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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Abstract: A glow-in-the-dark plastic dental appliance typically for pediatric dental patients, and method of constructing the appliance. According to a preferred method of the invention, the dental appliance is constructed by first forming an impression of a patient's upper or lower dentition and constructing a cast from the impression. The appliance is thermoformed over the cast, typically using a vacuum or pressure thermoforming machine and a sheet, plate or disc of thermoformable plastic impregnated or coated with a phosphorescent material. The appliance is capable of glowing in the dark for a limited period of time after exposure to a light source and as the appliance is worn on the patient's dentition, and is capable of repeated phosphorescence throughout the dental treatment period.

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

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

Abstract: A mouthguard composition is disclosed, containing (a) from 40 to 80% by weight of a styrene block copolymer, (b) from 20 to 60% by weight of an alicyclic saturated hydrocarbon resin and/or an ester gum, and (c) from 0.1 to 10% by weight of an organopolysiloxane in which at least one of organic groups directly bound to the silicon atom in one molecule thereof is a phenyl group, a methylstyryl group, or an alkyl group having from 7 to 30 carbon atoms. The mouthguard composition is high in durability and impact absorption and is free from sticking to gypsum model or hands and fingers at the time of preparation and adjustment works.

Abstract: An oral cavity spreading apparatus according to the present invention comprises a pair of mouth corner hooks capable of being inserted into the oral cavity to spread the corners of the mouth, wing portions protruding individually outward from the mouth corner hooks and capable of spreading the inner part of the oral cavity, and a substantially U-shaped spring arm portion connecting the mouth corner hooks, the mouth corner hooks being adapted to be pressed toward each other against the urging force of the spring arm portion so that the respective end portions of the mouth corner hooks engage each other and the wing portions are steadily rotated inward and toward each other around the point of engagement between the end portions as a pivot as the mouth corner hooks are inserted into the oral cavity.

Abstract: A dentifrice form consisting of a dry compound of sodium bicarbonate as an oral bactricidal agent and oral antacid, psyllium husk fiber as a delivery system being an absorbent expansive binder and a flavoring agent. The dentifrice form is then placed in a porous dental mouth tray which is lined with a permeable matrix moistened with potable water. The dentifrice form in the tray is then moistened with potable water and the tray with the moistened dentifrice form is inserted into the oral cavity and placed against the upper or lower dental arch so as to cause the dentifrice form to be in contact with the teeth and gums of the respective arch for a period of seven minutes. The process is then repeated for the remaining dental arch.

Abstract: The invention has for its object to provide a dental protector against bruxism adapted to protect the teeth from clenching, insure stability during wear, and applicable to many persons. The dental protector comprises a protective part (2) configured generally in the form of the letter U in conformity with the dental arc and adapted to cover the occlusal faces of the teeth and an engaging part (3) contiguous to the inner circumference of the protective part and adapted to cover the posterior surfaces of the teeth, the lower stratum (2y) of the protective part, which is to contact with the teeth, and the engaging part being formed from a thermoplastic resin having a softening temperature lower than the boiling temperature of water and the upper stratum (2x) of the protective part which is flat being formed from a material which does not soften at the above softening temperature.

Abstract: A device is provided for the treatment of teeth including an outer layer of non-porous polymeric material forming a trough, an inner layer forming an inner lining of the trough, and a treatment layer including a treatment agent disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer. The inner layer allows penetration of the treatment agent through after an aqueous solution is introduced to the device. A device is provided for the treatment of teeth including an outer layer of non-porous polymeric material in the form of a trough, wherein the trough has an outside and an inside surface. An outer lining layer is proximate to the inside surface of the outer layer; the outer lining layer includes a material for retaining a treatment agent. An inner lining layer forms an inner lining of the trough, wherein the inner lining layer includes a water-permeable material. A treatment layer is disposed between the inner lining layer and the outer lining layer, wherein the treatment layer includes a treatment agent.

Abstract: A buccal protector made of a single, solid piece of polyurethane resin extracted from castor oil and having a basic dental arcade shape. The buccal protector may be molded from the polyurethane resin. The polyurethane resin preferably has an average polymer which comprehends A219 (type 2¼). The buccal protector includes an orifice for intubation.

Abstract: An anti-snoring device including detachably attachable upper and lower trays selectively fitting over a person's upper and lower teeth. The trays are formed of a rigid plastic outer shell and include an inner thermoplastic moldable portion. Tongues are integrally formed with the rigid outer shells and extend from each of the upper and lower trays forwardly from the central portions of the upper and lower trays. The tongues are selectively detachably attachable to one another in a plurality of positions and for shifting the lower tray and jaw slightly forward from its normal position. Depressions are formed in the lower and upper trays which align and form breathing openings between the upper and lower trays on each side of the trays central portions. The trays posterior portions terminate prior to the person's molars or at about the person's premolars.

Abstract: There are disclosed two embodiments of a mandibular advancement or positioning device which uses elastic bands to pull the jaw forward. The appliance has an upper plastic tray conforming to the patient's upper teeth including maxillary dentition soft tissue and palate, and including a set of plastic retention hooks, one on the right and one on the left anterior buccal portion of the upper plastic base, with each extending outwardly from the tray. The appliance also has a lower plastic tray conforming to the patient's lower teeth including mandibular dentition and soft tissues, and including having a bite plane which opens the bite vertically. The lower tray also has a set of plastic retention hooks extending outwardly from the teeth, one on the right and one on the left of the posterior buccal portion of the lower plastic base.

Abstract: An anatomical mouthmember for the prevention of oro-maxillo-facial traumas, resulting in particular from sporting activities, as a mouthguard or a mouthpiece comprise at least one cavity for housing a dental arch, which cavity is bounded by a base wall of controlled thickness and by side walls which are connected to the base wall, are anatomically preformed and are shaped with a profile complementing the shape of the average surface of the natural teeth and gums of a statistically predetermined set of individuals. (FIG.

Abstract: A bite-block for protecting the mouth of a patient receiving electroconvulsive therapy includes a U-shaped frame made from a unitary piece of a flexible material, such as expanded polyethylene foam, having a first side and an opposite second side. The U-shaped frame includes a body portion and two spaced-apart lobes extending therefrom. The two lobes define a gap therebetween. A force absorbing pad extends upwardly from the first side along at least a portion of each of the two lobes. A handle portion may be added so that the frame is Y-shaped.

Abstract: A triple layer mouthguard apparatus has a U-shaped mouthguard base with an elastomeric frame embedded therein. The frame includes a wave-shaped contact surface. The mouthguard base includes inner and outer side walls defining an upper channel which has a liner disposed therein. The liner is adapted to form around the teeth when softened. The liner engages the teeth of the upper jaw and is made of a material that softens at a temperature lower than the material of the mouthguard base and becomes softer than the material of the mouthguard base when hardened.

Abstract: A lip guard is provided for protecting the lips of brass and woodwind players who wear braces. Each lip guard comprises a strip of thermoplastic material that is heated, molded into place over the teeth and braces of the musician, and then allowed to cool. The lip guards thus provide a smooth, protective barrier between the musician's lips and braces that protects the lips against chaffing that might occur as the mouthpiece of a musical instrument presses back against the musician's lips. The lip guards can be removed from the teeth quickly and easily between performances and can be reused from performance to performance. If adjustments are made to the musician's braces, the lip guards can be easily and conveniently reheated and remolded to accomodate the new shape.

Abstract: A mouthguard (15) made from an orally acceptable plastics material. The mouthguard has a plurality of enclosed cavities (11) as spaced locations arranged in at least a substantial part of the mouthguard.

Abstract: A flat blank of circular segmental shape having a recessed chord and made of thermoplastic material is heated in a bath of hot water in the range of 145 degrees F. (63 degrees C.) and 160 degrees F. (71 degrees C.) to render the material soft and supple. The blank is then manipulated and pressed in applying it to a dental arch for forming a facing alongside the oral cavity into which a throat insert is to be inserted for protecting the teeth of the arch from being injured, such as by being cracked or chipped, by impact with the teeth of such a throat insert or its appendages.

Abstract: A dental tray of the present invention includes a body made from a generally fluid impervious material (preferably a closed cell foam) having a bottom and side walls to define an arched channel sized and shaped to fit over a patient's teeth. A deformable, arched gasket is fixed to the body along an upper edge of the body wall. The gasket extends inwardly from the tray body wall and defines an arched slot. The gasket inner edge contacts and seals against the patient's gums and teeth when the tray is applied to the patient's teeth to substantially prevent compounds from leaking from the sides or back of the tray during use of the tray. Preferably, two identical trays are connected together by a connector. The connector is adhered to the base of the trays, generally at a front of the trays. The connector is folded over upon itself when the two trays are inserted in a patient's mouth and define a handle. The handle extends through the patient's lips from a position generally between the patient's teeth.

Abstract: A molar protector comprising a pair of right and left molar protecting portions (1) each having faces complementary to the occlusal faces of the corresponding superior and inferior maxillary molars and a connecting portion (3) bridging said molar protecting portions (1), each of said molar protecting portions comprising a top layer, a bottom layer, and an intermediate layer lying between said top and bottom layers, said top layer and bottom layer being respectively made of an easily softenable material, the softening point of which is higher than human body temperature and lower than the boiling point of water, such as a thermoplastic resin, and said intermediate layer being made of an elastic, hardly softenable material which does not soften at temperatures below the boiling point of water, such as elastomer, silicone rubber, synthetic rubber, silicone resin, or high-temperature thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: A method for forming a mouth guard and apparatus for anatomically conforming the impression material to a user's mouth and teeth. Polyvinyl siloxane base putty is combined in equal parts with polyvinyl siloxane catalyst putty until a uniform amalgam is formed by kneading and mixing. The mass is then formed into a roll of about three inches in length having a thicker center and extended and tapering ends with a one-inch diameter at the center and approximately half-inch diameters at the ends. A bite bar having a lateral handle is pressed through the center of the mass to form grasping means by which the putty-mass-and-bite-bar, or mouth-guard, assembly may be easily handled. A shield (that may have prongs) on the bite bar serves to support and obstruct the passage of the putty mass. Curving the putty mass about the shield and optional prongs serves to conform the putty mass to the anatomical curvature of a user's teeth.

Abstract: An anti-snoring device including a moldable dental overlay for covering the lower teeth of the user and for maintaining the tongue in contact with the palate to prevent air flow from causing the palate to reverberate during mouth breathing; an extension member fixedly connected to the front of said dental overlay; a moldable oral shield worn outside the mouth and being conformable to the user's upper lip for preventing the lower jaw from drifting inferiorly and posteriorly during sleep; and a connecting member being slidably connected to the oral shield, and having an opening for slidably receiving said extension member. The anti-snoring device may be made of thermoplastic or elastomeric resin materials for moldability to the user's mouth.

Abstract: A dental device (10, 11) includes an arch (12, 14) adapted to receive one or more of a user's teeth (16). A deformable material (20, 32) is coupled to the arch (12, 14) and includes an aliphatic polyester. The aliphatic polyester may be a polycaprolactone polymer and may have the formula: ##STR1## where R is an aliphatic hydrocarbon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cold formable mouthguards that provide protection to the teeth, gums, jaw, and joints of the facial region and absorb and dissipate energy that would otherwise be transferred to the jaw, joints and brain, thus minimizing further injuries. A novel feature of the present invention is that the mouthguard can be shaped to retain the contours of the teeth and mouth by simply placing the mouthguard into the mouth and biting down, without the need for first boiling to soften or other complicated shaping step as is required in the prior art.

Abstract: A resilient composition including a thermoplastic material and gas pockets dispersed therein, where the pockets being formed by a blowing agent. A mouthpiece including a resilient thermoplastic material having a quantity of gas pockets dispersed therein. A method of making a mouthpiece achieved by first mixing a predetermined quantity of blowing agent with a resilient thermoplastic material. The mixture is then heated to a predetermined temperature forming gas pockets therein from the decomposition of the blowing agent. The mixture is then ejection molded in a mold to form the mouthpiece. A mouthpiece including a U-shaped base having a U-shaped cross-section. The base including a lower, horizontal floor with upwardly extending inner lingual and outer labial walls and having a posterior section proximate the user's molar teeth and an anterior section proximate the user's canine and incisor teeth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mouthpiece having a cavity portion. The cavity portion can be filled with a fluid and frozen. When worn, the frozen fluid will thaw and the fluid can drip into the wearer's mouth through openings in the cavity bottom.

Abstract: This invention relates a prototype of a mouth piece characterized as having "H" shaped cross sectional view which is composed of an intermediate web member, outer wall and inner wall and can be loosely installed to dental arch of both maxilla teeth and mandibular teeth.

Abstract: A unitary plural-material, interocclusal dental appliance is disclosed for use in connection with orthodontic/orthopedic treatment of the teeth and jaws of a patient's mouth. The appliance includes a first region made from a first material that provides a relatively hard expanse with first and second surfaces, and with the second surface being contactable by one such set of teeth. The second surface may be constructed with a substantially planar shape, or with a shape conforming generally to the cusps of such one set of teeth. A second region is joined to the first region, and is made from a second material that provides a relatively soft, persistently resilient enclosure for the other such set of teeth. The second region includes plural zones, each of which is structured to allow an adjacent enclosed tooth to move toward the first surface of the first region, with such movement resulting in penetration of corresponding teeth into the relatively hard first material for a relatively precise distance.

Abstract: A jaw joint protective device is provided for protecting teeth, lips, jaw, and other delicate structures of the vital cranial triad (VCT) from injury and/or for supporting the condyle of the temporomamdibular joint (TMJ) in a relatively fixed (stable) position thereby stabilizing the jaw and the VCT during head contact activity and or permit the components of a VCT disorder to be realigned for proper healing. This device is an over-the counter purchased, boil and bite jaw-joint protector providing maxillary and mandibular teeth seats for protection of the mouth and/or healing of the VCT. This invention provides for customized over-the counter availability that adds speech and airway capabilities to the device to facilitate sports participation.

Abstract: A snore-inhibiting device shaped and dimensioned for comfortable installation within the mouth of a user includes a pair of cooperating jaw pieces configured to cap the upper and lower teeth-and-gum structures. The jaw pieces are held together slightly ajar by their integrally molded rearward portions. The small gap between the jaw pieces is enlarged in the frontal area by a rectangular slot through which a tip portion of the tongue can be pushed. The jaw pieces are allowed to separate even more slightly under the pressure of the tongue then to resiliently close back and capture the tip of the tongue, thus keeping the tongue slightly forward from the teeth line. The upper and lower jaw pieces are asymmetrical in order to favor a stable positioning of the device against the lower jaw. The device is made from a thermal plastic having a low melting point so that it may be conformed to the user's dental structure after softening by immersion into boiling water.

Abstract: An oral appliance comprising an upper channel, adapted to receive upper teeth or gums, a roof wall comprising an upper surface adapted to generally conform to the roof of a user's mouth and a lower surface for engagement with a user's tongue; means for maintaining a lower jaw in a forward position, and at least one interior air passage.

Abstract: A molded mouthguard is shaped in the configuration of a maxillary arch. The mouthguard includes a trough which is channel shaped in transverse cross section and a moldable upper fill which extends higher than the channel at least at the front, rear and buccal walls of the trough. The fill comprises a low softening temperature thermoplastic such as a suitable EVA and the trough is formed of a higher softening temperature thermoplastic. The mouthguard is suitable for do-it-yourself custom molding and is heated by emersion in water to a glass transition temperature which is below boiling temperature, e.g. within a range of 140.degree. F. to 180.degree. F., for approximately two minutes. The mouthguard is then inserted into the mouth, and centered against the teeth of the maxillary arch. The user then bites, causing the fill to extrude over the labial and buccal front, sides and rear of the trough as the fill conforms to the impression of the upper teeth.

Abstract: A thermoplastic article formed of a composition for customizable moulding parts of devices such as hand grips or sports equipment or orthopaedic equipment comprises a composition which is set below 37.degree. C. and is conformably mouldable between about 50.degree. C. and 95.degree. C. The article can be moulded, used, and re-moulded and re-used, repeatedly. Such a composition may be an acrylate polymer, possibly a methacrylate polymer. The acrylate polymer may soften or become liquid in the range of 50.degree. C. to 95.degree. C. and may be mixed with another such polymer which is set at that temperature range so that a pasty mouldable mass is formed, for example by warming in warm water. The invention includes a method of forming the composition.

Abstract: A mouthguard which has a generally U-shaped intra-oral portion for placement in a patient's mouth and a generally U-shaped extra-oral portion which is placed outside the patient's mouth. The intra-oral portion may be shaped for bilateral placement between the upper and lower anterior teeth or the upper and lower posterior teeth, or for unilateral placement between the upper and lower canine teeth. There are narrow indentations between the arms of the extra-oral and intra-oral portions.

Abstract: A dental appliance for treating temporomandibular joint disorders that includes a U-shaped channel member having an inner side wall and an outer side wall. A plurality of connectors positioned between the inner and outer side walls divide the dental appliance into an upper and lower compartment for receiving a patient's upper and lower teeth, respectively. A pliable material fills the upper and lower compartments so that the grinding or clenching the patient's teeth is prevented and the patient's mandible can be set in a desired position.

Abstract: An anti-snore device, which includes a U-shaped thermoplastic mouthpiece, moldable to fit the jaw definition of the wearer which device has a generally H-shaped cross section, with rearwardly diminishing elevations of the outer and inner vertical walls, both above and below the base to which these walls are attached. The outer wall features front facing opposed upper concave and lower convex areas. The device also includes a downwardly extending flange which extends into the lingual or tongue side of the teeth vestibule of the user to maintain the lower jaw in a forward posture. An optional removable handle of similar thermoplastic material to aid the custom molding process for the fit to the wearer may be employed.

Abstract: A composite bleaching tray has a U-shaped base composed of a nonsoftening, resilient, low compression elastomer. The U-shaped base has an upward outer labial wall. A flexible and tough, softenable thermoplastic sealing portion is molded to the top of the outer labial wall and forms an inner lingual wall. A handle is attached to the U-shaped base for immersing the tray in boiling water for softening the thermoplastic sealing portion. The handle is removable after the bleaching tray is fitted to the mouth. The bleaching tray also includes a sizing kit for selection of the correctly sized small to large bleaching tray for the user.

Abstract: A thermoplastic article formed of a composition for customizable molding parts of devices such as dental plates or hand grips or sports equipment comprises a composition which is set below 37.degree. C. and is conformably moldable between about 50.degree. C. and 95.degree. C. The article can be molded, used, and re-molded and re-used, repeatedly. Such a composition may be an acrylate polymer, possibly a methacrylate polymer. The acrylate polymer may soften or become liquid in the range of 50.degree. C. to 95.degree. C. and may be mixed with another such polymer which is set at that temperature range so that a pasty moldable mass is formed, for example by warming in warm water. The invention includes a method of forming the composition.

Abstract: A method of making a mouthguard by fabricating a relatively more rigid main body of a material, such as ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer for example, and directly molding onto the troughs of the main body a liner which is of a relatively less rigid material, such as ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer for example, that bonds directly to the material of the main body to form a mouthguard in which the trough liner is tooth-impressionable after having been so bonded. The mouthguard has a tri-laminar occlusal wall composed of the lower durometer liner sandwiching the higher durometer main body material, and the mouthguard exhibits surprising impact-absorbing characteristics that are helpful in protecting certain cranio-facial bone structure in response to certain impacts.

Abstract: A mouthguard releasable in-line tether assembly including a forwardly extending tether-connecting tab extending from an anterior portion of a mouthguard. The anterior portion has a forward end adapted to releasably receive and hold a breakaway tab fastener in parallel or in-line arrangement with the tab. The tab fastener is pivotally held by a stiff tether to permit pivotal movement of the fastener along a first axis perpendicular to both the tab and the tether. The tether further has a face mask end adapted to pivotally hold a face mask catch connectable to a face mask and to permit pivotal movement of the tether along a second axis parallel to the first axis.

Abstract: During radiotherapy for malignant conditions, healthy tissues can suffer from radiation damage. Traditional radiation shields designed to protect healthy tissues are prepared by a lengthy, multi-step complex procedure. Materials are described for preparation of a radiation shield for use during radiation therapy, especially therapy of the head and neck, where the material comprises a composite of non-radioactive, non-toxic high atomic density metal or metal alloy spherical particles dispersed in a manually moldable elastomeric material. Custom radiation shields are formulated of this material without the need for use of impressions or molds. Healthy tissues may then be shielded during radiation therapy by positioning the custom-fitted radiation shield in the desired location on the patient's body.

Abstract: A wishbone tether is provided for remote anchor attachment of the mouthguard assembly which is worn by the user to protect the teeth, tongue, mouth and lips of the user. The wishbone tether has a U-shaped portion extending from the canine regions of the mouthguard to permit clearance at the forward end of the mouthguard for the unhindered movement of the tongue and lips for clear speaking while wearing the mouthguard assembly. A tab remote connecting portion extends forwardly from the U-shaped portion having attachment structure for remote attachment of the wishbone tether and mouthguard assembly to a remote anchor chosen from a group comprising of a helmet, a headgear, a face mask and an user's neck.

Abstract: A composite mouthguard has a flexible and tough, softenable thermoplastic mouthguard portion with a U-shaped base having upward inner lingual and outer labial walls extending from the base. A shock absorbing and attenuating nonsoftening, resilient, low compression, elastomer framework is embedded in the mouthguard portion to absorb, attenuate and dissipate shock forces exerted on the mouthguard during athletic activity.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting and treating teeth including a mouthpiece and storage container is disclosed. The mouthpiece has an arcuate or U-shaped body and is molded from a thin layer of soft, absorbent, and pliable elastomeric material. A continuous U-shaped channel is dimensioned for receiving the upper teeth of a user and is formed in the body in a location adjacent its periphery for a length coextensive with the U-shaped periphery of the body. The body has an integral center portion which arches upwardly from the U-shaped channel to conform to the similarly upwardly arched or convex form of the roof of the mouth or palate of the mouthpiece user. The U-shaped channel may be enclosed and filled with encapsulated setting materials to form a permanent, form-fitting dental impression for the upper teeth of the user. A medicated pad may be adhesively positioned over the enclosed channel to relieve sore gums and teeth.