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

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

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

Abstract: An interocclusal sports prophylaxis includes a core having an arch shaped occlusal plate with upwardly extending buccal and lingual walls. A labial force dispersal shield and molar framing braces extend downwardly from the plate at incisor and lingual zones of the plate. The occlusal plate is thickened at the molar and incisor zones so that breathing spaces are provided between mandibular occlusal surfaces not registered with the zones and a mandibular face of the plate. A shock absorption dentition encasement is molded over the upper surface of the core and also covers the molar and incisor zones. The prophylaxis is heated in water, seated in the mouth and then biting pressure is applied to embed the maxillary dentition in the encasement and the lower incisor and molar occlusal surfaces in the encasement covering the zones.

Abstract: An endoscopic bite block comprising a tubular body having an upper outer surface and a lower outer surface; a front plate having an upper section and a lower section, said upper section being disposed outwardly relative to said lower section, to enable appropriate lip fitting; a teeth positioning region on at least one of said upper and lower outer surfaces; and a nasal gas channel selected from the group consisting of: a breath sampling prong and a gas delivery channel, wherein said teeth positioning region and the disposition of said sections of the front plate are configured to maintain said endoscopic bite block in a predetermined, upright position within a mouth of a subject, to enable a correct position of said nasal gas channel in relation to a nose of the subject.

Abstract: A mouth guard with a uniform shape adapts to occlusion shapes and fits closely to teeth at an occlusion position. The mouth guard is attached to a maxillary tooth row. The mouth guard is formed from a continuous pore high-polymer material to have a characteristic that includes a plateau region of a stress to a compression strain. The mouth guard utilizes the characteristic to fit closely to the tooth rows at the occlusion portion between upper and lower tooth rows, to apply even stress to the tooth rows contacting the occlusion portion. As this result, the mouth guard provides an excellently close-fitting degree and high safety owing to high impact absorption power.

Abstract: A tooth protector device is disclosed for attachment to the top of a glass bottle to provide protection against injury, including chipping of teeth that can occur during drinking from a glass bottle. A tooth protector according to the present invention comprises a monolithic structure for insertion into the mouth of a glass bottle and comprises inner, outer and top portions. The inner portion and the outer portion are substantially concentric structures defining an annulus for engaging the mouth of the bottle, and the top portion joins the inner and outer portions and protects the consumer from the top edge of the bottle. The length of the outer portion is selected such that the bottom part of the consumer's mouth is protected from the bottle. When installed, a tooth protector according to the present invention cushions the teeth and mouth from any blunt force or impulse that can occur when a bottle is hit or blocked.

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

Abstract: The invention comprises a device as a dental shield for use during intubation to protect teeth, comprising 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 one-piece molded bruxism treatment device which in upright orientation has top and bottom parts, including: a. an elongated band having top and bottom edges and having a generally U-shape defining a closed front end part and legs extending rearward along a front-to-rear direction, and adapted to be positioned around the outer surfaces of a person's upper gums and teeth, the front end and legs having top and bottom edges, each of the legs terminating as a foot having a bottom edge below the bottom edges of the front end and legs, b. the front end top edge having a downward extending recess adapted to provide clearance for a person's frenulum when the device is positioned in the person's mouth with the band between the person's upper lip and upper teeth, and c.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mouth guard or mouth piece holder having a pair of mounts each mount having a generally concave back surface and a flat front surface and configured to be fixed to an exterior surface of a helmet with the back surface conforming to and abutting the exterior surface of the helmet. A face plate is attached to the mounts to define a pocket. A support base is medially located within the pocket formed integral to the bottom edge of the face plate to partially fill the pocket. Thus, the pocket with the base is adapted to accommodate the mouth guard such that the mouth guard can be maintained proximate to the exterior surface of the helmet above the facemask during temporary periods of nonuse.

Abstract: A one piece mouthpiece with a mandibular re-positioning extension for reducing snoring, and in particular, to a dental orthosis for easy engagement with the upper dentition of a person and intended to eliminate snoring. The mouthpiece is made from a deformable material with a shape complementary to a person's upper teeth and dental arch. The mouthpiece generally has an arched channel which embraces the upper teeth of a person. The mouthpiece includes an attached downward anterior mandibular extension located at the back of the top of the arch of the mouthpiece.

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

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

Abstract: Mouth guards of varying designs. The mouth guard is generally moldable and has non-planar biting surfaces. In other embodiments, the mouth guard has base members or flanges that have means for retaining medicaments and the like. Other versions have thermochromic elements selected to allow color changes at desired temperatures.

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

Abstract: A removable splint for treating certain orofacial disorders has a chewing surface and can be worn while the patient is eating. The splint fits over some or all of the maxillary or mandibular teeth. The chewing surface is preferably shaped like the occlusal surfaces of the natural teeth of the patient. The device may be made to look like natural teeth and gums. Preferably, the natural look is achieved by coloring the material of the splint during or after casting and placing denture teeth in the part of the splint that shows when the patient smiles.

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

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

Abstract: A “boil and bite” mouthguard including projections to improve moulding of the mouthguard to the user's teeth is described. The mouthguard also includes a base-wall configuration that acts to minimise thinning of the base during moulding and use of the mouthguard.

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

Abstract: A ventilating mouthguard device, kit and method of using same is presented for use in providing a user an auxiliary boost of air while wearing the mouthguard. The ventilating mouthguard device includes a base plate, an on/off switch, a power supply and a fan. The base plate has an air passageway traversing all the way thought the base plate so that outside air can easily channeled into the mouth of the user. The on/off switch is electrically coupled to the power supply and to the fan. The fan is positioned so that it is in fluid communications within the air passageway in order to push air into the mouth of the user. The kit includes the unconnected components of the ventilating mouthguard device. The method includes the steps of applying, coupling, covering, curing, mixing, mounting, obtaining, preparing, removing, selecting, and turning.

Abstract: A bite block is to be positioned between opposing upper and tower teeth in a patient's mouth. The bite block includes an elongate member having a top and a bottom. First and second sidewalls are coupled to the elongate member on opposite sides thereof. Each sidewall extends above and below the top and bottom of the elongate member to define upper and lower teeth spaced apart transverse notches defined in an upper surface thereof. In addition, the second sidewall has a second set of spaced apart receiving channels. The first sidewall has a first set of transverse notches defined in an upper surface thereof. The first sidewall may also have a third set of spaced apart transverse notches defined in a lower surface thereof. In addition, the second sidewall may also have a fourth set of spaced apart transverse notches defined in a lower surface thereof.

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

Abstract: Oral appliances adapted to for spacing the occlusal surfaces of the teeth of a user are disclosed. The oral appliances have a major connector 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 oral appliance with opposite channels for receiving the upper and lower dental arches is made from an edible material, in particular a gel. The appliance is integrally molded with protrusions that act as brush bristles to clean the teeth and stimulate the gums when manipulated in a chewing motion. The gel composition is water soluble and degrades in saliva. After chewing on the appliance for a time to clean the teeth, the product becomes masticated, broken up and ingested. The appliance can incorporate a breath freshener or an active dental composition, or can be flavored or can incorporate a food supplement or pharmaceutical, in which case the appliance is intended to be chewed up and eaten after serving its tooth cleaning function. Dentifrice reservoirs, air passageways and lateral braces for manipulation by the tongue can be provided.

Abstract: A tongue retaining system is disclosed herein generally having, in one variation, a two-part system. A covering can be sized to fit at least partially over or upon a tongue of a patient, where the covering has an engagement mechanism positioned thereon. A retaining device, sized to fit within a mouth of the patient, may be positioned upon the teeth and have a corresponding engagement mechanism positioned thereon for temporarily coupling with the engagement mechanism on the covering. Such a system can be used to maintain or hold a natural position of the tongue within the mouth of the patient to maintain patency of the airway passages.

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

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

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

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

Abstract: The present invention is a mouthguard to be used in sports to protect the mouth and teeth from blows to the face and head. The mouthguard has a three layer laminate construction and is fabricated from thermoplastic material that may be softened in hot water to enable a user to form it to the contours of his or her mouth. The mouthguard is formed from an upper portion shaped into a channel with holes distributed on the channel floor and a lower platform with posts aligned to fit into the holes. A part of the posts extend from the upper portion to the platform to form gaps between the upper portion and the platform with the gaps acting as air cushions. In one embodiment, a strap is attached to the assembled mouthguard.

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

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved form of a splint having a contact portion for maintaining the vertical separation of rearwardly opposed teeth in the oral cavity of a patient wearing the splint. The splint is provided with a contact portion for contacting opposed forward teeth to the forward teeth to which the splint is attached such that movement of the opposed forward teeth with respect to the contact portion maintains the spacing of the rearward teeth. The contact portion is provided with a central or intermediate section to which a forward portion is angularly inclined. The splint is optionally provided with a third portion angularly inclined to the central or intermediate portion for stabilising the position of the jaw or teeth to prevent permanent or long term change in the jaw position (strictly).

Abstract: A mouth guard comprises, in one embodiment, a pair of bite pads joined by a connecting portion, each bite pad having an upper bite surface and a lower bite surface, one bite surface being movable relative to the other bite surface to allow relative movement of a user's teeth and jaws to decrease the impact of bruxism and diminish symptoms associated with temporomandibular disorders and the like. In another embodiment, a single wire is formed into a mouth guard comprising a pair of bite pads joined by a connection portion.

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

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

Abstract: Intraoral device (01), in particular for use with sleep-related breathing disorders, having an essentially U-shaped maxillary splint (02), which can be placed on the user's alveolar arch of maxilla, surrounding it in at least some areas, and a mandibular splint (03), which is also essentially U-shaped and can be placed on the user's alveolar arch of mandible, surrounding it in at least some areas, whereby the maxillary splint (02) and the mandibular splint (03) have bite surface areas (06, 07) facing one another, at least one fixation device being provided in their area, with which the mandibular splint (03) can be secured in a predetermined position relative to the maxillary splint (02), and whereby the fixation device comprises at least one fixation element (08) and at least one receptacle element (09) which accommodates the fixation element (08) in at least some areas, whereby the fixation element (08) is provided on the maxillary splint (02) and the receptacle element (09) is provided on the mandibular sp

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

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

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

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

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

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

Abstract: A mouth guard composed of a polymer consisting essentially of polycaprolactone exhibits a low softening point, enabling it to be easily custom-fitted by the user or a health professional. The material is provided in the form of a generally U-shaped, unformed sheet of material, enabling the material to be heated with hot water or microwave energy and custom-fitted to the dentition of a user. The mouth guard may be perforated and may include a no-stick layer and/or a flavoring agent. A plurality of mouth guards may be provided in different sizes for children and adults and different shapes for different sports. In the preferred embodiments the mouth guard has a periphery including a plurality of lobes and cusps to enhance fitting. A method of fabricating an improved mouth guard according to the invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A body temperature monitoring system comprises a mouth guard, a temperature-sensing unit associated with the mouth guard, and an indicator unit responsive to the temperature-sensing unit. The indicator unit indicates if a body temperature sensed by the temperature-sensing unit is outside of a pre-selected range. The indicator unit may be programmed to actuate an indicator when the temperature-sensing unit senses one or more temperatures that fall outside the pre-selected range. In one implementation, the indicator unit receives a string of multiple temperature readings and determines which temperatures are valid and invalid, and averages the valid temperatures. A method of monitoring a person's body temperature that parallels the above device is also described.

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.