrical contact mechanism having a movable element which closes a circuit to actuate the vibration device. A disk-shaped portion adapted to be emplaced in a person's mouth between a cheek and adjacent teeth is disposed around the housing. A resilient bite portion extends from the housing and is adapted to be emplaced between upper and lower teeth. A compressible element is disposed in the bite portion and causes the movable element of the electrical contact to close to actuate the vibration device in response to compression of the bite portion.

Abstract: A user-customizable orthopedic alignment device (OAD) that includes a formable, generally semicircular mouthpiece which has an alignment gap that is generally in alignment with the user's canine teeth when the device is placed in the user's mouth. The OAD has an overmold of moldable material having portions that cover the user's molars and front teeth. The alignment gap is provided between rear (right and left) portions and the front portion to allow an alignment member to be positioned laterally between the user's canine teeth during molding of the overmold. A frame is provided to stiffen the OAD between the front and read portions. After the overmold has been molded to the user's teeth, inserts can be positioned in the alignment gap to provide cushioning between the canine teeth when the OAD is used. The inserts may be molded after they are inserted into the overmold assembly.

Abstract: A head-mounted wearable device incorporates a transducer into a nosepiece. Vibrations from the user's speech are transferred through the bridge of the nose and are detected by the transducer to produce an audio signal. In one implementation, a nose plate with a pair of attached nosepieces is mounted to a transducer, such as an accelerometer. The nose plate may be affixed to a front frame of the head-mounted wearable device using a motion limiter mechanism.

Abstract: A composite flavored mouthguard comprising a mouthguard base including a first material; an elastomeric frame including a second material; and a liner including a third material, wherein at least one of the first material, the second material, or the third material includes a flavorant and at least one of the first material, the second material, or the third material independently includes a flavorant that provides sweetness.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for breathing assistance that includes a body for positioning within an oral cavity of a user, the body defining at least one first opening for allowing airflow between lips of the user. Two second openings are provided in the oral cavity to allow air flow into and out of a posterior region of the oral cavity and two channels, each channel connecting a respective second opening to the at least one first opening and each channel passing at least one of at least partially along the buccal cavity and at least partially between the teeth to thereby provide an airway for the user. The airway at least partially bypasses the nasal passage and acts to replicate a healthy nasal passage and pharyngeal space.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus for improved breathing is provided. The apparatus may include an improved oral appliance, an improved mask, an improved coupler to couple an oral appliance to a mask, and/or a combination of these improvements.

Abstract: An intra-oral device for weight management includes a carrier having a resiliently deformable protuberance on its outer surface. The protuberance may comprise a bite-pad having a height that varies along its length, with the apex being aligned with a first molar of a dental arch of the user. The protuberance may comprise a planar ridge structured and arranged to increase resistance to lateral movement of the user's jaw during a normal chewing cycle. Multiple resiliently deformable protuberances may include a bite-pad and a planar ridge on a buccal side of the bite-pad. Either or both of the bite-pad and planar ridge may be provided with an uneven, textured exterior surface. A method for promoting weight management may include positioning the carrier over an arch of teeth of the user instead of eating. The method may further include chewing on the carrier so as to deform the protuberance.

Abstract: An intra-oral device comprising an upper splint (7100), a lower splint (7200) and a pair of lateral connecting rods (7300). Each connecting rod has a first rod end (7310) that connects to the lower splint and a second rod end (7320) that connects to the upper splint. The connecting rods (7300) are configured to maintain the mandible in an advanced position relative to the maxilla. The upper splint (7100) includes at least one upper gutter portion (7110) that retains the upper splint on the maxilla. The lower splint (7200) includes at least one lower gutter portion (7210) that retains the lower splint on the mandible. The thickness of the at least one upper gutter portion and/or the at least one lower gutter portion may vary across the profile of the teeth.

Abstract: Method for determining a patient's open-position occlusal plane comprising: obtaining a global model of the patient's jaw including a model of the mandible and maxilla in articulation; determining a natural occlusal plane of the patient from a global model of the patient's jaw in a centric occlusion position; determining a necessary opening to enable the advancement of the patient's mandible; determining a mandibular virtual plane from the global model of the patient's jaw in an open position based on the necessary opening determined; and determining the open-position occlusal plane from the mandibular virtual plane, the natural occlusal plane and the global model of the jaw in the open position based on the necessary opening determined. A method of designing a mandibular advancement device for a patient based on the open-position occlusal plane is also described as well as the resulting mandibular advancement device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for systems and methods for improvement of a person's performance and well-being by determining and maintaining an orthopedically optimized position of the person's jaw. In one embodiment, TENS is applied to the patient's jaw muscles to relax and deprogram the muscles, the person's TMJs are evaluated and reduced, and neural shear in the patient's upper cervical spine is minimized by orthopedically aligning the patient's head and neck (CC complex), thereby causing the patient's jaw to move toward an orthopedically optimized position (CM complex). A bite registration of the upper and lower jaws is taken, with molars and premolars at least 2 millimeters apart, the front teeth not touching, and preferably a vertical index of 17-21 millimeters. Molds of the persons upper and lower teeth may be positioned using the bite registration, and an orthopedic alignment device (OAD) may be formed between the molds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an orthodontics and temporomandibular joint balancing appliance, particularly to an orthodontics and temporomandibular joint balancing appliance, which eliminates asymmetric imbalance of a temporomandibular joint caused by pressure applied to upper incisor teeth and lower incisor teeth, thereby cushioning every teeth occlusion and blocking nervous system compression, so as to minimize teeth damage and improve wearing comfortness.

Abstract: A dental appliance having an integrally formed reservoir and/or an ornamental design integrated thereon. The ornamental design can be selected or customized by a patient. The design can be created by directing energy to the dental appliance to alter a material property of at least a portion of the appliance to create the design. Alternatively, a groove or recess can be formed on a surface of the appliance to either mechanically retain an ornamental design or the groove or recess can be filled with ink to form the design. The appliance, including the integrally formed reservoir, can be formed using direct fabrication techniques.