Abstract: A protective case for a mouthguard has a base, a cover hinged to the base, and a partition on the base adapted to engage the mouthguard and to prevent movement of the mouthguard within the case. Alternatively, the protective case has a pivoting mouthguard holder that is spring-biased so as to raise the mouthguard away from the base when the cove is opened.

Abstract: A customizable dental appliance adapted to lie within the mouth of a person consisting of occlusal posterior pads optionally with a connective arch or a u-shaped style base with upstanding labial and/or buccal walls. The appliance is made of low-density polyethylene with a tactifying resin.

Abstract: The invention is a multipurpose intra-oral device made of a fastener, a first mouthguard connected to the fastener, wherein the first mouthguard has a first mouthguard base engaging a top tooth, a first mouthguard buccal surface, a first mouthguard lingual surface and a first mouthguard occlusal surface, a second mouthguard connected to the fastener, wherein the second mouthguard has a second mouthguard base to engage a bottom tooth, a second mouthguard buccal side, a second mouthguard lingual side and a second mouthguard occlusal surface, at least one first tube connected to one of the mouthguards surface, and at least one first post connected to the other of the mouthguard surface for engaging the tube.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and kits for enhancing breathing in patients suffering from chronic pulmonary obstructive disease are described. The methods and apparatus rely on increasing flow resistance to expiration in a manner which mimics “pursed lip” breathing which has been found to benefit patients suffering from this disease. In a first example, a device is implanted in a trachea or bronchial passage to increase flow resistance, preferably selectively increase resistance to expiration relative to inspiration. In a second embodiment, a mouthpiece is provided, again to increase resistance to expiration, preferably with a lesser increase in flow resistance to inspiration. In a third embodiment, the patient's trachea or bronchial passage is modified by the application of energy in order to partially close the lumen therethrough.

Abstract: A method for treating maxilla/cranial base to mandibular axis discrepancies in the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) of a patient such as caused by mandibular, temporomandibular dysfunction syndrome (MTDS) or developmental facial/dental deformities without performing open jaw joint surgery.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a body temperature sensing and indicating teeth protection system. The present invention is capable of sensing and indicating a user's body temperature while also protecting one or more teeth of the user.

Abstract: A dental device comprises an intraoral nasal dilator and a mandibular repositioner working synergistically as an anti-snoring device. The device has a lower segment of thermoplastic material which is formed to fit over the lower teeth and is connected to an upper section of molded material extending between the upper jaw and the upper lip by a wire connector. The wire connector has mechanisms allowing adjustment of the lower jaw positioning. A wire extension with acrylic pads at end is bonded in the midline of the flange and extends out so that the pads stretch the tissue of the lip and lateral nasal walls preventing collapse during respiration while the anterior repositioning of the lower jaw maintains opening of the posterior pharyngeal airway during sleep functioning as an anti-snoring device. Additional applications of the intraoral nasal dilator include incorporation into sports mouth guards using a variety of materials.

Abstract: A mouthguard that includes a U-shaped base with an anterior portion situated between posterior portions. The U-shaped base is made of a first softenable material and includes a top side and a bottom side. The mouthguard further includes an outer wall that extends up from the top side of the base. Each of the posterior portions includes an end portion that is made of a second material that is harder than the first material. Another mouthguard includes a U-shaped base with an anterior portion between posterior portions. The U-shaped base is made from a first material and includes a top side, a bottom side and an outer wall that extends up from the top side of the U-shaped base. The mouthguard further includes a pair of pads such that each of the pads extend posteriorly out from a unique one of the posterior portions on the U-shaped base.

Abstract: A mouth guard which is excellent in impact absorbability and durability, is thin and has good fittability, and is able to easily chew thereupon, and does not give vomiting feel; and a sheet for mouth guard which is suitable for producing the mouth guard.

Abstract: A custom made bite guard construction (10) for relaxing a patient's temporal muscles (105) and providing relief from the strain of teeth clenching in the molar region (103) wherein the construction (10) includes a custom fit upper portion (11) and a custom fit lower portion 12 that partially cover only the bicuspid and anterior teeth of the upper (101) and lower (102) teeth arches and which are joined together by an intermediate bite portion (13) that creates a space (103) between the opposed teeth in the patient's molar region; and, the invention also includes the method employed in the fabrication of the bite guard construction (10).

Abstract: A sports guard 1 for placing in a mouth of a user is disclosed. The guard 1 includes generally a base member 2 having a generally U-shaped form corresponding to the outline of a jaw of a user defining an upper channel 10 within which an upper row of teeth of a user can be received. The guard also discloses a teeth engaging element 3, associated with the channel 10 which is made of a material able to be user conformed or user moulded to the mouth of the user. The guard also includes shock absorption means associated with the base member 2 for absorbing impact shock. The shock absorption means comprises open channels in the base member 2 that function much like air springs. Further the base member advantageously comprises polyethylene mixed with up to 10% of EVA. The addition of EVA gives the guard more flexibility. The teeth engaging element is made of EVA.

Abstract: A customizable dental appliance adapted to lie within the mouth of a person consisting of occlusal posterior pads optionally with a connective arch or a u-shaped style base with upstanding labial and/or buccal walls. The appliance is made of low-density polyethylene with a tactifying resin.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a fixing member is integrated with a mouthpiece body through slide grooves and a rotational groove, and this improves the portability. Moreover, a guide tube can easily be fixed to the mouthpiece body only by rotating the fixing member with the rotational groove. Furthermore, an index is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the guide tube. The index is composed of scale lines formed at regular intervals and scale numbers formed at predetermined scale lines. The scale numbers represent the distances from a front end of the guide tube to the scale line, and the distances from a back end of the guide tube to the scale line. The index of the guide tube is used in combination with an index formed on an endoscope insertion part, and this makes it possible to correctly recognize the insertion length of the endoscope insertion part inserted into a body cavity of a subject.

Abstract: A performance enhancing and force absorbing mouthguard adapted to fit the upper teeth of the mouth of an athlete wherein the mouthguard is quadruple or quintuple composite material of distinct materials. The first internal layer is a non-softenable flexible framework which will permit the mouthguard to hold its shape during fitting as well as to absorb and dissipate significant impact conveyed to the upper teeth. Disconnected anterior impact braces extend anteriorly to a medial region forming a gap therebetween. A hard, durable reverse bite plate wedge is thicker rearwardly and lowers the condyle from the temporomandibular joint in a fulcrum action to place the lower jaw in an optimum condition preventing impingement upon the nerves and arteries as well as spacing the upper and lower teeth apart. Elastomeric traction pads are on the bottom of the mouthguard and are grippingly engaged by the posterior teeth of the lower jaw.

Abstract: Shields for protecting parts of the body during use of lasers or similar high intensity light. One of the shields is a dental shield shaped to conform to the typical dental alignment in the buccal area of the patient. Other shields are for protecting the genital areas of either a male or female patient. The female shield protects the vulva of a female patient. The male genital shield is a penile guard, in the form of a thick tube that is placed around the upper half of the penis when a procedure is performed for removing the hair follicles on the lower half part of the penis. The shields are made of a light color, preferably white, in order to disperse or reflect the energy and avoid the penetration of the laser or other light instruments all the way through the material.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an oral appliance includes a first arch adapted to receive at least some of a 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. The second arch includes an anterior bearing point comprising a ball that contacts 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. In a more particular embodiment, the oral appliance may be used to help maintain stability of one or more aspects of the user's masticatory system, including at least helping to maintain proper positioning of the user's temporomandibular joint.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an oral appliance includes a first arch adapted to receive at least some of a 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, a right posterior substantially planar region, and a left posterior substantially planar region. The second arch includes an anterior bearing point, a right posterior bearing point, and a left posterior bearing point. Each bearing point of the second arch contacts a corresponding 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. In a more particular embodiment, the oral appliance may be used to help maintain stability of one or more aspects of the user's masticatory system, including at least helping to maintain proper positioning of the user's temporomandibular joint.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an oral appliance includes a first arch adapted to receive at least some of a 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. The second arch includes an anterior bearing point that contacts 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. In a more particular embodiment, the oral appliance may be used to help maintain stability of one or more aspects of the user's masticatory system, including at least helping to maintain proper positioning of the user's temporomandibular joint.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted for partial insertion within the user's mouth for preventing snoring, teeth grinding, and light forms of sleep apnea is disclosed. The apparatus includes a multi-lobed tongue receiving structure, an undulating connector for connecting the multi-lobed structure to an inner lip plate, a hollow tube connecting the lip plate to a dome-shaped structure formed on an outer shield. The device is inserted within the oral cavity of the user in an operative configuration such that movement of the tongue is restrained within the multi-lobed structure, and the teeth clamp down upon the undulating connector with the lip plate positioned between the teeth and the inner portions of the upper and lower lips. As a result of proper application of the apparatus breathing at night is normalized, while snoring, grinding of the teeth, and apnea are prevented.

Abstract: A performance enhancing and force absorbing mouthguard adapted to fit the upper teeth of the mouth of an athlete wherein the mouthguard is quadruple or quintuple composite material of distinct materials. The first internal layer is a non-softenable flexible framework which will permit the mouthguard to hold its shape during fitting as well as to absorb and dissipate significant impact conveyed to the upper teeth. A hard, durable reverse bite plate wedge is thicker rearwardly and lowers the condyle from the temporomandibular joint in a fulcrum action to place the lower jaw in an optimum condition preventing impingement upon the nerves and arteries as well as spacing the upper and lower teeth apart. Elastomeric traction pads are on the bottom of the mouthguard and are grippingly engaged by the posterior teeth of the lower jaw.

Abstract: A system for use in patient comprising, a first mouthguard and a second mouthguard, each mouthguard having a front, a back, an internal channel and an external surface, wherein each internal channel has an occlusal surface for engaging the patient's teeth, and where the first mouthguard has disposed on the external surface opposite the occlusal surface a first base, and the second mouthguard has disposed on the external surface opposite the occlusal surface, a second base, with the first base connected to a first and second tube and the second base is connected to a third and fourth tube; and wherein the first and second tubes are positioned opposite each other on the first base; and the third and fourth tubes are positioned opposite each other on the second base, and all tubes are located the same distance from the front of the mouthguard; a right wedge with an right upper wedge surface and a right lower wedge surface, wherein the right wedge further comprises (i) an upper right connector extending from

Abstract: To provide an intraoral stimulating implement which is provided with at least a mounting portion which is mounted on between a part of the teeth and a part of lips and a pressing portion which is integrally fixed to the mounting portion so that it presses an affected part to be pressed for treatment from inside the mouth in response to biting action of the upper and lower teeth, and can be used with ease even by parsons who feel a sense of incompatibility to introduction of a foreign matter into the mouth or dislike introducing a foreign matter into the mouth, and is suitable for use on a street.

Abstract: A performance enhancing and force absorbing mouthguard adapted to fit the upper teeth of the mouth of an athlete wherein the mouthguard is quadruple or quintuple composite material of distinct materials. The first internal layer is a non-softenable flexible framework which will permit the mouthguard to hold its shape during fitting as well as to absorb and dissipate significant impact conveyed to the upper teeth. A hard, durable reverse bite plate wedge is thicker rearwardly and lowers the condyle from the temporomandibular joint in a fulcrum action to place the lower jaw in an optimum condition preventing impingement upon the nerves and arteries as well as spacing the upper and lower teeth apart. Elastomeric traction pads are on the bottom of the mouthguard and are grippingly engaged by the posterior teeth of the lower jaw.

Abstract: A component assembly for a mandibular protrusive plate orthotic has an extraoral adjustable maxillary lip shield component and a method of joining the assembly to moldable and shapeable, self-curing or heat cured thermoplastic or thermoset materials, light cured composites, and to heat softened thermolabile elastomeric materials. Another embodiment of the assembly uses a maxillary dental plate as a resistance against the upper anterior maxilla The component assembly makes it possible for a protrusive lower plate to become a mandible and tongue advancement device and still maintain the inherent properties of a true dental orthotic.

Abstract: A semi-custom intraoral discluder device for preventing chronic tension and 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 protrusion, typically of a dome shape. The trough can be retained on the teeth by any adaptable material which can flow around the teeth and then maintain its shape. The adaptation of the retentive material can be performed by the end user, health care provider, or anyone trained in the art. Once in place in the wearer's mouth, one or two opposing incisor teeth will come into contact with the protrusion 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 apparatus for preventing the loss or contamination of mouth guards, and an athletic uniform incorporating such an apparatus. The apparatus includes a strip of hook and loop fastener dimensioned to wrap around and secure the mouth guard, and a means for attaching the strip of hook and loop fastener to an athlete's uniform. The athletic uniform includes an article of clothing to which the apparatus is attached.

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 a substantially rounded end is coupled to the upper arch. The lower arch includes a substantially rounded recess adapted to receive and position the substantially rounded end of the hook to pull the lower arch forward to facilitate improved breathing.

Abstract: A method for treating maxilla/cranial base to mandibular axis discrepancies in the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) of a patient such as caused by mandibular, temporomandibular dysfunction syndrome (MTDS) or developmental facial/dental deformities without performing open jaw joint surgery. The method includes (1) repositioning the patient's mandible into a stable relationship with the cranial base using a craniomandibular orthopedic repositioning orthotic which over time deprograms the patient's jaw into the stable mandible to cranial base relationship; (2) constructing a model of the patient's mouth on a jaw joint simulator which replicates the patient's jaw joint true hinge axis of rotation in the repositioned and stabilized mandible to cranial base relationship; (3) planning on the model a surgical procedure comprising total maxillary osteotomy which substantially treats the MTDS or developmental facial/dental deformities; and (4) performing the surgical procedure to treat the discrepancies.

Abstract: A dental device has a U-shaped carrier with at least one channel for embracing an arch of teeth. The carrier has recessed insets in the channel. Discrete inserts carrying a beneficial agent can fit into the insets and release the agent gradually. When the device is used in a primarily therapeutic application, the inserts may be installed into all or less than all of the insets to form various insert patterns. Thus, different oral regions can be affected by different insert patterns. When the device is used as an athletic mouthguard, temporary blanks may be initially fitted in the insets, while a portion of the mouthguard is softened before an arch of teeth is pressed into the channel to make a custom impression. The inserts that are later installed in the insets possess different physical properties than the carrier and may be positioned and shaped to mechanically buffer teeth of the arch from mechanical shocks as well as release beneficial agents.

Abstract: A sports guard for fitting over the upper arch and teeth of a user is disclosed. The sports guard comprises broadly a base member of polyethylene and a layer of EVA encasing the polyethylene. The polyethylene and EVA show a surprising and unexpected affinity for each other. They are able to flex with each other and be heated and cooled without delaminating. This provides a solution to a longstanding problem in this art.

Abstract: A performance enhancing and force absorbing dental appliance adapted to lie within the mouth of an athlete consists of an occlusal posterior pad made of quadruple composite material comprising four layers of distinct materials, further comprising a first layer of a durable, resilient material; a second layer of non-softenable, flexible material; a third layer of a hard, very durable material; and a fourth layer of a softenable material, engageable with the occlusal surfaces to space apart the upper and lower teeth, to absorb shock and clenching stress. An adjustable arch adapted to expand and contract to be molded to the palate is provided connecting the posterior pads together within the mouth and out of the way of the tongue to maintain the position of the occlusal posterior pads within the mouth during use and to prevent loss of the pads such as by swallowing. An expandable serpentine bridge may be embedded in the arch.

Abstract: A mouthpiece and method for reducing snoring comprise a mouthpiece body of a thermoplastic material having a shape generally complementary to the person's dental arch, including a posterior end having two spaced apart members positioned toward the back of the person's dental arch when properly worn, and an anterior end having an airway opening therethrough, the anterior end positioned when properly worn to support the person's lips spaced apart so that air flows through the airway opening; and a substantially rigid, removable protective mold of a thermostable material, said protective mold complementary to said mouthpiece body and separably engaged therewith so that the mold protects at least lower and lateral peripheries of the mouthpiece body.

Abstract: Mouthpieces 12 disposed in a mouth between a lower lip, teeth and gum, for example, are mounted to a force measuring device 11. An outer mouthpiece 16 disposed at the lip side is connected via a connecting shaft 28 to a shaft 26, which is a force measuring portion of the force measuring device 11 while an inner mouthpiece 14 disposed at the side of a tooth row is connected to a main body 34 of the force measuring device 11 via a connecting shaft 22 and a mouthpiece-mounting bracket 38. When the mouthpieces 12 are disposed between the lower lip, teeth and gum and the lips are closed, the outer mouthpiece 16 is pulled by the lip. The force pulling the outer mouthpiece 16 is the lip pressure, and the lip pressure at a rest position and the maximum lip pressure (the pressure of a tongue when the mouthpieces 12 are disposed at the side of a body of tongue) of an examinee are displayed on a display 36 of the force measuring device 11.

Abstract: A mouthpiece temperature monitor. The mouthpiece is to be worn by a subject during physical activity. The mouthpiece also houses a temperature sensor for detection of a temperature of the subject.

Abstract: A mandibular advancement device is disclosed. The upper jaw (12) has fitted to it an upper plate (30). The upper plate (30) is firmly received, and generally comprises a body component (32) and two opposed flange components (34), are located to be lying in an area beside and close to the posterior teeth, and particularly the buccal side of the upper posterior teeth. The leading edge (36) of the flanges (34) provide engagement surfaces complementing the engagement surfaces of the trailing edges (26) of the lower flanges (24). The relative lengths of the respective trailing edges (26) and leading edges (36) ensure that mandibular advancement is maintained over a desired range of jaw openings. The angle of inclination of the engaging edges (26, 36) provides a jaw opening path generally arcuate with the protrusive border path.

Abstract: A performance enhancing and force absorbing dental appliance adapted to lie within the mouth of an athlete consists of an occlusal posterior pad made of quadruple composite material comprising four layers of distinct materials, further comprising a first layer of a durable, resilient material; a second layer of non-softenable, flexible material; a third layer of a hard, very durable material; and a fourth layer of a softenable material, engageable with the occlusal surfaces to space apart the upper and lower teeth, to absorb shock and clenching stress. An adjustable arch adapted to expand and contract to be molded to the palate is provided connecting the posterior pads together within the mouth and out of the way of the tongue to maintain the position of the occlusal posterior pads within the mouth during use and to prevent loss of the pads such as by swallowing. An expandable serpentine bridge may be embedded in the arch.

Abstract: A mouthguard adorned with novelty teeth for use by participants in contact activities to protect the teeth. The mouthguard comprises a base portion; an upwardly projecting inner flange portion joined to the base portion; an upwardly projecting outer flange portion joined to the base portion; the upwardly projecting inner flange portion, the upwardly projecting outer flange portion and an upper surface of the base portion forming an upwardly facing U-shaped channel; comprising the outer flange portion and a plurality of three-dimensional tooth representations disposed upon or within the material comprising the outer flange portion.

Abstract: A performance enhancing and force absorbing mouthguard adapted to fit the upper teeth of the mouth of an athlete wherein the mouthguard is quadruple or quintuple composite material of distinct materials. The first internal layer is a non-softenable flexible framework which will permit the mouthguard to hold its shape during fitting as well as to absorb and dissipate significant impact conveyed to the upper teeth. A hard, durable reverse bite plate wedge is thicker rearwardly and lowers the condyle from the temporomandibular joint in a fulcrum action to place the lower jaw in an optimum condition preventing impingement upon the nerves and arteries as well as spacing the upper and lower teeth apart. Elastomeric traction pads are on the bottom of the mouthguard and are grippingly engaged by the posterior teeth of the lower jaw.

Abstract: A semi-custom intraoral discluder device for preventing chronic tension and 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 protrusion, typically of a dome shape. The trough can be retained on the teeth by any adaptable material which can flow around the teeth and then maintain its shape. The adaptation of the retentive material can be performed by the end user, health care provider, or anyone trained in the art. Once in place in the wearer's mouth, one or two opposing incisor teeth will come into contact with the protrusion 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: The oral appliance engages over the mandibular incisors and presents a flat raised upper contact surface which is sufficiently wide to contact at least part of one of the two upper center incisors and preferably both of them. This prevents tooth contact between the upper and lower dental arches to prevent grinding of the teeth. It prevents contact of the upper canine teeth with any teeth or the appliance so as to decrease the facial muscular tension which is sometimes associated with headaches and migraines. Application of the appliance to the lower dental arch is phonetically and aesthetically superior to other configurations and arrangements.

Abstract: A customizable dental appliance adapted to lie within the mouth of a person consisting of occlusal posterior pads optionally with a connective arch or a u-shaped style base with upstanding labial and/or buccal walls. The appliance is made of low-density polyethylene.

Abstract: A mouthpiece for oral delivery for oral delivery of CPAP treatment has a vestibular shield for location between the teeth and lips/cheeks of a wearer. The vestibular shield is dimensioned to extend laterally into the buccal vestibule and vertically to overlap the gums. The vestibular shield is formed from a very supple material. A gases pathway is provided through the vestibular shield and may include a hard plastic insert through the shield, including a standard breathing conduit connection at its outer end. A short stub conduit on the outlet side of the shield passes between the wearers upper and lower teeth.

Abstract: A dental appliance adapted to lie within the mouth of a person having occlusal posterior pads optionally with a connective arch or a u-shaped style base with upstanding labial and/or buccal walls. An antimicrobial additive is incorporated into the resin concentrate prior to molding of the dental appliance which will permit controlled migration from the appliance internal regions to the surface of the appliance.

Abstract: A user-formable, wax based mouthguard and methods for preparing and using the mouthguard.

Abstract: A method of forming a surgical splint to receive a patient's dentition and thereby align the upper jaw and the lower jaw during surgery includes generating a CT computer model of bone structure, generating a digital dental computer model of the patient's dentition, and then combining the CT computer model and the digital dental computer model to form a composite computer model. The composite computer model may be displayed, and at least one of the upper jaw and lower jaw repositioned relative to the patient's skull and the composite computer model to form a planned position computer model. Using this desired position computer model, a computer model surgical splint of the patient's dentition may be formed, which is then input into a fabrication machine to form a surgical splint. The method also includes forming and displaying the composite computer model. A workstation includes a CT machine, a digital scanner, a computer, an input command mechanism, a display, and a fabricating machine.

Abstract: A performance enhancing and force absorbing dental appliance adapted to lie within the mouth of an athlete consists of an occlusal posterior pad made of quadruple composite material comprising four layers of distinct materials, further comprising a first layer of a durable, resilient material; a second layer of non-softenable, flexible material; a third layer of a hard, very durable material; and a fourth layer of a softenable material, engageable with the occlusal surfaces to space apart the upper and lower teeth, to absorb shock and clenching stress. An adjustable arch adapted to expand and contract to be molded to the palate is provided connecting the posterior pads together within the mouth and out of the way of the tongue to maintain the position of the occlusal posterior pads within the mouth during use and to prevent loss of the pads such as by swallowing. An expandable serpentine bridge may be embedded in the arch.

Abstract: A custom made bite guard construction (10) for relaxing a patient's temporal muscles (105) and providing relief from the strain of teeth clenching in the molar region (103) wherein the construction (10) includes a custom fit upper portion (11) and a custom fit lower portion 12 that partially cover only the bicuspid and anterior teeth of the upper (101) and lower (102) teeth arches and which are joined together by an intermediate bite portion (13) that creates a space (103) between the opposed teeth in the patient's molar region; and, the invention also includes the method employed in the fabrication of the bite guard construction (10).

Abstract: An anti-snoring device has maxillary and mandibular bite forms with outwardly extending pivots which are mounted to the bite forms by frameworks which are at least partially embedded in the bite forms. This retains the pivots securely in place even in the face of extensive bruxing. In constructing the device, a jig may be used for positioning the pivots. The method of manufacturing the device involves casting the frameworks, such that each framework has a pair of pivot mounts, mounting pivots to the pivot mounts, and at least partially embedding the frameworks in the bite forms.

Abstract: A mouthpiece includes a wall having an anterior section and a plurality of posterior sections. Retaining wings are coupled to the anterior section. The retaining wings conform to the anatomy of the user's labial and buccal vestibule that extends between the user's upper and lower jaws and the interior surfaces of the user's cheeks. The method of using the mouthpiece includes grasping the continuous wall, flexing the retaining wings toward ends of the posterior sections, and inserting the retaining wings into the user's mouth.

Abstract: Biocompatible adhesive protective dressings, and methods of manufacturing and using the same, having properties suitable for use on moist tissues such as gingiva. The dressing may include a flexible sheet, e.g. a metal foil, with an irradiated gamma radiation sensitive adhesive on one surface. The properties of gamma sensitive adhesives are modified by exposure to gamma radiation so as to increase their adhesiveness and volume. The dressing may be applied to human or animal tissue to protect the tissue from the environment, and retain autogenous and other substances at the application site. The dressing may be used at surgical sites or wounds.