Abstract: An apparatus is provided to fix a thermoplastic mask to a patient. The apparatus includes a member having a teeth-receiving portion formed to be positioned adjacent to a cranio facial bone of the patient, a fixation member coupled to the member, the fixation member including a plate and a fastener, a distinct fastener plate formed for coupling with the fastener to couple the mask to the fixation member so that the member is in a fixed position relative to the mask, and a lower plate member positioned adjacent to the member.

Abstract: An apparatus for exercising facial muscles. A first embodiment includes two arms, each having an end portion with a hole wherein is disposed a bifurcated pad assembly having an upper and a lower pad. Each pad is adapted to receive teeth and has a surface attached to a neck with a circumferential groove allowing the neck to be held within the rims of the end portion holes. A second embodiment includes two interconnected Y-shaped assemblies, each having two arms with an end portion holes wherein is disposed a bifurcated pad assembly each having an upper and a lower pad. Each pad is adapted to receive teeth and has a surface attached to a neck with a circumferential groove allowing the neck to be held within the rims of the end portion holes. In both embodiments, the separation between laterally opposed pad assemblies is incrementally adjustable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inhaler with a novel mouthpiece having a microbiological protective function. The inhalers are used for administration of a pharmaceutical substance, substance formulation or substance mixture.

Abstract: A method is provided for relief of head, face and jaw pain by achieving the release of intra oral muscle spasms, trigger points, and myofascial dysfunction. The steps include locating intra oral treatment points, including locations of intra oral muscle spasms, trigger points, and myofascial dysfunction, in the mouth and jaw region of a human subject. A handheld device is provided with a central gripping portion, a first generally arcuate arm extending from one end of the gripping portion and terminating in a generally bulbous tip, and a second generally arcuate arm extending from the other end of the gripping portion and terminating in a generally flattened tip. The subject's mouth is opened sufficiently to pass one of the tips into the mouth. One of the tips is inserted in the subject's mouth and the tip is brought into contact with one of the treatment points. Pressure is applied to the treatment point until a release response occurs.

Abstract: A mouthguard has a flexible frame, and has bite tabs extending from the rear surface of the frame for engaging the wearer's teeth. The bite tabs extending from the rear surface of the frame for engaging the wearer's teeth. A narrow split may be provided between the anterior bite tabs that allows the bite tabs to maintain their flexibility. The flexible frame lays against the outer surface of the teeth and extends into the buccal folds superiorly and interiorly of the cheek where the muscles hold it in place. Grooves may be positioned lengthwise along the frame above and below the bite tabs for purposes of flexibility and to allow the muscles of the check to press the upper and lower extensions of the frame close to the bone for better retention and comfort. The teeth engage the bite tabs, thus preventing the teeth from clashing together and protecting the temporomanibular joint (TMJ). One or more air holes may be provided in the front portion of the mouthguard permitting easy breathing.

Abstract: A mouthpiece made of a relatively rigid thermoplastic substrate having a shape generally complementary to the wearer's dental arch; a layer of compliant, slippery material overlaid on the outer surface of the mouthpiece.

Abstract: The invention involves a plug for a dive mouthpiece. The plug comprises a plug portion and a handle portion. The plug portion has a plug-portion distal end and a plug-portion proximal end. The plug-portion includes an exterior surface, which is complementary in shape to a distal portion of the passageway shape of the mouthpiece. The handle portion has a handle-portion proximal end integral with the plug-portion distal end. The handle portion also has a handle-portion distal end and of a handle-portion exterior surface configured to be complementary in shape to the proximal portion of the passageway shape of the mouthpiece.

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

Abstract: A mandible positioning device or pharyngeal airway adjuster has upper and lower bite blocks and a connection between the upper and lower bite blocks, the connection being manually adjustable for displacing the lower bite block relative to the upper bite block. The adjustable connection protrudes forwardly from the upper and lower bite blocks so that, in use of the device, the manually adjustable member is located and accessible in front of a patient fitted with the mandible positioning device. The manually adjustable connection has screws which are adjustable independently of one another for effecting relative horizontal and vertical displacement, respectively, of the upper and lower bite blocks.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided that are effective to remove an obstruction in a human airway related to snoring and/or OSA. In one embodiment, the device includes mouthpiece having a hollow body configured to be disposed in a user's mouth. The body includes superior and inferior outer surfaces as well as anterior and posterior surfaces, a channel configured to receive a user's teeth formed in at least one of the superior and inferior surfaces, an inner cavity formed between the superior, inferior, anterior, and posterior surfaces, and at least one aperture formed in the posterior surface that extends into the inner cavity. In one exemplary embodiment the at least one aperture is oriented to extend away from the user's teeth and toward a user's tongue when the mouthpiece is in use.

Abstract: A mouthguard has a flexible frame, and has bite tabs extending from the rear surface of the frame for engaging the wearer's teeth. The bite tabs extending from the rear surface of the frame for engaging the wearer's teeth. A narrow split may be provided between the anterior bite tabs that allows the bite tabs to maintain their flexibility. The flexible frame lays against the outer surface of the teeth and extends into the buccal folds superiorly and interiorly of the cheek where the muscles hold it in place. Grooves may be positioned lengthwise along the frame above and below the bite tabs for purposes of flexibility and to allow the muscles of the cheek to press the upper and lower extensions of the frame close to the bone for better retention and comfort. The teeth engage the bite tabs, thus preventing the teeth from clashing together and protecting the temporomanibular joint (TMJ). One or more air holes may be provided in the front portion of the mouthguard permitting easy breathing.

Abstract: Oral appliances which reside within the mouth and which bring the lower jaw and/or the tongue forward to increase airway flow during sleep or physical activity are provided. Furthermore, the oral appliances are constructed such that they may be optionally customized to an individual user's mouth shape. Methods of using such oral appliances are also provided.

Abstract: A problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a cheek enhancement piece which can be used casually and low-priced with a cosmetic consciousness similarly to false claws, false eyelashes, and the like, and moreover, adjustable by a person to be fit to own oral vestibule.

Abstract: An intraoral, flexible, hinged appliance which is an anterior resistance appliance, covering both anterior sextants of both arches (jaws), having the effect of an anterior bite plane, to facilitate orthodontic treatment. Each of the hinged sections consists of a roughly semicircular trough or tray that fits over the anterior sextant of a patient's teeth. The two troughs are hinged at the rear with a flexible material that when the troughs are flexed together and inserted in the mouth causes a force tending to lock the troughs against the patient's teeth, thereby helping to open a deep bite and protect teeth from the negative affects of bruxism or teeth grinding, and to relieve temporomandibular joint pain and dysfunction.

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 custom-fitted dental appliance prevents grinding contact between upper and lower teeth of a wearer. The appliance includes a base member having a generally U-shaped horizontal portion with opposing posterior sections and an anterior section disposed between the posterior sections. The anterior section has an arcuate curvature substantially matching the curvature of the dental arch of most wearers. The base member has a vertical portion connected to a forward edge of the horizontal portion. The vertical portion of the base member has an arcuate curvature substantially following the curvature of the anterior section. The appliance includes over-molded molar pads that are bonded to the upper surfaces of the posterior sections of the base member. An over-molded anterior flange is bonded to the vertical portion of the base member. In preferred embodiments, the anterior flange has a pair of opposing vertical notches for accommodating the upper canine teeth of the wearer.

Abstract: A system for reimplanting avulsed teeth includes a dental splint having a pre-shaped channel that releasably engages a dental arcade having one or more avulsed teeth. The avulsed teeth are reinserted into their sockets and the dental splint is positioned over the dental arcade. The dental splint is worn continuously until reattachment is substantially attained. One embodiment provides masticatory surfaces to the dental splint that assist a user in eating while wearing the dental splint. Another embodiment provides a resilient layer to an engagement surface of the dental splint, which conforms to and engages the dental arcade. Adhesives may be disposed between the dental splint and the dental arcade when necessary.

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 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: 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 performance enhancing and force absorbing mouthguard adapted to fit the upper teeth of the mouth of an athlete wherein the mouthguard is of a composite material. The first internal layer is a nonsoftenable 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. The framework includes hard, durable bite plate wedges which lower 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. The elastomeric pads extend forwardly to form an anterior impact brace on the front of the mouthguard.

Abstract: An appliance, a system and a method correct habits of an oral cavity of a patient. The appliance is preformed or is custom-made in an open position or in a closed position. The appliance prevents the patient from breathing through an oral cavity of the patient and encourages the patient to breathe through a nose of the patient. The appliance corrects abnormal swallowing patterns, finger sucking habits, thumb sucking habits, abnormal tongue posturing, abnormal lip posturing and/or speech problems. A slot is formed on a top portion of the appliance to receive teeth of the patient for wearing the appliance. A shelf is formed on a bottom portion of the appliance to move a tongue of the patient to a correct position within the oral cavity during swallowing movements and/or during resting periods between the swallowing movements since there is more room above the shelf from a hollow area above of the shelf which is more comfortable for the patient.

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 oral appliance (20) includes first and second mouthpiece elements (22,32) each equipped with adjustable ribs (30,40) on an anterior portion (24) and ramp surfaces (28,38) on each of its posterior arms (26). The ribs (22,32) slope upwardly, front to back at a steeper angle than the ramp surfaces. Preferably, the ribs (22,32) and the ramps (28,38) surfaces have maximum height which define a ratio in the range of between 2 and 2½ to mimic the differential in mouth opening between incisors and molars. The appliance has a plurality of laterally extending protrusions (42,44,46) that are engaged by elastic bands (48) to exert a force which simultaneously pulls the wear's mandible forward and biases the lower mouthpiece toward the upper mouthpiece. Adjustable ribs extend laterally to permit relative movement of the two mouthpiece elements to eliminate the buildup of tension in the wearer's jaw.

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: The invention provides for a prefabricated appliance for correcting many types of malocclusions particular useful for young children. The appliance for use for adults is called a mandibular advancement appliance. The appliance engages the front upper teeth of a patient in a box. There are lateral occlusions extending to the back of the appliance, Below the retention box there are two independent from each other and depending inclines which engage to the rear of the front teeth. The inclines are hinged in a friction fit. The appliance can be used by an adult for improved breathing as well as by a child with malocclusions. There is a C-shaped bridge, bridging the two lateral occlusions to thereby form a channel into which the adult's tongue or a child's tongue can extend for a comfortable swallowing fit. The adult's appliance does not exert any tension to the interior of the lower teeth.

Abstract: The invention concerns an intraoral orthosis comprising an upper groove (2) and a lower groove (3) designed to line respectively an upper jaw and a lower jaw, said grooves (2, 3) being linked together by two tie rods (4) of such length that the lower jaw is maintained in an extended position relative to the upper jaw. Additionally, a system for fixing the tie rods (4) on the grooves (2, 3) maintains them substantially in the occlusal plane in contact with the upper and lower teeth.

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 protective mold of a thermostable material, the protective mold protecting at least a periphery of the mouthpiece body.

Abstract: A mouthguard has a flexible frame, and has bite tabs extending from the rear surface of the frame for engaging the wearer's teeth. The bite tabs include anterior bite tabs for engaging the wearer's front teeth. A narrow split may be provided between the anterior bite tabs that allows the bite tabs to maintain their flexibility. The flexible frame lays against the outer surface of the teeth and extends into the buccal folds superiorly and interiorly of the cheek where the muscles hold it in place. Grooves may be positioned lengthwise along the frame above and below the bite tabs for purposes of flexibility and to allow the muscles of the cheek to press the upper and lower extensions of the frame close to the bone for better retention and comfort. The teeth engage the bite tabs, thus preventing the teeth from clashing together and protecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). One or more air holes may be provided in the front portion of the mouthguard permit easy breathing.

Abstract: A knee brace is provided having upper and lower arms and a hinge assembly positionable about the knee to one side of the patella. The hinge assembly has a hinge pivot and a tension strap lever. The upper and lower arms and tension strap lever are each rotatable about the hinge pivot. A compression member is positioned in engagement with the knee on the opposite side of the patella from the hinge assembly and a tension strap engages the compression member and is connected to the tension strap lever. The tension strap applies a tension force to the compression member which increases when the upper and lower arms and tension strap lever rotationally transition from a flexion position to an extension position and decreases when the upper and lower arms and tension strap lever rotationally transition from the extension position to the flexion position.

Abstract: A bruxism appliance and a method of forming a bruxism appliance is described for providing a patient and a dentist with a visual indication of the degree of bruxism by the patient. The invention teaches the application of an abradable composition to the non-retaining/opposing dentition contacting surfaces of the appliance in order that specific wear patterns can be observed on the appliance following use by a patient.

Abstract: An intra-oral cavity device for preventing contact between upper and lower teeth of an anesthetized patient. The device includes an elongate pillow that when gripped between the teeth of a patient, prevents contact between the teeth and/or gums and thereby prevents damage to the teeth and/or gums. The pillow may be made of a fibrous, porous and/or absorbent material. The device is adapted for single use and thus disposal after use by a patient. A method of the use of performing surgery using such a device is also provided.

Abstract: A mouthguard (10) of “C” shaped configuration having a forward portion (11) from which there rearwardly diverges a pair of arms (12). The mouthguard (10) in transverse cross section is of a “U” shaped configuration. In one embodiment each arm (12) is provided with a ridge (22) which acts as a shield, while the forward portion (11) is thickened so as to provide a labial shield (23).

Abstract: An upper tray for receiving the maxillary teeth and a lower tray for receiving the mandibular teeth. Upper bite pads carried by the upper tray and lower bite pads carried by the lower tray. The lower bite pads located anterior to the upper bite pads so that the lower bite pads are free to engage the maxillary occlusal surface of the upper tray, and the upper bite pads are free to engage the mandibular occlusal surface of the lower tray to maintain the occlusal surfaces of the trays in a predetermined spaced relationship. The upper and lower bite pads are arranged to abut each other for advancing the mandible and preventing posterior movement of the mandible while allowing limited vertical and lateral movement. The bite pads are releasably carried by the trays for interchanging different sizes of pads to customize the appliance to the needs of the user's mouth.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for treating the temporomandibular joint. The device includes pads (5) for placing on the occlusal surfaces of the posterior teeth (Z) of the left-hand and right-hand sides of the mouth, wherein the pads are filled with fluid (F), and are connected to each other by means of a tube (7) for fluid exchange. To improve the wearing comfort, it is proposed according to the invention that each pad (5) has on one side of it a means (1, 3, 4, 8) for clamping on the posterior tooth (Z).

Abstract: To provide a mouth guard-preparing sheet from which a mouth guard to be used for preventing teeth and their surrounding tissues from a trauma occurred mainly in sports and having a uniform thickness between the right and left sides thereof can be prepared, without causing a problem in the thickness of an anterior teeth portion becoming thin in the preparation of a custom-made mouth guard by heat-sucking. The mouth guard-preparing sheet is made of a thermoplastic resin having a plane shape substantially coincident with a shape of a fixed frame of a heat-sucking type mouth preparation device and provided with a mouth guard portion from a site to be contacted with a labial surface side of a gingiva of an anterior teeth portion to a molar portion side and an elongation tab portion in an exterior direction of a mouth guard portion, wherein said mouth guard portion has a thickness of 1.5˜10 mm; said elongation tab portion has a thickness of 0.1˜0.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to fix a thermoplastic mask to a patient. The apparatus includes a member formed to be positioned adjacent a cranio facial bone, a fixation member coupled to the member, and a fastener plate. The fastener plate couples the mask to the fixation member so that the member is in a fixed position relative to the mask.

Abstract: A mouthpiece assembly for use in detecting impact forces on the neck and head of a user is disclosed. The mouthpiece assembly includes sensors which determine linear and rotational impact forces on the user. The mouthpiece assembly includes a mouth guard having a channel sized to receive the upper teeth therein. A raised dome portion extends from the mouth guard and is adapted to be positioned adjacent the roof of the mouth. The sensors are located in the raised dome portion and the mouth guard or in other locations of the mouthpiece if mouthpiece sensors are required. An indicator is provided to provide a visual and/or audible indication when the magnitude of an impact exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: The oral appliance, either a mouthguard or an orthodontic device, includes a base member having a U-shaped form corresponding to a row of teeth of a user. The base member has inner and outer flanges interconnected by a web which collectively define upper and lower channels within which respectively the upper and lower rows of teeth of the user are received. Upper and lower teeth engaging elements are positioned within the upper and lower channels. The teeth engaging elements are made of EVA which softens at a temperature of 90–95° C. The appliance may also include a tongue tag (25) and breathing apertures (30).

Abstract: A mouthguard (10) has a U-shaped base (11) having an upper surface (16) and a lower surface (18). An inner wall (19) extends upwardly from an inner margin of the base upper surface. An outer wall (21) extends upwardly from an outer margin of the base upper surface. The inner and outer walls defined with the base upper surface a trough adapted to receive a person's upper teeth. The improvement comprises a recess (24) that extends into at least one of the inner wall and base proximate the wearer's front or incisor teeth, and extends between the base upper and lower surfaces. The recess is so positioned, configured and arranged as to enable the wearer to suck fluids from the trough through the recess when the mouthguard is installed such that the mouthguard will fit more closely then if such fluids were present in the trough.

Abstract: A method to form a mouthguard, said method including the steps of providing a mould (14) to which a mouthguard shell (16) is applied. A sheet member (21) of resilient material is applied to the shell (16) and plastically deformed by applying a pressure differential across the sheet to thereby urge the shell (16) into contact with the mould (29) to plastically deform the shell (16) to form a mouthguard.

Abstract: An orthotic device for reducing dental clenching is provided along with a method for custom fitting said device. The orthotic device includes a tray for receiving the user's upper teeth, a guide ramp for position the user's lower jaw, and a plurality of spacers for providing a gap between the tray and the user's lower posterior teeth during fitting of the orthotic device. When worn by the user, the orthotic device positions the user's upper and lower anterior teeth in substantial vertical alignment thereby preventing contact between a user's upper and lower posterior teeth.

Abstract: A glowing mouth guard has a transparent main body, and a transparent glow element for insertion in the main body; the glow element has an outer part formed with several separate holding rooms, which contain respective easily-breakable sealed tubes as well as respective first chemicals therein; the sealed tubes contain respective second chemicals therein; one of both of the chemicals in each holding room of the glow element is a catalytic agent, and the other a luminous chemical, which can produce fluorescent glow through a chemical reaction with the help of the catalytic agent when it is mixed with the agent, such that the holding rooms of the glow element have respective ones of several different-colored fluorescent glows shining.

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 one or more substantially planar regions, such as a single anterior substantially planar region or an anterior substantially planar region, a right posterior substantially planar region, and a left posterior substantially planar region for example. The second arch includes one or more bearing points, such as a single anterior bearing point or an anterior bearing point, a right posterior bearing point, and a left posterior bearing point for example. A bearing point may include a ball that contacts the 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.

Abstract: An intra-oral appliance in the form of a tongue-airway functional appliance which restores/encourages training of the tongue, which encourages patients to breathe through the nose, and which can serve as a diagnostic aid or test device to access a patient's problems. The appliance includes a body of plastic material having an arcuate-shaped portion along which is defined a recess for receiving teeth of a dental arch of a patient, preferably the upper arch. The appliance further includes a curved platform or extension from the body running from the area of the lingual gingival margin of all teeth inferiorly (toward the mandible) forming a “U” or cup-shaped portion or sling which passes under the tongue laterally and anterior to posterior. In another embodiment, nubs or projections are provided on the walls of the teeth-receiving recess for enhancing retention of the appliance.

Abstract: A performance enhancing and force absorbing mouthguard adapted to fit the upper teeth of the mouth of an athlete wherein the mouthguard is unobstructably tethered and of a composite material. The first internal layer is a nonsoftenable 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 bite plate wedge 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 tool for fitting a mouthguard in the mouth of a wearer consists of a mouthguard holding section; a flexible, positioning handle section; a first finger guide; and one or more second finger guides. The mouthguard holding section and the flexible, positioning handle section are molded as one “shot” during injection molding. The first finger guide and the second finger guides are molded as a second “shot.

Abstract: An interocclusal appliance includes a maxillary impression preform of a resilient thermoplastic having a low softening temperature, e.g. 36° C., such as an EVA copolymer having approximately thirty percent vinyl acetate. The preform is molded over and unitarily bonded to a base having a planar bottom face contacted by mandibular occlusal surfaces. The base is formed of a thermoplastic having a higher softening temperature, e.g. 70° C., with the bond between the preform and base characterized by high shear strength. The preform includes a bight shaped centric relation positioning channel having a thick footing and draft along lingual, buccal and labial walls. The appliance is fitted by immersion in hot water to soften the preform, seating the maxillary arch within the channel and biting, such that the impression of the maxillary dentition embeds in the softened preform. Upon cooling, the preform is transformed into a reusable resilient encasement for the maxillary dentition.