Abstract: A headgear can be worn on a user's head to adjustably fix a mouthpiece inserted in an oral cavity. The headgear includes: a front pad brought into contact with and pressed against a front pressure point of an outer surface of the buccinator between the zygomatic bone and the mandible in the face region; one or more rear pads brought into contact with and pressed against one or more rear pressure points so that a resultant force becomes a reaction force paired with a pressing force of the front pad, in a region from the top to the back of the head; a frame fixing the front pad and the rear pads; a front horizontal bar fixed to the frame at a position in front of the lip region of the head; and an adjustment part installed on the front horizontal bar to mount the mouthpiece.

Abstract: A vibration device for dental use is provided, including a support member and a vibration transmission member. The support member is adapted to fit in the space between the upper and lower teeth on one side of the mouth, and includes a frame and an elastic layer. The frame is configured to maintain a shape defining an inner cavity having a first opening formed on the first side of the support member and a second opening formed on the second side of the support member. The elastic layer covers the surfaces of the frame. The vibration transmission member has a connector end for coupling to a vibration source and an insertion end configured to be inserted into the inner cavity of the support member so as to transmit the vibration energy generated by the vibration source to the upper and lower teeth of the patient.

Abstract: An oral treatment assembly providing a plurality of medical treatments of a patient that are non-invasive and in particular, provides new methods for treating jaw related medical conditions of a patient through predetermined positioning and controlled or guided movement of a patient's mandible and therefore their mandibular condyles during use, wherein the assembly includes an upper and lower assembly each defining transition portions having a reverse cut angle that extends downward from the posterior forward to the anterior, and where each are configured to selectively engage to restrict the retrusion of the mandible relative to the maxilla and to position the mandible relative to the maxilla downward and in some embodiment slightly forward in a caregiver defined treatment position and having a caregiver defined treatment movement area thereabout. Since the reversed cut angle contains two vectors it also discourages involuntary dropping of the mandible relative to the maxilla.

Abstract: A device for accelerating tooth movement under orthodontic treatment is disclosed. The device includes a vibrational source and a patient-specific tray. The device applies vibrational forces with prescribed frequency and intensity to the teeth under orthodontic treatment with traditional appliances, such as bracket-wire system or aligner. The patient-specific tray ensures the vibrational stimulations on the teeth to be moved. The level of stimulation intensity can be controlled by varying the preload on each of the teeth based on the clinician's prescription. The tray can be further modified to ensure continuous delivery of the desired vibrational forces on the teeth when they move during the treatment.

Abstract: A measurement device and associated systems and methods are described. The device includes a body and an attachment mechanism fixed to and extending from the body. The attachment mechanism is configured for attachment to a part of a human or animal subject. The or a part of the body is configured for gripping by a user. The device incudes a processor in communication with a force sensor module and a position sensor module. The force sensor module is configured to measure a force applied to the attachment mechanism, in use, and output force measurement data relating to the measured force. The position sensor module is configured to measure the position of the part of the human or animal relative to other parts thereof, in use, and output position measurement data. The processor is configured to store the force measurement data and position measurement data in a memory component associated therewith.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for applying localized vibration directly to particular teeth with the upper and lower jaws. A headgear using an inner bow comprising at least two arms that inserts into the upper first molars and an elastic-type headgear strap attaches to the back of the neck and to the outside, or outer bow also having at least two arms. The inner bow and outer bow are coupled together generally in the center (or alternatively with at least one lateral extension that is off-centered) by an external extension. The external extension may further have a protrusion, that inserts into a corresponding orifice within a vibrating orthodontic device.

Abstract: A tissue fastening tool fastens a first biological tissue to a second biological tissue. The tissue fastening tool is made of two elastic wire rods, each shape set into a coil shape. Each of elastic wire rods are separately shape set, then ends of the rods are connected such that the second elastic wire rod coils back over the first elastic wire rod.

Abstract: The present application discloses a vibration application method including a stage for contacting a contact portion with at least one tooth, and a stage for causing the contact portion to vibrate so as to impart displacement of 0.04 ?m or more to the contact portion. The difference between the maximum value and minimum value of a vibrational load during the time the contact portion is vibrating may be 3 gf to 10 gf. The stage for contacting the contact portion with the at least one tooth may include a stage for contacting the contact portion with an orthodontic appliance attached to the at least one tooth.

Abstract: A mandibular repositioning device having a lower assembly having a buccal tube having a slot opening formed therein with the tube being connected to a molar bracket that fits over a molar, a lower wedge having a head portion having an inner contact surface, and an integral extension portion with the extension portion being adapted for insertion into the slot opening for adjustment purposes, and an upper assembly having a buccal tube having a slot opening formed therein with the tube being connected to a molar bracket that fits over a molar, an upper wedge having a head portion having an outer rounded contact surface, and an integral extension portion, the extension portion being adapted for insertion into the slot opening for adjustment purposes. Set screws are adapted for contacting the extension portions for holding the upper wedge and lower wedge in place with the outer rounded contact surface bearing against the inner contact flat surface for repositioning a mandibular jaw.

Abstract: In one embodiment, systems and methods for determining the positions of strands in a post-tensioned tendon involve positioning a magnet in close proximity to the outer surface of a tendon, moving the magnet around the periphery of the tendon, and measuring the force of attraction between the magnet and strands within the tendon at multiple angular positions of the tendon.

Abstract: A module for attaching an orthodontic bite corrector to an orthodontic buccal tube appliance includes two segments, and each segment includes a rotation stop for limiting undesired rotational movement of bite corrector during movement of the patient's jaws. The segments are movable relative to each other during installation of the attachment module for facilitating placement of the rotation stops in regions next to the buccal tube appliance that might otherwise be difficult to access.

Abstract: A traction device includes an engaging assembly engaging with a mouthpiece to be attached to a maxilla inside a mouth of a human body and a support assembly supporting the engaging assembly in contact with a face of the human body, wherein the engaging assembly pulls the mouthpiece in an anterior direction of the human body. The support assembly includes an upper contact body configured to be in contact with a forehead of the face and a lower contact body configured to be in contact with an area of the face below the forehead and above a mandible.

Abstract: A traction device includes an engaging assembly engaging with a mouthpiece to be attached to a maxilla inside a mouth of a human body and a support assembly supporting the engaging assembly in contact with a face of the human body, wherein the engaging assembly pulls the mouthpiece in an anterior direction of the human body. The support assembly includes an upper contact body configured to be in contact with a forehead of the face and a lower contact body configured to be in contact with an area of the face below the forehead and above a mandible.

Abstract: The present invention is a protective cover assembly, pattern, and method for use for installation upon an external orthodontic headgear protraction appliance having a chin cup interface and a forehead pad interface. The present invention includes two aspects of a protective cover assembly, a protective chin cup cover assembly and a protective forehead pad cover assembly. Each protective cover assembly provides an absorbing soft cushioning fleece membrane between the facial skin of an orthodontic patient wearer and the hard surfaces of the orthodontic protraction headgear interfaces to prevent against a plurality of discomforts which result from wearing the orthodontic protraction headgear appliance during treatment of Class III Malocclusion; and configured to improve compliancy of use of the orthodontic protraction appliance in the orthodontic population, especially among growing children and adolescents.

Abstract: The reverse headgear with neck strap has: a forehead-cap adapted to engage a patient's forehead; a chin-cap adapted to engage the patient's chin; and a frame interconnecting the forehead-cap and the chin-cap. The frame has side portions extending between the forehead-cap and the chin-cap defining rearward extending loops. A neck strap is releasably connected to the loops on opposite sides of the frame by hooks, the neck strap passing behind the patient's neck in order to apply a traction force to the chin cap to draw the mandible posteriorly. An M-shaped hook is attached to the chin-cap and extends in front of a mouth of the patient, the hook being configured to receive a tension applying elastic element attachable to the patient's upper teeth in order to apply anterior traction to the maxilla, thereby correcting a class III malocclusion by tensioning the maxilla forward and the mandible rearward.

Abstract: A functional orthodontic appliance including a facebow as an extraoral device for treating malpositions of the jaws or teeth. The functional orthodontic appliance includes a pad holder which is fastened to a transition area of the facebow and can be individually positioned and adjusted by very simple means. Preferably, the pad holder is provided with one pair of pads or a twin plate which is/are placed inside the lower lip in the vestibule that is displaced downward. The inventive appliance makes it possible to do functional orthodontic therapy of the lower jaw with all known advantages while correcting the position of the teeth in the upper jaw.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an orthodontic headgear slip, comprising a substantially rectangular body having a pair of ends that are each coupled together, a front side, a back side, a top, and a bottom. The rectangular body comprises a longitudinal opening for receiving a headgear neck-strap on the top of the body and a first and a second opening on the front of the body. The openings are spaced and sized to allow for a first and a second headgear attachment mechanism to be fed from inside of the body to outside of the body.

Abstract: The reverse headgear with neck strap has: a forehead-cap adapted to engage a patient's forehead; a chin-cap adapted to engage the patient's chin; and a frame interconnecting the forehead-cap and the chin-cap. The frame has side portions extending between the forehead-cap and the chin-cap defining rearward extending loops. A neck strap is releasably connected to the loops on opposite sides of the frame by hooks, the neck strap passing behind the patient's neck in order to apply a traction force to the chin cap to draw the mandible posteriorly. An M-shaped hook is attached to the chin-cap and extends in front of a mouth of the patient, the hook being configured to receive a tension applying elastic element attachable to the patient's upper teeth in order to apply anterior traction to the maxilla, thereby correcting a class III malocclusion by tensioning the maxilla forward and the mandible rearward.

Abstract: A Cushion Comfort System which improves the comfort and use of an orthodontic protraction face mask appliance. It is comprised of a pair of cushions, one shaped specifically to cover the forehead rest and the other shaped specifically to cover the chin cup. The forehead cushion and chin cup cushion may be used individually for face masks that have only a forehead rest or only a chin cup. The cushions are made of soft, hypoallergenic, colorful fabrics, soft hypoallergenic pillow fill or batting, and elastic ribbons. They are completely removable and washable. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: Vibrating dental devices and accessories are provided, including a unique snap fit dental plate and vibrator connection; risers for adjusting the thickness of a dental plate; a pointer or wand that can be clamped onto a dental plate to reach even severely misaligned teeth; a cushioned dental plate having a non-Newtonian fluid therein that allows conformation of the cushion to the dentition, but hardens on use to allow the transmission of vibration to the teeth. Accessories such as carrying cases and docking stations are also provided.

Abstract: There are provided various appliances for human mandibular advancement. One appliance comprises a frame having a first end adapted to be secured against a fixed part of the body of a subject; a second end equipped with a pulling platform; and an intervening length to present the pulling platform outside the mouth of the subject when the first end is mounted against the fixed part of the body of that subject. At least part of the intervening length of the frame is shaped to match the contours of the subject's face so that when the first end is secured against the fixed part of the body, and at least part of the intervening length lies against the matching contours of the subject's face. Other aspects include a dental device, method for advancing the mandible of a human subject, a shell, and a method for personalising the frame from a blank frame using the shell.

Abstract: A nasal and maxillary growth enhancer includes: a nose retracting member connected with a face mask, which is a maxillary protraction appliance, to be provided with an anterior traction power, the nose retracting member including: a nose grip having elastic arms branched from the top of a connector into two parts and inclined inwardly and nasal septum holders respectively formed on ends of the elastic arms to hold the nasal septum (located on the centerline between the two nostrils) after being inserted into the nostrils; the connector adapted to support the nose grip and a hook; and the hook formed on the bottom of the connector. The nasal and maxillary growth enhancer can correct the Class III malocclusion, which is called a ‘jutting chin’, and provide an effect of deformity correction by promoting the nasal and labial growth without undergoing a plastic surgery.

Abstract: A maxillofacial orthotic appliance comprises: a maxilla expander fixed to the maxilla in the mouth of a human and a towed-unit which is connected to the maxilla expander and is towed in an anterior direction from the human. The towed-unit includes: a left wire whose one end is inserted into the left hole of the maxilla expander and the other end is protruding out of the mouth, a right wire whose one end is inserted into the right hole of the maxilla expander and the other end is protruding out of the mouth, a connecting tube provided on the left or right wire and extending in the direction of the distance variation, caused by the maxilla-expander adjusting mechanism, between the left and right contact parts and a connecting wire provided on the other of the left and right wires and inserted into the connecting tube slidably.

Abstract: A variety of improvements to the vibrating devices for dental remodeling are provided, including improved bite plate designs that accommodate common patient bite structure, a connector for a bite plate, a sizing tray for same, as well as better motors providing improved performance characteristics for an extraoral vibrator, and a completely intraoral vibrating dental plate with very thin cross section.

Abstract: Provided herein is a transduction cyclic force system for moving and/or repositioning teeth.

Abstract: A maxillofacial orthotic appliance comprises: a maxilla expander fixed to the maxilla in the mouth of a human and a towed-unit which is connected to the maxilla expander and is towed in an anterior direction from the human. The towed-unit includes: a left wire whose one end is inserted into the left hole of the maxilla expander and the other end is protruding out of the mouth, a right wire whose one end is inserted into the right hole of the maxilla expander and the other end is protruding out of the mouth, a connecting tube provided on the left or right wire and extending in the direction of the distance variation, caused by the maxilla-expander adjusting mechanism, between the left and right contact parts and a connecting wire provided on the other of the left and right wires and inserted into the connecting tube slidably.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance includes a flexible vesica containing a fluid, and a support structure supporting the vesica relative to the patient's dental anatomy. The support structure holds the vesica in compression against selected teeth, so that the fluid within the vesica exerts a therapeutic pressure on the teeth. For example, the support structure can include an arch-shaped trough to support a tubular vesica.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for patients requiring repositioning of misaligned teeth who typically undergo orthodontic treatment to move the teeth into corrected positions. The orthodontic methods typically require lengthy procedures involving the application of light forces to the teeth to effect movement as accomplished by braces or other appliances. The apparatus and method includes the administration of a needle corticotomy to select regions that have been identified as absent any landmarks to avoid. The method is accomplished without the use of freeze-dried and bovine bone and without a mucoperiosteal flap procedure, resulting in low medical risk and providing a simplified and less time consuming procedure as compared to the prior art, and furthermore wherein the method effects a significant reduction in the time required to complete an orthodontic case while also significantly reducing the discomfort and recovery time for the patient.

Abstract: A facebow which overcomes the adverse effects and limitations of current designs by rotating the maxilla in a downward and forward direction, which assists in correcting anterior open bites. This is accomplished by a design that produces forces above the center of resistance of the maxilla and parallel to the Frankfurt horizontal plane. The extra-oral headgear design is characterized by providing two independent adjustments (forehead width and horizontal/vertical dimensions) that allow the appliance to be customized to each patient. In particular, the two independent adjustments are provided by a fully adjustable forehead pad and bilateral adjustable blocks on opposite sides of the facebow extra-oral frame to provide horizontal and vertical adjustments.

Abstract: A maxillary protraction device (12) characterized with a chin-cup (1); one or more front hook-levers (2) on the front section of said chin-cup (1) to exert a force horizontally and forwards to the maxilla; at least two lateral linear hooks (5) located at the sides of the chin-cup (1) to exert an upwards force to the mandible, front recess (6) to be used for engaging the hooks (2 and 5) to the chin-cup (1) to which the front hook is engaged in a length-adjustable manner, in the same number as that of hooks; and fixing members (9) in the same number as that of hooks.

Abstract: A face bow and protraction headgear to correct the anterior open bite in dentally Class III open bite cases. The appliance consists of a face bow and forehead pad. The face bow has intraoral and extraoral components custom made individually for each patient. The intraoral bow is inserted from the distal openings of tubes soldered to the extraoral face bow. The extraoral face bow extends backward to the front of the ear then turns upward and ends at the level of the hooks on the forehead pad. Only the forehead is used as anchorage unit. On both sides of the pad, adjustable wire hooks are placed which allow maintaining the distance from the forehead pad hooks to the face bow hooks. Heavy elastics are attached in between the hooks of the face bow and the hooks on the forehead pad.

Abstract: The invention provides an orthodontic facebow of the type having an inner bow consisting of two inner arms, each including an end portion, and an interconnected outer bow consisting of outer arms, characterized in that the free end portions of each inner arm is split and fitted with a ratchet type enlargement so as to allow it to be easily inserted into a tube connected to a band affixed to a tooth, while preventing disengagement therefrom without the enlargements being squeezed together.

Abstract: A maxillary protraction device (12) characterized with a chin-cup (1); one or more front hook-levers (2) on the front section of said chin-cup (1) to exert a force horizontally and forwards to the maxilla; at least two lateral linear hooks (5) located at the sides of the chin-cup (1) to exert an upwards force to the mandible, front recess (6) to be used for engaging the hooks (2 and 5) to the chin-cup (1) to which the front hook is engaged in a length-adjustable manner, in the same number as that of hooks; and fixing members (9) in the same number as that of hooks.

Abstract: This invention preferably describes a thin, removable polymeric appliance with tooth receiving cavities and two headgear receiving protrusions, each located on opposite sides of the appliance, intended to receive the ends of an inner bow of a headgear assembly in order to correct a patient's Class II or Class III mal-occlusion. Each headgear receiving protrusion has a channel to receive the headgear assembly. The protrusions are generally filled with a material intended to provide additional rigidity to the protrusions and withstand the forces generated by the headgear assembly. The appliance is removable and clear, and therefore offers aesthetic benefits in comparison to conventional orthodontic treatment.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance audio receiver injects sound into the head and ear cavities of the wearer using vibration, e.g., mandibular (or skull) vibration. Using mandibular vibration, the wearer hears the audio source noiselessly, effortlessly, and without disturbing others, yet provides themselves with entertainment or other audio information. The orthodontia metalwork may be used to form an antenna. Hearing audio (e.g., music) by ‘feeling’ vibrations from the orthodontic appliance audio receiver encourages a patient to wear their prescribed orthodontia, improving and/or expediting the overall orthodontic therapy. A wireless (or even wired in low cost applications) audio signal receiver is built-in to a retainer, together with a transducer and a power source such as a battery, allowing unlimited transfer of information directly into the wearer's head through their mouth.

Abstract: The invention provides an orthodontic facebow of the type having an inner bow consisting of two inner arms, each including an end portion, and an interconnected outer bow consisting of outer arms, characterized in that the free end portions of each inner arm is split and fitted with a ratchet type enlargement so as to allow it to be easily inserted into a tube connected to a band affixed to a tooth, while preventing disengagement therefrom without the enlargements being squeezed together.

Abstract: A force generating device is described which includes an elastomeric force generating member. Preferably the elastomeric member is a elastomeric polymer tube. Each end of the tube can be fitted over collars. Attached to one collar is a piston and formed within the other collar is an orifice for slidably receiving the piston. When compressed, the force generating device will attempt to return to its original undeformed shape thus exerting a force along a longitudinal axis. Preferably, the force generating device is employed in an orthodontic assembly. For example, the force generating device can be employed in an orthodontic assembly for developing a patient's arch.

Abstract: A device that applies tension to an orthodontic appliance has a tension supplying member connected between first and second elongated straps. The second elongated strap has a series of marked positions along its length differentiated by color. A first connection member connects a position along the length of the first strap to one element of the orthodontic appliance and a second connection member connects one of the indicated positions along the second elongated strap to another element of the orthodontic appliance. Each indicated position corresponds a tension being applied to the orthodontic appliance that is prescribed for a period of orthodontic adjustment. The second connection member engages the second elongated strap at a sequence of indicated positions during successive orthodontic adjustment periods to rapidly increase the prescribed tension on the orthodontic appliance according to a pre-assigned schedule of the orthodontic adjustments.

Abstract: An orthodontic protraction appliance in which an upper portion of a vertically extending rod is supported against a patient's forehead, with the lower portion of the rod being supported against the patient's chest. An elastic support is coupled to a central portion of the rod to anchor a plurality of elastic bands connected to braces attached to the patient's teeth. In one embodiment, the elastic support is slidably positionable along and releasably fastenable to the first rod. An upper portion of a second rod can be coupled to a head band encircling the patient's head, with a lower portion of the second rod being coupled to the elastic support, which is slidably positionable along and releasably fastenable to the second rod. In such case, the elastic support is coupled to the central portion of the first rod to permit unimpeded vertical movement of the first rod with respect to the elastic support.

Abstract: A removable orthodontic appliance includes a first force applicator spring and a data storage device that stores data corresponding to the force being applied by the spring. A potentiometer serves as a force measurer to indicate the magnitude of the extra-oral corrective forces applied to the teeth of a patient. A bending switch is operable connected between the potentiometer and the data storage device. The bending switch indicates whether the appliance is on a patient by sensing whether it is bent.

Abstract: This invention is an apparatus and method for monitoring and motivating user compliance for orthodontic headgear (24) of the type using a linear spring force module (22). The spring force module (22) includes first (38) and second opposite attachment members that are interconnected to provide spring tension when moved linearly apart. A position sensor (16)(18)(19) detects liner movement between the attachment members. A microprocessor (12) receives signals from the position sensor to determine wear duration, force magnitude, and whether such movement is sufficiently variable to be biological in origin or is attempted mimicry. Multiple determinations made by the processor are recorded over time to provide an evaluation of headgear wear compliance and to provide ongoing motivation for user compliance.

Abstract: A tensioning system for an orthodontic outer brace includes a resilient element and coupler for transmitting a tensile force exerted by the resilient element to the outer brace. The tensioning system involves an arc-shaped guide path, along which the resilient element is freely movable. The resilient element preferably has a spring constant which decreases or is zero on further extension after a specific spring force or extension is reached. The resilient element is preferably a helical spring.

Abstract: A reverse pull, extraoral dental assembly having at least one head support, at least one body support (e.g., disposed outside of the head region of the dental patient) and at least one chin stop is provided. The head support, body support, and chin stop are interconnected by a brace assembly which is displaced outwardly from the frontal region of the dental patient. One and typically two elastics or other appropriate treatment force generating/transfer members extend from the brace assembly to engage one or more of the dental patient's teeth in the upper and/or lower arch to apply a generally mesially directed treatment force thereto, and/or to engage a device which is directly associated with dental patient bone (e.g., an implant or onplant). The chin support provides a counterforce to any upward force exerted by the assembly thus preventing an upward movement of the assembly.

Abstract: A reverse pull, extraoral dental assembly having at least one head support and at least one body support (e.g., disposed outside of the head region of the dental patient). The head support and body support are interconnected by a brace assembly which is displaced outwardly from the frontal region of the dental patient. One and typically two elastics or other appropriate treatment force generating/transfer members extend from the brace assembly to engage one or more of the dental patient's teeth in the upper and/or lower arch to apply a generally mesially directed treatment force thereto, and/or to engage a device which is directly associated with dental patient bone (e.g., an implant or onplant).

Abstract: A device for attaching an orthodontic unit, and an orthodontic unit that incorporates such device, in which the unit is secured to a protective pad using a flexible buckle confining the median portion of a yoke. An arrangement is provided on the pad that limits pivoting of the unit in the plane of the pad. The unit is inserted under a band joined to the pad.

Abstract: A medical/dental apparatus utilizing the properties of shape memory materials to variably control the spatial relationship between two or more elements having portions which are proximately disposed and overlapping relative to one another. Another portion of each element is connectable to part of a patient's body.

Abstract: A dental headgear having a traction generating device around which a loop of a strap is passed and having a pair of springs which maintain the traction and a connecting member which can automatically pull out from the housing when a maximum tension is exceeded.

Abstract: A quick-release mechanism for an orthodontic headgear assembly, which has a bracket integrally formed with a traction force device and a connecting structure attached to ends of a neckstrap or headstrap. The bracket has two opposite horizontal parallel arms that extend rearwardly and a vertical rod integrally attached between the two opposite parallel arms. The connecting structure is snapped onto the vertical rod for retaining the traction force device and the neckstrap in position. The quick-release mechanism is disconnected by vertically pulling the connecting structure and the bracket apart from each other at a predetermined force, thereby releasing the connecting structure from the bracket.

Abstract: A facebow 10 which has a locking catch 40 mounted to each of the arms 16 and 17 of an inner bow 11. The end portion 13 of each arm 16 and 17 is inserted through a tube 22 of an orthodontic appliance, such as a bracket 15 which is fixed to a respective tooth T. The locking catch 40 includes a hook 42 for engaging the end portion 13 of the arm 16 or 17 which projects distally (rearwardly) of the tube 22. The locking catch 40 is easy for the user to engage and disengage, but when engaged, effectively locks the arms 16 and 17 of the inner bows 11 preventing accidental withdrawal from the respective tubes 22.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tensioning system for an orthodontic outer brace, comprising resilient means, and coupling means for transmitting a tensile force exerted by the resilient means to the outer brace. The resilient means comprise a resilient element. The tensioning system comprises an arc-shaped guide path, along which the resilient element is freely movable. Coupling means can be fixed on one side to the outer brace and are connected to one another on the other side via the resilient element, in such a way that the resilient element moves along the guide path when the patient turns his or her head. The guide path can comprise a tube or an arc-shaped strip of metal or can be formed in some other way. Preferably, the guide path is so flexible that the arc shape thereof can be adjusted to the curvature of the patient's neck. The resilient element preferably has a spring constant which decreases or is zero on further extension after a specific spring force or extension is reached.