| 摘要 |
A neuromuscular oral appliance comprises a channel with a base adapted to accept teeth from one of an upper and a lower jaw. The oral appliance further comprises a bite pad adapted to accept teeth from the other of the upper jaw and the lower jaw, the bite pad extending from the base and including a pliable chamber that partially deforms when compressed. The oral appliance allows the lower jaw to find a balanced position relative to the upper jaw which will correspond to a position at which the facial muscles are generally at minimal tension. It has been observed that the lower jaw is naturally urged forward relative to the upper jaw in this position. This motion and the position of the lower jaw generally tend to urge the neck backward so that the cervical vertebrae substantially align, thereby facilitating an erect spine. The compliant property of the bite pads further allow slippage and repositioning of the upper and lower jaws relative to one another to adjust for changes in facial muscle tension, for example, when the head is turned to face the side of a user's body, or when a user is off-balance.
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