Abstract: The present invention provides a manipulable or reconfigurable dental model system and methods for its use to model a series of tooth configurations corresponding to sequential tooth movements during an orthodontic treatment. When a patient undergoes orthodontic treatment, teeth and bite configurations are realigned in a series of stages. Each stage represents a new pattern or dental configuration that will eventually lead to a proper final positioning of the entire dentition. Progress from the initial configuration, through the intermediate stages and finally to the final configuration may be accomplished using any one or a combination of different dental appliances. Of particular interest to the present invention, many of these appliances may be made using a dental mold representing the patient's dental configuration. In particular, thermoformable plastic positioning appliances which fit over the patient's teeth may be formed over a three-dimensional mold of the patient's dentition.

Abstract: A performance enhancing and force absorbing dental appliance adapted to lie within the mouth of an athlete having an occlusal posterior pad made of quadruple composite material comprising four layers of distinct materials, further having 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 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 method of making an occlusally retained mouthpiece. A mouthpiece substrate is coated with a resin precursor that is neither caustic nor irritating to teeth or gingival tissue. The resin precursor is curable to form a resin selected from the group consisting of Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether dimethacrylate and urethane dimethacrylate. The substrate is pressed against teeth with the teeth pressed into the resin coating. When the resin is partially cured to a shape retaining state, it is removed from the teeth and curing is completed to form a tough flexible material. Alternatively, the substrate may be held against the teeth and the resin precursor may be applied along the teeth-substrate interface with a mixing syringe. High intensity light may be used to cure the resin or enhance catalytic curing. For best results the substrate is made from the same material as is applied to the teeth.

Abstract: An adjustable and customized dental appliance for the mouth of an athlete is comprised of a composite occlusal posterior pad for each side of the posterior teeth engageable with the occlusal surfaces to space apart the teeth and to absorb shock and clenching stress. An adjustable band or wire is provided connecting the posterior pads together behind the anterior teeth 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.

Abstract: An improved dental appliance system, and methods for using and fabricating the improved appliance, including a polymeric overlay or shell having a teeth-receiving cavity formed therein. The dental appliance having the necessary stiffness or strength to firmly secure the appliance on the teeth and provide controlled forces required for repositioning the teeth, until such time as removal of the appliance is desired. The appliance may be configured for use with a removal mechanism. The removal mechanism provides for selective release of the appliance from the teeth as the removal mechanism undergoes a state change stimulated by an environmental stimulus or environmental switch.

Abstract: Braces for dentifacial functional orthopaedic and periodontal treatment made of natural or synthetic, flexible, food-grade material, generally consisting of a double cradle (or trough), these two cradles having externally, in a plane, a flaring U-shape and separated by a thick horizontal partition (3). The braces are further characterised in that: (a) the portion of the cradle designed for receiving the lower incisors is sufficient for fitting in the lower four incisors; (c) the height of the side lingual (2) and vestibular (1) partitions defining the channel designed for receiving the lower incisors (4), from the thick horizontal partition (3), is at least equal to the height of the incisors up to their neck.

Abstract: A medication delivery tray provides a controlled release of medication to target dental structures in the mouth, such as the teeth and/or gingiva, while maintaining a high concentration of the active chemical over an extended period of time. The medication delivery tray includes a dental tray having a base, a buccal wall and a lingual wall defining an inner surface. At least one medication reservoir is located on the dental tray. Each medication reservoir includes a plurality of discrete support members projecting away from the medication reservoir to engage the dental structure of the patient. The support members are arranged to resist the flow of medication from the medication reservoir in a gingival direction. Each medication reservoir extends over the teeth and/or gum tissue of the patient when the medication delivery tray is placed over the patient's teeth.

Abstract: A diagnostic and therapeutic apparatus for use in the evaluation, detection, and treatment of humans that suffer from chronic grinding of the teeth known as "bruxing." The apparatus includes a pressure sensor contained in a mouth piece and electronic for detecting activation of the sensor due to bruxing and for generating an human cognizable output in response to bruxing. The apparatus can also include electronics for storing and analyzing human bruxing activities.

Abstract: An occlusal splint is prepared by forming a wax pattern of a patient's bite corresponding to a desired occlusal spacing and fitting the pattern to working models of the patient's jaw teeth to duplicate the spacing in the models. A splint preform of light-curable octadecyl methacrylate composite material is applied to the model after which the occlusal impression is duplicated in the preform. The preform is then cured under high intensity light and then polished to complete the finished splint.

Abstract: An orthodontic device and associated method for altering the position of a tooth in the mouth. The orthodontic device includes a bracket that attaches to the tooth or teeth that are to be moved. A bite plate is produced that is contoured to engage teeth on both the maxillary arch and the mandibular arch, other than the tooth to be moved. The bite plate can be a single piece unit or a two piece unit that can be joined within the mouth. A spring element is disposed between the bite plate and the bracket. The spring element applies a spring bias between the bracket and the bite plate. Since the spring bias acts on the tooth to be moved and the bite plate, the spring bias acts to correct the position of the tooth to be moved without any significant effect on the other teeth in the mouth.

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 performance enhancing and force absorbing dental appliance adapted to lie within the mouth of an athlete consists of an occlusal posterior pad made of triple composite material with a base having a top layer of impressionable material, an intermediate layer of hard material and a somewhat impressionable bottom layer, 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 optional expandable stiffener may be embedded in the arch. Optional protrusions extend from the bottom layer through the intermediate layer and top layer to engage the central fossae of the molar teeth.

Abstract: An oral appliance device and method are provided for suppressing the appetite for weight control. The oral appliance device includes a substantially U-shaped channel for receiving the upper teeth of the wearer and a roof portion that conforms to the roof of the wearer's mouth. The roof portion includes an upwardly protruding rear tab portion that contacts the roof of the mouth substantially at the juncture between the soft and hard palates. A lower surface of the roof portion contacts a top surface of the tongue at substantially a rear portion thereof. The method includes fitting the oral appliance device to the wearer's mouth by deforming the device by hot water or the like to conform to the wearer's mouth and then cooling it down, inserting the fitted device in the mouth such that the upper teeth are received in the channel and the upwardly protruding rear tab portion contacts the roof of the mouth and the roof portion lower surface contacts the tongue.

Abstract: A system for repositioning teeth comprises a plurality of individual appliances. The appliances are configured to be placed successively on the patient's teeth and to incrementally reposition the teeth from an initial tooth arrangement, through a plurality of intermediate tooth arrangements, and to a final tooth arrangement. The system of appliances is usually configured at the outset of treatment so that the patient may progress through treatment without the need to have the treating professional perform each successive step in the procedure.

Abstract: This invention is a ready-made bite control point which aims at easing the dentist to form the projections on the tooth side without a specialized tool and comprises a swelling to be fitted into a side hollow of a positioner for tooth-straightening employed in the dental treatment of open bite.

Abstract: An incisor block for mounting on the lingual surface of an incisor to produce separation between the upper and lower posterior teeth in deep bite patients. The incisor block has a block body and a positioning cap. The block body has a mounting surface designed to closely abut the lingual surface of the incisor, a biting surface and a thickness. Proximate to the incisor and extending toward the incisal surface when the block is mounted on the incisor is a positioning cap having a notch and a facial extension. Ferromagnetic recovery fragments may be positioned within the block body and positioning cap. The block is installed on the incisor by the method of first etching the tooth before placing an adhesive bonding agent on the etched tooth surface and the mounting surface of the incisor block. The incisor block is placed into position by placing the positioning cap against the incisal edge and pressing the mounting surface against the incisor's lingual surface.

Abstract: A guard for teeth having braces having lateral connectors therebetween comprises: an upper shield having an exterior wall adapted to encircle a person's teeth in their upper jaw; and, a lower shield having an exterior wall adapted to encircle a person's teeth in their lower jaw, said said shields extending downwardly generally the length of the teeth, and then across the biting surface of the teeth, and then partially along an inward length of the teeth. The shields have spaced hooks for positioning which are adapted to extend inwardly to the teeth and along an inward side portion of the lateral connectors between the braces. The hooks are adapted to extend from a top portion of the upper shield over and behind the connectors so that the shield will stay positioned on the teeth when a user opens their mouth and from a bottom portion of the lower sheild under and behind the connectors.

Abstract: A mandibular advancement, or positioning, device which uses elastic bands to pull the jaw forward is disclosed. The appliance has an upper base conforming to the patient's maxillary dentition soft tissue and palate, the upper base having a set of retention hooks, one on the right and one on the left anterior occlusal portion of the upper base. The appliance also has a lower base conforming to the patients mandibular dentition and soft tissues, the lower base having a set of interchangeable, slide-in posterior occlusal bite planes. These bite planes open the bite vertically in varying amounts depending on which bite plane is utilized, and also provide connection points for the elastic bands on the lower base. O-ring elastic bands or other elastics are attached to both the retention hooks and the bite planes hooks, to pull the mandible forward for treatment of snoring and sleep apnea.

Abstract: The invention provides an oral prosthesis in the form of a dental plate wh fits against the inside of a user's teeth. The plate when fitted projects from the teeth toward the user's tongue. The extent of the projection, and the thickness of the plate, is selected to displace the tongue in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: One-piece jaw exerciser/strengthener, custom fit, aligned and located over and about the teeth of the upper or lower jaw including one or more resilient substantially tubular members on an exterior surface, which resiliently interface with teeth of the upper or lower jaw. The jaw exerciser/strengthener can be custom formed over a dental casting, or can be formed by heating of the device and biting down to cause a conformed fit to the upper or lower jaw teeth and/or gum area.

Abstract: The invention provides to a prefabricated appliance for correcting many types of malocclusions typically with no more than limited use of wires or bands. The appliance is designed to be fitted stably and tightly to the upper front teeth or back teeth when needed. The appliance comprises: a teeth engaging box adapted to engage the upper front teeth; a stabilizing segment attached to the teeth engaging box and adapted to permit a stable and comfortable fitting of the appliance in a patient's mouth; and a pair of spaced inclined remodeling segments extending from in front of the teeth engaging box downward and rearward at a predetermined angle designed so that the inclined remodeling segments contact the lingual contacting surface of selected lower front teeth and urge the lower jaw forward and upward to the desired degree.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for diagnosing orthodontic conditions of an individual. The apparatus includes an outer case and a user interface disposed on the outer case for communicating with the individual. The apparatus further has diagnostic hardware including at least one digital camera carried within the case adapted to take a plurality of video images of the teeth and mouth of the individual. The apparatus further has electronic circuitry which is preprogrammed with statistical data for comparison to actual data collected by the diagnostic hardware and transmitted to the electronic circuitry. The circuitry is further adapted to diagnose whether the individual has correctable orthodontic conditions. The apparatus is further adapted to dispense instructions to the individual for receiving proper corrective orthodontic care. The method of the invention includes providing an apparatus adapted to take various digital images of the individual's teeth and mouth.

Abstract: An adjustable and customized dental appliance for the mouth of an athlete is comprised of a composite occlusal posterior pad for each side of the posterior teeth engageable with the occlusal surfaces to space apart the teeth and to absorb shock and clenching stress. An adjustable band or wire is provided connecting the posterior pads together in front of the anterior teeth 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.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance for assisting in properly positioning teeth within the mouth of an individual which is capable of fitting various mouth and tooth sizes. The appliance includes a labial-buccal flange, a lingual flange spaced from the labial-buccal flange, both of which define a generally U-shaped configuration in the occlusal view, and an isthmus interconnecting the two flanges. At least one tooth trough is defined between the labial-buccal flange and the lingual flange for receiving either an upper or a lower row of the individual's teeth. The appliance includes no individual tooth sockets but instead utilizes pressure applied by the labial-buccal flange, the lingual flange, and the relative angles and material thicknesses to properly position the teeth. The appliance is capable of fitting mouths and teeth of various sizes because it includes no individual tooth sockets. The appliance is also useful as a device for preventing sleep apnea, snoring and bruxism as well as an athletic mouth guard.

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 triple composite material with a base having a top layer of impressionable material, an intermediate layer of hard material and a somewhat impressionable bottom layer, 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 optional expandable stiffener may be embedded in the arch. Optional protrusions extend from the bottom layer through the intermediate layer and top layer to engage the central fossae of the molar teeth.

Abstract: An adjustable and customized dental appliance for the mouth of an athlete is comprised of an occlusal posterior pad for each side of the posterior teeth engageable with the occlusal surfaces to space apart the teeth and to absorb shock and clenching stress. An adjustable band 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.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of nucleic acid sequence analysis based on repeated cycles of ligation to and cleavage of probes at the terminus of a target polynucleotide. At each such cycle one or more terminal nucleotides are identified and one or more nucleotides are removed from the end of the target polynucleotide, such that further cycles of ligation and cleavage can take place. At each cycle the target sequence is shortened by one or more nucleotides until the nucleotide sequence of the target polynucleotide is determined. The method obviates electrophoretic separation of similarly sized DNA fragments and eliminates the difficulties associated with the detection and analysis of spatially overlapping bands of DNA fragments in a gel, or like medium. The invention further obviates the need to generate DNA fragments from long single stranded templates with a DNA polymerase.

Abstract: An intraoral orthopedic appliance with adjustment apparatus and method of manufacture adjustably attaches an appliance upper dental part and lower dental part together. One appliance part is arranged to be attached to a patient's upper dental arch and the other to the patient's lower dental arch. The adjustment changes the anterior-posterior relationship of the two parts. The adjustment is provided by a pair of orthodontic screws on buccal segments of opposite sides of the dental arch which connect the two parts together to provide the adjustment. The orthodontic screws are also attached to the lower appliance part such as to provide a limited movement between the two parts. This allows the patient to move the lower jaw a limited amount with respect to the upper jaw.

Abstract: A mandibular advancement, or positioning, device for short-term or one-time use is described. The appliance has an upper tray and a lower tray holding impression material, into which the patient bites. The impression material, and optional adhesive, serve as a way to secure the trays to the patient's upper and lower teeth, and, therefore, to the patient's maxilla and mandible. Preferably, the front portions of the trays are bendable or flexible, for allowing the use of just a few sizes of trays for all patients. A connector is attached to a rear area of the lower tray and adjustably connects to the upper tray at or near the center of the upper tray front area, so that the connector easily may be manually pulled forward and temporarily locked in place to advance the mandible. The device may also include spacers or bite planes for opening the patient's bite.

Abstract: An intraoral semi-custom device for the prevention of chronic tension and common migraine headaches and temporomandibular disorders that are caused by chronic clenching of the posterior mandibular and maxillary teeth by the temporalis muscle. The device includes a trough, curved to correspond to the curvature of the maxillary incisors, from which distally extends a dome shape. The trough and dome are formed from a reshapable synthetic resin sheet material. The trough is retained by a cured in place acrylic resin, which is placed into the trough by a dentist and then placed over the maxillary incisors by the dentist. The cured, now substantially rigid, acrylic fits tightly and retains the device around the wearer's upper incisors. Once in place in the wearer's mouth, the dome will come into contact with one or two lower incisor teeth prior to the posterior teeth coming into contact.

Abstract: An orthodontic distalizing apparatus, of the type applicable removably to a dental arch, comprises a supporting framework (1) equipped with anatomical means supporting framework equipped with an anatomical support device for supporting the framework on a part of the basal gingiva and underlying bony support of the arch, preferably on the lingual side thereof. The apparatus further comprises a device for anchoring the framework to at least one anchoring tooth and pusher elements that may be spring loaded. The pusher elements are interposed between the framework and a device for fastening to a further tooth of at least one side of the arch. The pusher elements exert a distalizing force in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the arch in the region of the tooth being distalized. The pusher elements are arranged on the lingual side of the dental arch, preferably in a position lowered toward the basal gingiva and underlying bony support of the arch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tongue thrust habit oral corrective device designed to be retained by the posterior teeth and to train the tongue to avoid thrusting against the front teeth during swallowing, the device comprising: a teeth-fitting segment adapted to fit under at least the upper first posterior teeth; a palatal bridge extending from the teeth-fitting segment and adapted to avoid contacting the palate; and a downward projection adapted to create, with the teeth-fitting segment and the upper projection, a rearwardly opening pouch or channel in which the user's tongue is engulfed at a central location within the mouth so that the tip of the tongue is positioned properly and accurately for initiating a normal swallow.

Abstract: A low power consumption system for monitoring time of use of appliance incorporates a controller and a temperature sensor that is activated by the controller at intervals of X minutes to determine the temperature of the sensor. The sensed temperature is then compared with a threshold temperature and a counter is turned ON to accumulate time if the sensed temperature is at the desired level or turned OFF when the sensed temperature is not in the desired range. The counter remains in its ON or OFF position until the sensed temperature causes the counter to shift to the opposite position to the one it is in at that time. The counter receives oscillations from the oscillator which is continuously operating and only counts those oscillations when the counter is set in the ON position.

Abstract: An apparatus for relieving upper airway disorders and related problems is shown and described. A tongue positioning extension is provided on a dental orthotic, the extension being positioned under a user's tongue on either side of the user's mouth. The extension is configured to elevate a tongue of the user, the tongue resting on an upper surface of the extension. The extension has a sufficient depth to prevent the tongue from moving below the extension, but is sufficiently narrow to prevent the extension from impinging on the tissues of the floor of the mouth. An upper surface of the extension is convex and polished, and edges of the extension are rounded, to allow the tongue to move easily and comfortably to the upper surface. By elevating the tongue in this manner, restriction of the upper respiratory passages is relieved, resulting in a variety of benefits to the user.

Abstract: A performance enhancing and force absorbing dental appliance for the mouth of an athlete is comprised of an occlusal posterior pad for each side of the posterior teeth engageable with the occlusal surfaces to space apart the teeth, to absorb shock and clenching stress. An arch 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.

Abstract: A thermoformed plastic dental retainer and method of selectively straightening crooked or maloccluded teeth and retaining the straightened teeth using the retainer. The dental retainer is constructed by first forming an impression of a patient's upper or lower dentition and constructing a cast from the impression. The retainer is vacuum thermoformed over the cast using a sheet, plate or disc of thermoformable plastic and a vacuum or pressure thermoforming machine. A protrusion or divot is formed in the retainer on the labial or lingual side of each tooth which is to be repositioned lingually or labially, respectively, and a gap, opening or window is formed in the retainer on the opposite side of the divot to accommodate unhindered tooth repositioning movement. As the retainer is worn on the patient's dentition over a period of days or weeks, the projecting divots apply pressure to the respective teeth and push the teeth into the gap or window of the retainer to a straightened position.

Abstract: A dental appliance to correct a malocclusion of a dental patient, have upper and lower pieces that orthodontically fit in the mouth of the patient in engagement with selected upper and lower teeth of the patient. The dental pieces have interlock means that hold them together with the jaws in a position of correction. Occlusal surfaces can be provided to permit chewing of food while the appliance is worn.

Abstract: An orthopaedic modular assembly comprises a housing component of rigid material providing a first passage, a second component in the form of a lingual pad support having a first arm adapted to form a sliding fit within the first housing passage and a second arm extending at an angle to the first arm and adapted to conform to the line of the one side of a patient's mouth and a latch associated with the housing component, whereby the first arm of the second component is held within the first passage of the housing component by the latch and is slidably adjustable relative to the housing component to any one of a plurality of predetermined latched positions. The sliding lingual pad component is locked simply and securely in the housing component and is able to be moved forward in precise increments relative to the housing as treatment progresses.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance of the type which is generally U-shaped in plan view and includes a tooth receiving trough formed between lingual and labial/buccal side flanges in at least one of the upper or lower sides thereof is provided for use by Caucasoid, Mongoloid and Negroid patients. The trough includes tooth receiving depressions for receiving and positioning teeth from central and lateral incisors to and including a molar. The appliance preferably is preformed in a range of different sizes to accommodate different sized mouths and stages of dentition. The troughs, when two are provided, may be vertically fixed relative to one another in that the appliance is a single body device or may be movable relative to one another and joined at a pair of posterior hinges.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance debonder for minimizing the time and effort on the part of the clinician in removing bondable orthodontic appliances, i.e. those having a plastic body secured to the crowns of the teeth by an orthodontic bonding agent. In accordance with the invention, a screw is incorporated in the plastic body of the appliance, in particular in the occlusal portion thereof. The screw is oriented substantially vertically when the patient's head is in an upright position and preferably is positioned over the first molar. A thin layer of plastic occlusal to the screw maintains the integrity of the seal between the plastic body and the tooth. This thin layer of plastic is compromised when the screw is activated, such as being turned or rotated by an Allen wrench type tool, thus breaking the bond or seal between the plastic body and the tooth. The appliance lifts up in a manner similar to a car being lifted up by a screw type jack.

Abstract: An appliance for repositioning the temporomandibular joint has a base portion and inner and other flanges which form upper and lower U-shaped channels for receiving the teeth of the upper and lower jaws. The inner flange has a central tab and a pair of slots on opposite sides of the tab to allow for lateral adjustment of the appliance. In an alternative embodiment, the appliance has ribs on the outer flange, to engage the teeth of the user.

Abstract: An orthodontic retainer which has an upper portion and a lower portion, with the upper defining an upper labial arch filament (20) positioned around anterior surfaces of a patient's teeth attached on each end to a pair of upper clasps (22). The clasps surround upper midregion teeth and are embedded into an upper lingual resilient thermoplastic bridge (32) that include a U-shaped posterior bridge integral with a palatal bridge leaving an open area (38) therebetween. The lower portion of the retainer utilizes a similar filament (40) and clasps (42) with the lower bridge (44) in horseshoe shape. The combined rigid clasps and resilient thermoplastic memory characteristics of the filament and bridges maintain a patient's tooth location and attitude. A second and third embodiment add resilient wire (46) at appropriate locations within the thermoplastic bridges (32) and (44) magnifying the memory characteristics of the retainer.

Abstract: A performance enhancing and force absorbing dental appliance for the mouth of an athlete is comprised of an occlusal posterior pad for each side of the posterior teeth engageable with the occlusal surfaces to space apart the teeth, to absorb shock and clenching stress. An arch 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.

Abstract: A multi-laminar impression material is supported in a tray to form an impression tray assembly. The impression material comprises two lamina that are bonded together. One lamina is relatively softer than the other. The one lamina faces the arch while the other lamina is disposed against the tray. The impression material may also be bonded to the tray. In a specific preferred embodiment, the tray and both lamina of the impression material are ethylene vinyl acetate.

Abstract: A removable orthodontic appliance repositions misaligned anterior teeth with a plurality of springs and a labial wire each secured to an acrylic palatal fitting. Each spring has a head portion in the shape of an eyelet which is positioned on the lingual side of an anterior tooth and a foot portion secured to the fitting. The springs provide lingual-to-labial force to the teeth, and the labial wire provides labial-to-lingual force to the teeth. A spring may engage the lingual surface of a tooth to provide active force to urge the tooth labially into a proper position, or may be spaced away from a tooth at a desired position to engage the tooth as it move lingually. The springs may be positioned on a mesial or a distal surface of a tooth to induce rotation. Further, the springs may provide passive resistance to maintain a properly positioned tooth in place. Each spring is made of a single strand of wire which has one end terminating at the head portion and the other end terminating at the foot portion.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance (10) fits to the teeth (16) of a patient (14) and substantially retains the teeth in a desired arrangement. The appliance includes a plurality of arcuate polymer strips (20). The strips substantially corresponding in shape to different sections of the lingual arch-shapes defined by the lateral surfaces of the teeth. At least one of the polymer strips is a lingual strip (20d), and at least one of the other polymer strips is a labial strip (20a), (20b), or (20c). Additionally, the appliance includes a wire (22) extending through the lengths of the strips, which connects the strips to one another in a spaced-apart relationship. The wire includes transverse adjusting segments (32) for adjusting the fit of the orthodontic appliance. Each transverse adjusting segment extends from between a pair of the strips in a direction generally transverse to the lengths of the strips.

Abstract: A mouth worn apparatus is disclosed which includes a main body having upper and lower compartments which are generally U-shaped so as to conform generally to a patient's teeth, the upper compartment opening at least upwardly and the lower compartment opening at least downwardly so as to generally receive a patient's upper and lower teeth. A plurality of flexible protrusion members extend from at least part of the interior surface of at least one of the compartments so as to contact at least some of the patient's teeth when the device is worn. The device is used by placing it in the patient's mouth so that the upper and lower teeth are received in the upper and lower compartments respectively and retaining the device in the patient's mouth for a prescribed period of time.

Abstract: An intraoral semi-custom device for the prevention of chronic tension and common migraine headaches and temporomandibular disorders that are caused by chronic clenching of the posterior mandibular and maxillary teeth by the temporalis muscle. The semi-custom discluder is a small intraoral device which is obtained and modified by an individual wearer. The device includes a trough, curved to correspond to the curvature of the maxillary incisors, from which distally extends a dome shape. The trough is retained by a resilient material, usually silicone, which is placed into the trough by the wearer and then placed over the maxillary incisors by the wearer. The cured silicone acts as a gasket and retains the device around the wearer's upper incisors. Once in place and the wearer their mouth, the dome will come into contact with one or two lower incisor teeth prior to the posterior teeth coming into contact.

Abstract: A spacer for elevating occlusion position is composed of a plastic material which can be deformed by occlusion pressure; and a plurality of ball members having a predetermined diameter. The ball member is made of a material which cannot be deformed by subjecting occlusion pressure, and the ball member is embedded in the plastic material so as to be in a plane.