Method and Apparatus for Incrementally Repositioning the Mandible of a Patient

摘要

A method and apparatus for incrementally repositioning the mandible of a patient includes a mandible repositioning assembly having a support member defining opposed first and second female retention structures. The assembly includes first and second male retention members selectively coupled to the first and second female retention structures. In one embodiment, first and second sleeves may be received in respective female retention structures, each female retention structure defining an interior area configured to receive respective male retention members. Each male retention member includes a ball portion pivotally movable when coupled to a respective female retention structure and a mounting portion configured to mount to a patient's tooth. In use, respective male retention members may be coupled to respective female retention structures and to a selected dentition of the patient. A plurality of support members each having a different length may be interchanged so as to effectively reposition the patient's mandible.

主权项

1. A mandibular repositioning assembly for selective attachment to teeth of a patient for the incremental repositioning of the patient's mandible as treatment of temporomandibular joint dysfunction (“TMD”), snoring, and sleep apnea disorders, comprising:
a support member having opposed first and second ends, said support member defining first and second female retention structures adjacent said first and said second ends, respectively; and first and second male retention members operatively received in said first and said second female retention structures, respectively.