Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A mandible extension dental device (10) is provided which includes adjustable upper and lower arch trays (12, 14) and coupling means (16) designed to pull the lower jaw of a user forwardly during sleep, so as to minimize snoring and mild apnea conditions. Each of the arch trays (12, 14) includes a substantially rigid synthetic body (18, 38) equipped with a pair of generally L-shaped, continuous adjustment slots (32, 34 and 46, 48). Thermoplastic molding material (36, 60) within each tray (12, 14) permits custom fitting of the trays (12, 14) to the upper and lower arches of a patient. During such fitting, the tray bodies (18, 38) are adjusted as necessary owing to the provision of the slots (32, 34 and 46, 48) to accommodate the arch configurations of the patient. Once the material (36, 60) hardens, the patient-specific arch configurations are permanently retained. The device (10) can be rapidly fitted in the field without the need for the services of a dentist. The coupling means (16) can be infinitely adjusted while the device (10) is in the patient's mouth, to insure the most comfortable fit consistent with lower jaw extension.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim