Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method of treating temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) and bruxism by placement in the mouth of an individual with a dental mouth guard to produce a minor irritation of the palate of a person suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) and bruxism through one or more irritation teeth or spines that mildly irritate the palate of a wearer when tooth grinding or maxillary pressure occurs. The mouth guard includes an irritation plate and a tooth molding for placement and fitting to a patient's upper dentition. The irritation plate employs irritation spikes whereupon commencing of tooth grinding initiate minor irritation to the palate of a wearer wherein, the wearer is alerted to the occurrence of tooth grinding, whether the wearer is sleeping or awake. The irritation plate also employs use of two “wings” that engage the wearer's teeth upon commencement of tooth grinding.

Abstract: A one-piece molded bruxism treatment device which in upright orientation has top and bottom parts, including: an elongated band having a generally U-shape defining a closed front end part and legs extending rearward and adapted to be positioned around the outer surfaces of a person's upper gums and teeth, and two generally planar resiliently deformable bite pads oriented generally horizontally, each extending from one of the feet of the band medially toward the other.

Abstract: A magnetic mouthguard retention system affords athletes a unique way to fasten or attach an athletic mouthguard for easy and convenient retrieval. It encompasses the use of a magnetic force which is uniquely located in the palatal aspect of the mouthguard, along with a separate docking station which has the unique property of being both magnetic and elastic. Primarily, the docking station is placed on athletic accessories including, but not limited to, facemasks, wristbands, headbands, armbands, or other sports equipment and apparel.

Abstract: An embodiment of a device in accordance with the present invention is adapted to be positioned at least partially in a mouth of a user to reduce resistance of air flow in the oral pharyngeal region and to improve anatomic and functional relationships of the oral pharyngeal structure. The device comprises a base unit adapted to be removably mounted on a lower jaw of the mouth, a pair of tongue positioner guides, each tongue positioner guide connected at a proximal end to the base unit, and a pair of tongue positioners, each connected with a distal end of a corresponding tongue positioner guide. The tongue positioner guides each comprise a bendable material so that the pair of tongue positioners are repositionable relative to the base unit.

Abstract: A mouthguard for delivering active ingredients to a user is provided. The mouthguard can include a U-shaped structure having an inner wall and an outer wall, the inner wall and outer wall connected to each other by a base defining a channel configured to receive upper teeth of a user, an active ingredient delivery area including a chamber having an inlet opening, the active ingredient delivery area including a perforated region including at least one aperture extending from an external surface to the chamber.

Abstract: A mouth guard including a top mouth piece for engaging the top teeth and a bottom mouth piece for engaging the bottom teeth. The mouth guard also includes a central section having one or more ports for receiving an endotracheal tube, oral gastric tube, and/or oral suction tube. In a first preferred embodiment, a top portion of the central section is attached to the top mouth piece, and a bottom portion of the central section is attached to the bottom mouth piece. In a second preferred embodiment, the entire central section is attached to the bottom mouth piece. The top and bottom mouth pieces are capable of interlocking via male engaging members and female recesses.

Abstract: A one-piece molded bruxism treatment device which in upright orientation has top and bottom parts, including: an elongated band having a generally U-shape defining a closed front end part and legs extending rearward and adapted to be positioned around the outer surfaces of a person's upper gums and teeth, and two generally planar resiliently deformable bite pads oriented generally horizontally, each extending from one of the feet of the band medially toward the other.

Abstract: A mouth guard retention apparatus comprising an elongated elastic retention member configured to be attached to an exterior surface of a helmet, whereby a mouth guard retention space is defined thereby, the elastic retention member being further configured to apply a predetermined engagement force to a mouth guard when disposed in the mouth guard retention space that securely retains said mouth guard against the helmet during temporary periods of non-use without permanently deforming said mouth guard.

Abstract: An intraoral discluding appliance for the prevention of trauma and temporomandibular joint syndrome. The device is a small intraoral device that is custom made for each individual patient. The device includes two discluding elements over the cuspid areas known as cuspid pads. The device is inserted in the mouth and retained against the upper or lower anterior teeth. Typically, the device will be retained on the upper anterior teeth but occasionally mandible placement is necessary. As the mouth is closed, the discluding elements contact the opposing cuspids and prevent the posterior teeth from touching. This effectively reduces parafunctional temporal muscle activity, eliminates trauma, and prevents bruxism. The device is removable and may be worn full time, but is typically removed at least during meals and for cleaning. Additionally, the device may be worn only part time, for example it may be used as a bedtime appliance.

Abstract: A one-piece molded bruxism treatment device which in upright orientation has top and bottom parts, including: an elongated band having a generally U-shape defining a closed front end part and legs extending rearward and adapted to be positioned around the outer surfaces of a person's upper gums and teeth, and two generally planar resiliently deformable bite pads oriented generally horizontally, each extending from one of the feet of the band medially toward the other.

Abstract: An oral device for improving airway patency comprises a tongue constraint and a negative pressure source. The tongue constraint engages the patient's tongue to maintain a clear region below the palate in an oral cavity. By applying a negative pressure in the clear region, an airway behind the soft palate or tongue of the patient can be maintained. The tongue constraint is usually connected to an anchor. The anchor may be held between the patient's teeth or may engage the inferior surface of the palate. Another oral device for improving airway patency comprises a lateral tongue structure and a negative pressure source.

Abstract: A dental shield for use during intubation to protect teeth, including a plurality of tooth segments, each segment having a male connector and a female connector located on opposite sides for the purpose of attaching each segment to an adjacent segment, and each segment formed from a rigid material defining a tooth-shaped channel containing a deformable material bound to the tooth surface such that a number of tooth segments are assemblable into the dental shield device.

Abstract: A mouthguard has an initial, substantially linear configuration and may be worn in a variety of applications including to protect a person's teeth when the person is engaged in a sports activity such as football, lacrosse, and other contact sports, as well as for concussion protection, user performance enhancement and so forth. The mouthguard includes a first end trough region generally shaped to cooperatively enclose one or more teeth on a first side of a mouth, a second end trough region generally shaped to cooperatively enclose one or more teeth on a second side of the mouth and a connection region spanning between the first end trough region and the second trough region. The connection may include a shaping element for reversibly forming a second, generally non-linear configuration.

Abstract: A TemporoMandibular Joint (TMJ) balancing appliance and a method for using the same are provided, in which a first base portion accommodates incisor teeth, a second base portion is extended from a left side of the first base portion and accommodates left molar teeth, and a third base portion is extended from a right side of the first base portion and accommodates right molar teeth. The first base portion includes an upper part for accommodating upper incisor teeth and a lower part for accommodating lower incisor teeth and has a center for accommodating the upper and lower incisor teeth higher than the left and right sides.

Abstract: A self-customizable dental appliance adapted to lie within the mouth of a person including occlusal pads with a connecting arch or a u-shaped style base with upstanding labial and lingual walls. The appliance is formed of a semi-crystalline polyolefin polymer or crystallizable blend. In one embodiment, the appliance is formed of elastomeric propylene-ethylene polypropylene, optionally including high density polypropylene. An optional occlusal lifting pad can be used in the self-customizable dental appliance.

Abstract: The oral appliance for the treatment of sleep apnea provides greater comfort to the user and maintains an open air passage through the mouth by preventing the tongue from blocking the windpipe during sleep. The appliance has a mouthpiece including a frame of hard material and a tooth tray of softer material that conforms closely to the tooth pattern of the user. A spoon-like tongue depressor extends adjustably from the forward center of the device, the tongue depressor having a downward convex bowl that holds the tongue away from the windpipe of the user. The tongue depressor has a stein captured by and rotating in the adjuster, so that the tongue depressor may be prevented from rotating as the adjuster is threaded inwardly or outwardly in the front of the device. An air passage is preferably provided to each side of the tongue depressor adjuster.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for optimizing the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using an oral appliance. The oral appliance can be configured by non-dental staff to safely conform to the dentition of a patient. The appliance includes configurable trays that include retention material that conforms to the dentition of the patient. The position of the upper and lower trays relative to one another can be adjusted both horizontally and vertically. The position of the upper and lower trays can be locked into place to maintain the position of the trays at a preferred treatment position. Methods for creating an appliance customized for a patient are also provided. Methods for using the customized appliance in combination with sleep study data is also provide. Methods for using the customized appliance to with pre-operative assessments and sleep study data to predict and reduce the risk of perioperative complications are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a mouthguard that includes a mouthpiece portion which is made to fit inside the user's mouth and provides a protective connection with the user's teeth. A relatively short member is integrally formed with the front of the mouthpiece. This member provides clear visibility to the referee or official that the user is wearing a protective mouthguard, even with the user's mouth closed. This member also includes an opening at the front end for attachment with a helmet, face mask, headgear, or the like. The user can selectively attach the present invention as needed. The present invention provides better safety and hygiene.

Abstract: An improved performance enhancing mouth guards having transverse pins embedded in the right and left posterior occlusal base portion of the mouth guard, is disclosed.

Abstract: A bio-facilitation mouthpiece correlates a custom made mouthpiece with nervous system channeling to facilitate optimal physiologic activity. The mouthpiece may be a single, unitary part made from a flexible, resilient material, and the mouthpiece includes a base member, and a right and left flange member coupled to the base member. The base member is adapted to receive portions of a user's upper and lower teeth, and the base member includes an elongated right lateral engagement portion, an elongated left lateral engagement portion, and an arch-shaped forward portion disposed between the right and left lateral engagement portions. The base member additionally includes a skirt portion downwardly extending from the forward portion and the right and left lateral engagement portions.

Abstract: A spacing member can be positioned between teeth of the athlete to obtain a desired position between the upper and lower jaw. At least one bite registration can be recorded while the lower jaw is in the desired position. The desired position can range from the physiological resting position, to a performance position, in which the lower jaw is positioned anteriorly in relation to the physiological resting position. The mouthpiece can be formed to include a pair of bite portions configured to substantially space apart and position the jaws generally according to the desired position, and a connecting portion can connect the bite portions within the mouth. The connecting portion may extend labially along the anterior teeth and associated gum region of the lower jaw, and may be sized and shaped to substantially lie out of the way so as to not impede speech of the athlete.

Abstract: TENS can be applied to the TMJ of an athlete for a period of time to deprogram muscles. After TENS, a desired position of the lower jaw relative to the upper jaw can be determined and recorded. The desired position can be a physiological resting position, or a performance position in which the lower jaw is positioned anteriorly relative to the physiological resting position. A mouthpiece can be prepared including bite portions configured to substantially space apart and position the jaws according to the desired position, and substantially prevent movement of the lower jaw relative to the upper jaw. A connecting portion connects the bite portions within the mouth, and may extend labially along the anterior teeth and associated gum region of the lower jaw, and may be sized and shaped to substantially lie out of the way so as to not impede speech of the athlete.

Abstract: A pre-fabricated, pre-programmed or custom-made guidance package is provided. The Anterior Guidance Package (AGP) of the current invention is comprised of one maxillary guidance component and one mandibular guidance component. These components are attached to a maxillary retention piece and a mandibular retention piece, respectively when the mandible is in centric relation, to provide superior anterior guidance for the mandible. The AGP also provides immediate relief of centric occlusion/centric relation discrepancy (posterior interferences) when used as a night guard. In contrast to all other bruxism/TMJ splints, the components of the AGP according to current invention can provide a wide range of features for broad application, three dimensional patterning, steepness of inclination and many other considerations dependent upon the purpose being expressed. The primary purpose is to provide a superior anterior guidance equipped night guard for the amelioration of the damage and pain caused by bruxism.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a universal oral appliance is provided. The universal oral appliance comprises an arched frame configured to be positioned proximate to the occlusal surface of a user's dental arch such that the arched frame extends beyond the cuspids of the user's dental arch when the arched frame is inserted in the user's mouth. The arched frame comprises a universal coupler configured to removably engage a dental attachment. The universal coupler comprises a substantially planar surface proximate to and extending across the midline of the arched frame. The universal coupler further comprises a first rail coupled to a first end of the substantially planar surface, and a second rail coupled to a second end of the substantially planar surface. The first rail, second rail, and substantially planar surface form a slot.

Abstract: Systems for sizing oral appliances comprise both a width measuring template or tool for determining the distance between opposed molars and an arch sizing tool for determining the size and shape of the patient's dental arch. Based on this information, individual appliances can be selected from an inventory of such appliances, where the selected appliance would best fit the patient.

Abstract: A bite block device for use with intrabuccal instruments having a generally U-shaped central body. A lower vestibular rim extends from an outer periphery of a bottom surface of the generally U-shaped central body. A lower lingual rim extends from an inner periphery of the bottom surface of the generally U-shaped central body. An upper vestibular rim extends from an outer periphery of an upper surface of the generally U-shaped central body. An upper lingual rim extends from an inner periphery of the upper surface of the generally U-shaped central body. The upper surface, the upper vestibular rim, and the upper lingual rim are anteriorly discontinuous for a common length to form an intrabuccal instrument channel therethrough.

Abstract: A device and method for relieving head, neck, facial, joint and tooth pain. An intra-oral device, worn over the upper or lower incisors, allows at least one opposite tooth to contact the rear wall of the device, only within the user's freeway space, and prevents upper and lower posterior teeth from contacting. The device facilitates deprogramming and releasing of the upper and lower jaw muscles. The device includes an extruded or molded shell made of a hard polycarbonate or similar hard plastic material. The internal surface of the shell may be secured in place for the user or lined with a low molding temperature thermoplastic resin, allowing the user to mold the internal aspect of the device onto and over the teeth to produce a fitted device. This relieves the stresses, strains, pains and damage that can be caused by parafunctioning of the dental neural-muscular system.

Abstract: An oral orthosis includes a holder in the shape of a mouthpiece, including a curved arcuate trough-like upper section which receives a formable material. The formable material does not occupy the entire trough but rather includes voids between the formable material and the inner surfaces of trough of the holder to allow expansion of the formable material into the voids during the molding process when tooth pressure is placed on the formable material. This design results in elimination of the excess formable material which otherwise would require removal by trimming. Additionally, the formable material is placed in the trough in a configuration which includes indexing indentations along the centerline of the material, such that, during the molding process, the mouthpiece containing the formable material is easily centered along the edges of the user's teeth to provide a precise fitting.

Abstract: The mouth guard includes first and second side walls, first and second curved walls, and a central wall having a top and a bottom surface. The curved walls are connected to the sidewalls, such that they define a periphery of the mouth guard. The central wall extends between the first and second sidewalls, and the first and second curved walls. The mouth guard includes top and bottom channels for receiving a patient's upper and lower teeth, respectively. First and second protrusions extend from the top surface of the central wall, and a first tube channel is formed between the first and second protrusions. A second tube channel is formed in the central wall and is connected with the first tube channel. An opening is formed in the curved walls and is in communication with the second tube channel. The first and second channels, and the opening receive an intubation tube.

Abstract: A mouthpiece has a bite-off-prevention feature. The mouthpiece has been manufactured from an elastomeric parent material with at least one first component, where a reinforcing component embedded within the parent material forms the bite-off-prevention feature and derives from the same group of substances or group of materials as the first component. The reinforcing component is preferably composed of fibers.

Abstract: The invention is an oral appliance for prevention of sleeping problems including snoring, sleep apnea and bruxism, and may also be used to protect the teeth and gums from surgical instruments during surgery. Specifically, the appliance alters the position of the user's mandible, which is known as a method for reducing the restriction of the flow of air through the pharyngeal passageway. The appliance is a one-piece device molded from a flexible polymer. It includes an upper maxillary tray and a lower mandibulary tray. Both upper and lower trays include inner and outer walls which increase contact area with the teeth. The hinge mechanism of the device includes a positive positioning system comprised of opposed interlocking ridges. The ridges serve to create offset between the position of the upper tray and lower tray relative to each other, therefore advancing the user's mandible.

Abstract: Oral appliances, methods of making oral appliances, and bite registration devices for use in making oral appliances are provided. An oral appliance includes a lower segment, and upper segments. The upper segments are operably connected to the lower segment using threaded elements. Rotational manipulation of the threaded elements causes the upper segments to be displaced horizontally relative to the lower segment about the lengths of the threaded elements, and the lengths of the threaded elements are substantially parallel to each other. A bite registration device for use in making an oral appliance includes a top surface including a protrusion and a bottom surface including a receptacle configured to receive the protrusion. The device is configured to be maintained in stacked relation to a like configured second bite registration device by mating the protrusion of the bite registration device with a receptacle of the second bite registration device.

Abstract: An extendable airflow restriction system is described herein which may be used to treat various disorders by creating expiratory positive airway pressure while providing for patient comfort regardless of the patient's anatomical variances. Such a device may be removably secured within the patient's mouth and may include an extendable member which may project to urge the patient's upper lip towards the nostrils to restrict airflow. Moreover, the restriction device may include one or more sensors to detect the patient's respiration activity such that the device may be actuated to correspond to the patient's exhalation.

Abstract: Oral appliances adapted to for spacing the occlusal surfaces of the teeth of a user are disclosed. The oral appliances have an integral retention band interconnecting a first bite pad and a second bite pad. The first bite pad can include a first spacer and the second bite pad can include a second spacer that are configured to maintain the spacing of the occlusal surfaces of opposing teeth of a user during clenching or upon an impact to the jaw. Methods for the manufacture of composite oral appliances are also disclosed. The methods include forming a composite oral appliance over a model of a user's mouth.

Abstract: The present technology provides a mandibular repositioning device (MRD) which may be self titratable. The MRD may be repositioned relative to the maxilla, e.g., the mandible may be brought, via the device, to a position forward of a neutral resting and/or bite position. The MRD allows for adjusting the maintained forward position by simply biting-down to preserve the desired degree of mandibular advancement. The present technology also allows for movement of the mandible in a lateral direction. The lateral movement is allowed for any forward longitudinal positioning of the mandible. The MRD may use a plurality of components that are coupled together and allow for lateral and longitudinal motion between each other. The present technology may be used in MRDs which may be self-fitted, typically by immersing the device in hot water and then biting into the device, making an impression of the teeth in the softened thermoplastic polymer.

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

Abstract: This occlusal grinding protective device and orthodontic aligner is intended for intraoral use in children ages 1 to 6 years old, who exhibit symptoms of teeth grinding and in those who exhibit teeth changes due to prolonged tongue thrusting, thumb sucking, and deformation due to prolonged pacifier use. The appliance separates the upper teeth from the lower teeth and keeps the user from further destruction of their teeth due to grinding. It has facial guide planes attached to the grinding plate. These so called lip bumpers will maintain teeth and jaws in ideal occlusal relationship. In children who suffer from misalignment (teeth or skeletal) and are grinding, the lip bumpers will serve to orthodontically guide the teeth into ideal class I occlusions, whereby still protecting teeth from damage due to grinding. Its suggested wear time is at night during sleep.

Abstract: A custom mouthguard may be formed from a multiple layer assembly including an ethylene vinyl acetate/thermoplastic polyurethane layer, an ethylene vinyl acetate layer and an intervening impact shield and elastomeric framework. The elastomeric framework may include one or more posterior occlusal pads. The custom mouthguard may be molded to a positive mold of an individual's upper teeth and gums.

Abstract: A mouthguard includes lateral cheek compaction domes which compressibly fill the space between the inside of the cheek and the rear teeth when worn. The domes are ellipsoid in shape and provide elasticity which allows the muscles of the cheek to comfortably grip the mouthguard. The internal aspects of the cheek compress the domes against the outer tooth and gum surfaces to hold the mouthguard in place even when the teeth are not biting on the bite plate section. This holds the mouthguard in place as the jaws move when speaking or during deep breathing.

Abstract: Provided is a soft flexible oral appliance having protuberances that mimic naturally occurring dental Tori. An upper, palatial appliance and a lower, mandibular appliance may be used in conjunction or separately to alleviate a variety of disorders, improve facial tone, and increase physical performance. The appliances are lightweight, thin, and do not prohibit normal speech patterns when in use. Small protuberances are strategically molded along key surfaces of each appliance to stimulate nerves in the tongue and affect forward protrusion. Forward positioning of the tongue dilates the airways of the throat improving breathing while the use is sleeping, playing sports, or talking. It also reduces bruxing, or grinding of the teeth. A method is further provided, for adding protuberances to other types of oral appliances, thereby conferring some of the benefits listed above on appliances originally intended for other dental uses.

Abstract: A mouthguard able to be shaped in the mouth, has an adaptable structure consisting of an adaptable material, and a skeleton, at least partially covered by the adaptable structure, consisting of a non-adaptable material. The mouthguard also has a removable pallet consisting of a non-adaptable material and comprising a first region intended to butt against the skeleton, the region of the pallet being dimensioned such that, during the adaption phase of the mouthguard, the combined presence of the pallet and of the skeleton ensures both ventilation space and the presence of sufficient material at the incisor-canine area.

Abstract: An athletic mouth guard comprising an upper component a lower component and first and second joining components. The upper component has a central region and first and second opposing wing regions. These cooperate to define a channel-like configuration which is structurally configured to receive a plurality of teeth of an upper jaw. The lower component has similar structures which are configured to receive a plurality of teeth of a lower jaw. The first joining component is attached to the upper component and to the lower component along corresponding first opposing wing regions and the second joining component is attached to the upper component and to the lower component along corresponding second opposing wing regions.

Abstract: A dental guard has a first portion which is molded or shaped to conform to the teeth of either one of the upper or lower jaw, a second portion which is a resilient material having passages therethrough to permit passage of air, and a third portion adapted for contact with the other one of the upper or lower jaw. The dental guard provides enhanced TMJ stability, protects teeth, allows air flow for breathing, protects the airway from foreign objects, and allows compression in case of impact or necessity of swallowing.

Abstract: A mouth guard holder assembly having a central body member, constructed of terrycloth fabric or other material having suitable flexibility, absorbency, aesthetic and other characteristics, forms a resilient expandable loop to snugly fit around a user's bicep, forearm or wrist. A harness or strap is affixed to the central body member, but is capable of being partially separated from the central body member. Thereafter, a mouth guard can be quickly and securely stored in space formed between the strap and central body member during periods when the mouth guard is not inserted within a user's mouth.

Abstract: A method for forming a custom-molded oral appliance for positioning a user's jaw proximate to centric occlusion is disclosed. The method includes heating a thin sheet of material comprising a polycaprolactone polymer. The thin sheet of material is positioned within the user's mouth. The user's jaw is positioned proximate to centric occlusion. The thin sheet of material is molded around at least respective portions of the user's upper and lower dental arches such that each of the respective portions of the user's upper and lower dental arches form respective impressions on opposite sides of the thin sheet of material. The thin sheet of material is transitioned to a substantially non-deformable state.

Abstract: Oral appliances adapted to for spacing the occlusal surfaces of the teeth of a user are disclosed. The oral appliances have an integral retention band interconnecting a first bite pad and a second bite pad. The first bite pad can include a first spacer and the second bite pad can include a second spacer that are configured to maintain the spacing of the occlusal surfaces of opposing teeth of a user during clenching or upon an impact to the jaw. Methods for the manufacture of composite oral appliances are also disclosed. The methods include forming a composite oral appliance over a model of a user's mouth.

Abstract: An endoscopic bite block, with teeth position defining regions which guide the subject's teeth to grip the bite block in their natural position, with the teeth of the upper jaw positioned further out than the lower jaw teeth. These teeth position defining regions are also preferably curved to match the curved shape of the jaw. The upper and lower parts of the front plate of the bite block may also be positioned at different distances out, so that upper and lower lip regions both contact the front plate snuggly. The bite block may be used with separate oral/nasal cannulae, or may incorporate breath sampling or gas supply cannulae. A flexible flapped curtain at the outer end of the bite block may be provided to largely enclose the inner volume of the bite block to enable more accurate capnographic sampling under conditions of wide-open mouth breathing.

Abstract: Teat device for preventing habits such as snoring, breathing through the mouth, sucking, grinding and gnashing the teeth, and for training or treating oral functions, said teat device comprising an oral vestibule.

Abstract: A fastener suitable for connecting two parts of a dental splint together in a prearranged or predetermined spatial relationship to treat a person suffering from a sleep disorder is described. In one form the fastener comprises a base member and a cover member arranged to define a cavity therebetween. A movable connector is located within the cavity, the movable connector interconnecting the two parts of the dental splint. The fastener has an adjustor movably connected to the connector such that the position of the connector is moved in response to movement of the adjustor by adjusting the position of the adjustor, the connector in the form of a hook moves the other part of the dental splint so as to reposition the jaws of a person being treated for the sleep disorder.

Abstract: This invention is a shock absorbing mouth guard used by athletes to reduce the transfer of impact energy between the upper and lower jaw and thus prevent or greatly reduce injury to the mouth and jaw area. This is accomplished through the utilization of an outer and inner member. The outer member is made of a hard ridged material and acts as a support were as the inner member is made of a soft flexible rubber like material and acts like a shock absorber.