Oral appliance for improved nocturnal breathing

摘要

An oral appliance includes a one-piece tray system that fits over the posterior teeth of the user and is custom-made or customized using lining material that conforms to the dentition of the wearer. The device may position the lower jaw in a slightly protruded position with respect to the upper jaw.

主权项

1. An oral appliance for positioning the mandibular portion of the jaw with respect to the maxillary portion of the jaw, the oral appliance comprising a unitary tray including:
a mandibular portion comprising:
a first mandibular receptacle,a second mandibular receptacle oriented in spaced relation from the first mandibular receptacle, anda bridge member coupling the first mandibular receptacle to the second mandibular receptacle, wherein the first and second mandibular receptacles receive mandibular teeth; and a maxillary portion comprising:
a first maxillary receptacle operable to receive maxillary teeth, wherein the first maxillary receptacle is coupled to the first mandibular receptacle;a second maxillary receptacle operable to receive maxillary teeth, wherein the second maxillary receptacle is coupled to the second mandibular receptacle;a first aperture formed in the first mandibular receptacle and the first maxillary receptacle, wherein the first aperture is defined by a through-hole providing fluid communication between the first mandibular receptacle and the first maxillary receptacle; anda second aperture formed in the second mandibular receptacle and the second maxillary receptacle, where the second aperture is defined by a through-hole providing fluid communication between the second mandibular receptacle and the second maxillary receptacle.