Method for making a custom mouth guard and apparatus for doing same

摘要

A method for forming a mouth guard and apparatus for anatomically conforming the impression material to a user's mouth and teeth. Polyvinyl siloxane base putty is combined in equal parts with polyvinyl siloxane catalyst putty until a uniform amalgam is formed by kneading and mixing. The mass is then formed into a roll of about three inches in length having a thicker center and extended and tapering ends with a one-inch diameter at the center and approximately half-inch diameters at the ends. A bite bar having a lateral handle is pressed through the center of the mass to form grasping means by which the putty-mass-and-bite-bar, or mouth-guard, assembly may be easily handled. A shield (that may have prongs) on the bite bar serves to support and obstruct the passage of the putty mass. Curving the putty mass about the shield and optional prongs serves to conform the putty mass to the anatomical curvature of a user's teeth. The assembly is placed into the mouth with the handle extending centrally from the user's mouth. The user then bites into the putty mass for approximately three to five minutes while the putty sets. An exact mold of the user's teeth is then created in the putty mass. When the putty has sufficiently set, the assembly is then removed from the user's mouth. The bite bar is then removed from the mass, leaving an aperture through which the user may breathe while holding the mouth guard between the teeth. Extraneous material may be cut from the mouth guard, and the mouth guard may be preserved in a closed box or tray for convenience.