Importance

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Abstract

A custom-fitted dental appliance prevents grinding contact between upper and lower teeth of a wearer. The appliance includes a base member having a generally U-shaped horizontal portion with opposing posterior sections and an anterior section disposed between the posterior sections. The anterior section has an arcuate curvature substantially matching the curvature of the dental arch of most wearers. The base member has a vertical portion connected to a forward edge of the horizontal portion. The vertical portion of the base member has an arcuate curvature substantially following the curvature of the anterior section. The appliance includes over-molded anterior occlusal pads and molar pads that are attached to the upper surfaces of the base member. An over-molded anterior flange is attached to the vertical portion of the base member. The anterior occlusal pads, molar pads and anterior flange are formed from a thermoplastic material having a Vicat softening temperature below that of the base member. After heating the appliance to above the softening temperature of the over-molded portions, the anterior occlusal pads, molar pads and anterior flange may be custom fitted to the upper teeth and gums of the wearer.

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First Claim