Patent ID: 7954496
Filing Date: 2011-06-07
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A dental appliance for preventing grinding contact between upper and lower teeth of a wearer, the appliance comprising: a base member having a Vicat softening temperature that is higher than the temperature to which the appliance is raised during the fitting process comprising: one or more anterior occlusal pads attached to an upper surface of the anterior section of the horizontal portion of the base member, the one or more anterior occlusal pads disposed adjacent the one or more notches in the horizontal portion of the base member and formed from a thermoplastic material having a Vicat softening temperature below that of the base member; first and second molar pads, each attached to an upper surface of a corresponding one of the first and second posterior sections of the horizontal portion of the base member and surrounded by the peripheral portions of the first and second posterior sections, the first and second molar pads formed from a thermoplastic material having a Vicat softening temperature below that of the base member; and a substantially vertical anterior flange attached to the vertical portion of the base member, the anterior flange formed from a thermoplastic material having a Vicat softening temperature below that of the base member.