| 摘要 |
An intra-oral dental appliance is provided for treatment of sleep disorders including snoring, sleep apnea and nocturnal bruxism. The appliance is particularly suited for use by patients having class II malocclusion and includes an upper member conforming to the patient's maxillary dentition; a lower member conforming to the patient's mandibular dentition; and a connecting assembly for adjustably coupling the upper and lower members together. The connecting assembly includes a first element mounted on the upper member, the first element having a cavity therein; a second element mounted on the lower member, the second element comprising a posterior portion and an adjustment bar extending anteriorly from the posterior portion and having a plurality of spaced-apart adjustment positions formed therein; and a connector having a first end loosely captured within the cavity and a second end adjustably connectable to a selected one of the adjustment positions located on the adjustment bar. The connecting assembly maintains the lower member in a protruded position relative to its normal position to maintain the patency of the user's pharnygeal airway while permitting a limited degree of movement of the lower member relative to the upper member in the protruded position. In use, the adjustment bar extends substantially anteriorly of the patient's mandibular dentition to avoid constraining the patient's tongue, thereby enhancing the comfort and wearability of the appliance.
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