Importance

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Abstract

A mandibular advancement oral appliance for treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea comprises upper and lower thermoformed co-polyester splints, custom fabricated to match the patient's dentition. The splints are interconnected by a thread cord or filament in a pre-fabricated continuous loop with no knot. The loop passes through guide tubes and around pulley's having openings to allow the thread to be forced into them. The thread is made up of braided liquid crystal polymer fiber (Vectran®). This appliance uses a locking device to keep the continuous loop from traveling along itself. This stabilizes the anterior positioning. The locking mechanism comprises an expansion clamp consisting of an oval expansion crank, oval casing and cap. The locking mechanism's function is to restrict movement of the loop, thereby locking the mandible in the desired forward location while the patient sleeps. The loop guide, pulleys and locking device are preferably affixed to the anterior-facing surfaces of the splints.

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First Claim