Patent ID: 7556044
Filing Date: 2009-07-07
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A method of treating a person suffering from a disorder associated with the oral cavity including: forming a splint comprising a first arch retentive portion and a second arch contacting portion, said first arch retentive portion being adapted to receive at least incisors of a first arch of teeth to retain said splint in a fixed position relative to said first arch of teeth, said second arch contacting portion comprising a tooth trough adapted to receive incisors but no molars of a second, opposing arch of teeth when said first and second arches of teeth are disposed in a habitual teeth together position in the oral cavity, said tooth trough of said second arch contacting portion comprising first and second substantially planar surface sections that intersect at an angle greater than about 90° and less than about 180°, such that the incisors of said second arch of teeth are not restrained from anterior, posterior or lateral movement relative to said tooth trough, but are free to move against said first and second surface sections on relative movement of said first and second arches of teeth; and positioning the splint in the oral cavity where it contacts and maintains spacing between opposed forward teeth, and thereby also maintains spacing of opposed rearward teeth during relative movement of the first and second arches of teeth.