Patent Description:
Dental retraction devices may be implemented during dental procedures. The dental retraction devices may be positioned in a mouth of a user or a patient to separate oral tissue such as cheeks and lips from teeth of the user. Dental retraction devices may include a feature or component that positions the tongue relative to remaining portions of the dental retraction device. For example, dental retraction devices may include a tongue guard placed over the tongue. However, the existing dental retraction devices position the tongue or retain the tongue in an uncomfortable position, may retain the tongue in a position that does not adequately separate the tongue from the teeth, or may trigger a gag reflex of the user.

Korean document <CIT> discloses a lip and tongue retractor for dental treatment, wherein the retractor is configured to be mounted inside a user's mouth simply and to prevent a user's tongue from being moved to protect the user's tongue. The lip and tongue retractor includes a first shell, a second shell, a link and a tongue holder. The first shell and the second shell come in contact with a user's cheek. The link connects the first shell and the second shell. The tongue holder includes a tongue depressed portion, which is fixed by being inserted into the link.

The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one example technology area where some embodiments described herein may be practiced.

A need therefore exists for transpalatal elements and tongue retractors that may be implemented in a dental retraction device that eliminate or diminish the disadvantages and problems described above.

One aspect of an embodiment includes a tongue retractor. The tongue retractor may be configured to be placed below a tongue of a user and to retain and support the tongue during a dental procedure. The tongue retractor may include a first curved member, a second curved member, a concave surface, and a sublingual buffer. The first curved member and the second curved member (collectively, the curved members) may extend substantially in a transverse direction towards one another to meet at a central region. The first curved member may include a first connection region at a first end. The second curved member may include a second connection region at a second end. The curved members may extend in the longitudinal direction from the connection regions to lowermost regions and then extend in an opposite longitudinal direction from the lowermost regions to the central region. The portions of the curved members between the connection regions to the lowermost regions may be substantially planar. The portions of the curved members between the connection regions and the lowermost regions and the portions of the curved members between the lowermost regions and central region may be configured to engage a floor of a mouth of a user. The curved members may be rotatably flexible at the first connection region and the second connection region. For instance, the curved members may be rotatably flexible such that the central region is rotatable in the longitudinal direction. The curved members may be integrally formed with the concave surface. The central region may be opposite the second connection region on the second curved member and may be opposite the first connection region of the first curved member. The concave surface may extend between forward portions of the curved members. The concave surface may be arced in a longitudinal direction along a rear edge of the concave surface. The concave surface may be further arced in the longitudinal direction between the central region and the rear edge. The sublingual buffer may be located along a part of the forward portions of the curved members. The sublingual buffer may include a buffer thickness that is greater than thicknesses of remaining portions of the forward portions of the curved members. The concave surface may be configured to contact a lower surface of a tongue of a user when placed in a mouth of the user. The sublingual buffer may be comprised at least partially of a first material and the curved members may be comprised at least partially of a second material that is more rigid than the first material.

Another aspect includes a dental retraction device. The dental retraction device may be configured for placement in a mouth of a user during a dental procedure, for instance. The dental retraction device may include a right connection, a left connection, a mandible member, a maxilla member, a tongue retractor, and a sublingual buffer. The left connection may be displaced from the right connection in a transverse direction. The mandible member may be formed with the right connection on a first end and with the left connection on a second end. The mandible member may extend in a forward direction from to the left and right connections. The maxilla member may be formed with the right connection on a first end and with the left connection on a second end. The maxilla member may extend in a longitudinal direction from the left and right connections. The tongue retractor may be formed with the right connection and the left connection. The tongue retractor may be biased at a particular rotational position relative to the mandible member. The tongue retractor may be configured for placement below a tongue of the user to raise a tongue away from the mandible member and towards the maxilla member. The tongue retractor may include curved members and a concave surface. The concave surface may extend between forward portions of curved members. The concave surface may be arced in the longitudinal direction along a rear edge of the concave surface. The concave surface may be further arced in the longitudinal direction between a central region of the concave surface and the rear edge. A first curved member and a second curved member may extend substantially in a transverse direction towards one another to meet at the central region. A portion of the curved members may be substantially planar. The portion of the curved members may be angled in a rearward direction from the central region to the left and right connections to engage a floor of a mouth of a user. An arc along the rear edge may extend forward of the maxilla member. The arc may include a curvature, which may be sufficient to define a volume configured to receive a lower surface of the tongue. The sublingual buffer may be located along a part of the forward portions of the curved members. The sublingual buffer may include a buffer thickness. The buffer thickness may be greater than thicknesses of remaining portions of the forward portions of the curved members.

Another aspect may include a dental retraction device. The dental retraction device may include a right connection, a left connection, a first arced member, a second arced member, and a tongue retractor. The left connection may be displaced from the right connection in a transverse direction. The first arced member may extend between the right connection and the left connection. The second arced member may extend between the right connection and the left connection. The tongue retractor may be at least partially positioned in a volume defined by the first arced member and the second arced member. The tongue retractor may be configured to be placed below a tongue of a user and to retain and support the tongue during a dental procedure. The tongue retractor may include a first curved member, a second curved member, a concave surface, and a sublingual buffer. The first curved member and the second curved member (collectively, the curved members) may extend substantially in a transverse direction towards one another to meet at a central region. The first curved member may include a first connection region at a first end. The second curved member may include a second connection region at a second end. The curved members may extend in the longitudinal direction from the connection regions to lowermost regions and then extend in an opposite longitudinal direction from the lowermost regions to the central region. The portions of the curved members between the connection regions to the lowermost regions may be substantially planar. The portions of the curved members between the connection regions and the lowermost regions and the portions of the curved members between the lowermost regions and central region may be configured to engage a floor of a mouth of a user. The curved members may be rotatably flexible at the first connection region and the second connection region. For instance, the curved members may be rotatably flexible such that the central region is rotatable in the longitudinal direction. The curved members may be integrally formed with the concave surface. The central region may be opposite the second connection region on the second curved member and may be opposite the first connection region of the first curved member. The concave surface may extend between forward portions of the curved members. The concave surface may be arced in a longitudinal direction along a rear edge of the concave surface. The concave surface may be further arced in the longitudinal direction between the central region and the rear edge. The sublingual buffer may be located along a part of the forward portions of the curved members. The sublingual buffer may include a buffer thickness that is greater than thicknesses of remaining portions of the forward portions of the curved members. The concave surface may be configured to contact a lower surface of a tongue of a user when placed in a mouth of the user. The sublingual buffer may be comprised at least partially of a first material and the curved members may be comprised at least partially of a second material that is more rigid than the first material.

Yet another aspect may include a dental retraction device. The dental retraction device may include a first arced member, a second arced member, a tongue retractor, and a sublingual buffer. The first arced member may extend between a right connection and a left connection. The left connection may be displaced from the right connection. For instance, the left connection may be displaced from the right connection in a transverse direction. The second arced member may extend between the right connection and the left connection. The second arced member may be angularly offset relative to the first arced member. The tongue retractor may include a first end, a second end, a first curved member, and a second curved member. The first end may be formed with the left connection. The second end may be formed with the right connection. The first curved member and the second curved member may extend substantially in a transverse direction from the first and second ends to meet at a central region. The concave surface may extend between forward portions of the curved members. The concave surface may be arced in a longitudinal direction along a rear edge of the concave surface. The concave surface may be configured to engage and receive a lower surface of a tongue of a user. The concave surface may include at least a portion of a saddle curve that extends from the curved members to the central region. An arc along the rear edge may be curved in a downward direction towards the curved members. The arc along the rear edge extends forward of the first arced member and includes a curvature sufficient to define a volume configured to receive a lower surface of a tongue. The concave surface may be arced in the longitudinal direction between the central region and the rear edge. The concave surface may be curved in a direction away from the curved members. The sublingual buffer may be located along a part of the forward portions of the curved members. The sublingual buffer may include a buffer thickness. The buffer thickness may be greater than thicknesses of remaining portions of the curved members. A portion of the curved members may be substantially planar. Additionally or alternatively, the portions of the curved members may be angled in a rearward direction from the central region to the left and right connections to engage a floor of a mouth of a user. The portion that is substantially planar may include the portions of the curved members between the right and left connections and lowermost regions. Additionally or alternatively, the portion that is substantially planar may include the portions of the curved members between the lowermost regions and the central region. The tongue retractor may be configured such that the curved members are rotatably flexible relative to the left and right connections. The tongue retractor may be biased at a particular rotational position relative to the second arced member.

A further aspect may include a tongue retractor. The tongue retractor may include one or more components that may include a transpalatal element. The transpalatal element may further include a cradle. The cradle may be positioned between flexible regions. The cradle may include one or more curved members, a concave surface, and a base. The curved members may extend from the flexible regions to an apex. The apex may form an arch-shaped region. The flexible regions may enable movement of the cradle. The flexible regions may enable such movement responsive to a pressure on the tongue retractor such as a downward pressure. The movement may result in the base of the cradle engaging or at least partially contacting a floor of a mouth. Engagement between the base and the floor may stabilize and support a tongue when the tongue engages with the cradle. The concave surface may extend between the curved members across at least a portion of the arch-shaped region. The concave surface may be sized and configured to correspond to a portion of a mouth in which the tongue retractor is used. In detail, the concave surface may be sized and configured to substantially correspond to a shape of an underside of a tongue. The concave surface may be sized and configured such that the tongue is readily received and stabilized in the concave surface or a volume defined by the concave surface. The concave surface may include an upper edge. The upper edge may include a thickness greater than that of the concave surface. The base generally corresponds to a shape of a lower dental arch such that the base fits within bones of the lower dental arch.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following brief description of the drawings, the drawings, the detailed description of preferred embodiments and appended claims.

The appended drawings contain figures of preferred embodiments to further illustrate and clarify the above and other aspects, advantages, and features of the present invention. It will be appreciated that these drawings depict only preferred embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:.

The present invention is directed towards dental retraction devices that include tongue retractors. The principles of the present disclosure, however, are not limited dental retraction devices. It will be understood that, in light of the present disclosure, the components and arrangements disclosed herein can be successfully used in connection with other types of dental components and/or dental retraction devices.

Additionally, to assist in the description of the dental retraction devices, words such as top, bottom, front, rear, right, and left may be used to describe the accompanying figures. It will be appreciated that the dental retraction devices can be disposed in other positions, used in a variety of situations and may perform a number of different functions. In addition, the drawings may be to scale and may illustrate various configurations, arrangements, aspects, and features of the dental retraction devices. It will be appreciated, however, that the dental retraction devices may have other suitable shapes, sizes, configurations, and arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of the dental retraction devices. Further, the dental retraction devices may include any suitable number or combination of aspects, features and the like.

Dental retraction devices may be implemented during dental procedures such as dental restoration procedures. Dental retraction devices are implemented to create a working area (sometimes referred to as a working field) around a tooth or set of teeth on which the procedure is performed. The dental retraction devices separate oral tissue such as the cheeks and/or the tongue from teeth of the user. The dental retraction devices retain the oral tissue in a position away from the teeth and instruments used during dental procedures. Retaining the oral tissue away from the teeth may reduce injury to the patient and reduce interference of the oral tissue with the instruments during the procedure.

Some dental retraction devices are configured for placement in a mouth of the patient. For instance, when in use, all or nearly all (e.g., except one or more lip retainers may extend out and over the lips of the patient) of the dental retraction device may be within the oral cavity. These dental retraction devices may be comprised of an elastically flexible material, which may allow a dental care provider to compress the retraction device. While compressed, the dental care provider may position the retraction device in the oral cavity. The retraction device may then expand in the oral cavity. As the retraction device expands, portions of the retraction devices may be positioned in the patient's mouth to separate the oral tissue from the patient's teeth to create a working area. In particular, the retraction devices may include a first member that is positioned along an upper dental arch of the patient, a second member that is positioned along a lower dental arch of the patient, and a tongue guard that limits movement of the tongue. The first member separates the upper lip and the cheek tissue from the patient's upper teeth. Similarly, the second member separates the lower lip and the cheek tissue from the patient's lower teeth. The tongue guard limits movement of the tongue and retains the tongue away from a working area.

The tongue guard is generally positioned in a central portion of the retraction device. The tongue guard may be connected to the first and second members by a third member. The third member extends from a left side of the retraction device to a right side of the retraction device. For example, when disposed in the patient's oral cavity, the third member extends across the palate of the oral cavity (e.g., from the left side to the right side).

Some conventional tongue guards include a membrane or a surface that is positioned on top of the tongue or have a dome-shape that is positioned over the end of the tongue. These tongue guards cover at least a portion of the tongue or contact a top surface of the tongue. Additionally, these tongue guards press the tongue towards a rear portion of the oral cavity and/or press the tongue towards the inner region of the sublingual floor within the lower dental arch.

This positioning of the tongue introduces some problems. For instance, the tongue guards that press the tongue into the sublingual floor may press the tongue into the saliva glands below the tongue. Such placement of the tongue obstructs access to the saliva glands, which may cause pooling of saliva during the dental procedure. As the saliva accumulates in the oral cavity, the patient can become uncomfortable and the salvia may be introduced into the working area. Additionally, this placement of the tongue does not effectively remove the tongue from a portion of the mouth. Instead, this placement retains and tongue next to many of the teeth that may be involved in the dental procedure. For instance, pressing the tongue into the sublingual floor may interfere with dental procedures being performed on lower molars or lower premolars.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure include improved dental retraction devices. The dental retraction devices include a tongue retractor that addresses some of the problems of existing retraction devices. For example, the tongue retractor is reshaped and reconfigured to better position the tongue during dental procedures. In general, the tongue retractor is shaped and configured to lift the tongue from the sublingual floor and push the tongue up (e.g., towards the roof of the mouth) and slightly back (towards the throat). This positioning removes the tongue from the sublingual floor and allows access to the saliva glands below the tongue. Furthermore, this positioning retains the tongue in a position away from internal surfaces of the lower teeth, which may improve access to lower teeth such as the molars and premolars.

Lifting the tongue introduces some additional issues. For example, the tissue on the bottom the tongue and the sublingual floor is relatively sensitive to pressure and lifting and pressing the tongue towards the rear portion of the oral cavity can trigger a gag reflex of the patient. Accordingly, the shape and configuration of the retraction device is arranged for comfort of the patient and for a particular position that effectively retains the tongue away from working areas without pressing the tongue into the throat of the patient.

In particular in some embodiments, the tongue retractor includes a transpalatal element, which further includes a cradle. The transpalatal element extends from the left side of the device to the right side of the device, which corresponds to across the palate of a patient. The transpalatal element is flexible or includes flexible regions. The flexible regions allows the cradle to rotate and bend to a comfortable position responsive to weight of the tongue and responsive to a particular geometry of the oral cavity.

The cradle is made up of a curved surface or membrane with multiple radii of curvature. In some embodiments, the cradle creates a "saddle curve. " The cradle is accordingly curved to receive and support the bottom surface of the tongue and to lift the tongue from the sublingual floor.

The cradle includes a lower edge. The lower edge is placed against the sublingual floor when the retraction device is in use. The lower edge is shaped and configured for comfort of the patient and to effectively lift the tongue. For instance, the lower edge includes one or more planar portions. The planar portions of the lower edge correspond with relatively flat portions of the sublingual floor. Additionally, the lower edge may also include a sublingual buffer. The sublingual buffer includes a substantially circular structure that extends along the lower edge. The sublingual buffer includes a larger diameter than remaining portions of the cradle, which may better distribute any pressure to the sublingual floor caused by the weight of the tongue placed on the cradle. The sublingual buffer may be constructed of a material or a variation of a material that is soft relative to the material of which the rest of the retraction device is comprised. The material of the sublingual buffer helps distribute any pressure while effectively lifting the tongue from the sublingual floor.

The cradle may also include an upper edge. The upper edge may be in contact with the lower surface of the tongue when the retraction device is in use. For instance, the upper edge may be positioned between the end of the tongue and an end of the sublingual frenulum. The upper edge may be sized and configured to generally direct the tongue towards the roof the mouth and to comfortably retain the tongue in that position during a dental procedure. For example, the upper edge may be concaved in a direction to receive the tongue and support the tongue relative to the sublingual floor. Additionally, the upper edge may have a larger diameter than remaining portions of the cradle. The larger diameter may distribute pressures from the weight of the tongue and reduce a likelihood that the lower surface of the tongue is scratched or injured if the patient moves her tongue.

These and other embodiments are described with reference to the appended drawings in which components and features with common labels indicate like structures and functions unless specified otherwise.

<FIG> illustrate a first dental retraction device <NUM> (hereinafter, "first device <NUM>"). <FIG> is a perspective view of the first device <NUM>. <FIG> is a front view of the first device <NUM>. <FIG> is a side view of the first device <NUM>. <FIG> is a sectional view of the first device <NUM>. The first device <NUM> is configured to be placed in a mouth of a user such as a patient. For instance, the first device <NUM> may be placed in the mouth of the user during a dental procedure. When placed in the mouth of the user, the first device <NUM> may separate lips and cheeks or portions thereof of the user away from outer or external surfaces of the teeth. Additionally, the first device <NUM> includes a tongue retractor, which is generally identified by <NUM> in <FIG>. The tongue retractor <NUM> may include a first transpalatal element <NUM>. The first transpalatal element <NUM> is configured to position the tongue away from the teeth of the user. In particular, the first transpalatal element <NUM> or a portion thereof may be shaped and configured to be placed below the tongue of the user. For instance, the first transpalatal element <NUM> may contact a portion of the bottom surface of the tongue, which may position the tongue in an upward-displaced arrangement. In the upward-displaced arrangement, the tongue is supported away from the sublingual floor and is in a rear portion of the mouth. In the upward-displaced arrangement, the first device <NUM> may hold the tongue away from the inner or internal surfaces of the teeth. The first device <NUM> may accordingly create a work area around the teeth and gums during a procedure.

Positioning the first transpalatal element <NUM> below the tongue of the user is an improvement relative to tongue retractors that are positioned on an upper surface of the tongue or that include a cavity in which the tongue is placed. In these other tongue retractors, the tongue may be pressed towards the sublingual floor and against the inner or internal surfaces of the teeth or may press the tongue towards the rear portion of the mouth, which may cause discomfort and/or trigger a gag reflex of the user.

The first device <NUM> of <FIG> may include a first arced member <NUM>, a second arced member <NUM>, and the tongue retractor <NUM> that includes the first transpalatal element <NUM>. The first arced member <NUM>, the second arced member <NUM>, and the first transpalatal element <NUM> may meet and/or be integrally formed with one another at a right connection <NUM> and a left connection <NUM>. The right connection <NUM> is separated from or displaced from the left connection <NUM> in a transverse direction. In <FIG>, the transverse direction may correspond to the x-direction.

The first device <NUM> is comprised of a flexible or semi rigid material. The material may be capable of elastic deformation between an expanded arrangement and a compressed arrangement. The expanded arrangement references a configuration of the first device <NUM> when it is not subject to external forces. For instance, <FIG> depicts the first device <NUM> in an expanded arrangement. The compressed arrangement references a configuration of the first device <NUM> when it is subject to one or more external forces. In the compressed arrangement, the first device <NUM> may be introduced into a mouth of the user. In some circumstance, in the compressed arrangement the first arced member <NUM> or some portion thereof may be rotated towards the second arced member <NUM> and/or the second arced member <NUM> or some portion thereof may be rotated towards the first arced member <NUM>. Additionally, in some circumstances, in the compressed arrangement the left connection <NUM> may be displaced generally towards the right connection <NUM> or vice versa.

The first device <NUM> may also be configured in a use configuration. The use configuration references an arrangement when the first device <NUM> is positioned in the mouth of a user. The use configuration may include geometries that are somewhere between the compressed arrangement and the expanded arrangement. For instance, the first device <NUM> may be configured in the compressed arrangement. The first device <NUM> is then placed in the mouth of the user. External forces used to configure the first device <NUM> in the compressed arrangement may be removed. The first device <NUM> may then expand to return to the expanded arrangement. However, the first device <NUM> may be limited by anatomical features of the mouth. Such anatomical features may determine the dimensions of the first device <NUM> in the use configuration. In the use configuration, the lips and cheeks may be separated from the teeth and the tongue may be positioned in an upward-displaced arrangement. Examples of the use configuration are described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

The first arced member <NUM> may extend from the right connection <NUM> to the left connection <NUM>. The first arced member <NUM> generally extends in a longitudinal direction, which corresponds to the y-direction of <FIG>. The second arced member <NUM> may also extend from the right connection <NUM> to the left connection <NUM>. When the first device <NUM> is in an expanded configuration, the second arced member <NUM> is rotationally offset relative to the first arced member <NUM>. For instance, the second arced member <NUM> may generally extend in a direction substantially normal (e.g., ± <NUM> degrees) to the first arced member <NUM>. When the first device <NUM> is configured in the compressed arrangement, the second arced member <NUM> or the first arced member <NUM> may be deformed or bend, such that portions of the second arced member <NUM> and the first arced member <NUM> may be rotated towards one another.

In the embodiment of <FIG>, the first arced member <NUM> may be configured to be placed along a dental arch of a mandible. The first arced member <NUM> may be placed along a majority or all (e.g., from a rear-most tooth on a first side to a rear-most tooth on the other side) of the dental arch of the mandible. Accordingly, in the present disclosure, the first arced member <NUM> is sometimes referred to as a mandible member. The first arced member <NUM> may include lower regions <NUM>. The lower regions <NUM> may meet the right connection <NUM> and the left connection <NUM>. The lower regions <NUM> may be placed in the mouth of the user next to the upper rearmost molar of the user when the first device <NUM> is in the use configuration.

Similarly, the second arced member <NUM> may be configured to be placed along a dental arch of a maxilla. The second arced member <NUM> may be placed along a majority or an entirety of the dental arch of the maxilla. Accordingly, in the present disclosure, the second arced member <NUM> is sometimes referred to as a maxilla member. The left and right connections <NUM> and <NUM> may be placed in the mouth of the user next to the lower rearmost molar of the user when the first device <NUM> is in the use configuration.

The first transpalatal element <NUM> includes a first cradle <NUM>. The first cradle <NUM> may be at least partially positioned in an inner volume <NUM> defined by the first arced member <NUM> and the second arced member <NUM>. The inner volume <NUM> includes the volume that is generally defined by the first arced member <NUM> and the second arced member <NUM> as outer boundaries. For instance, the first cradle <NUM> may extend in a similar direction to the direction the second arced member <NUM> extends from the first arced member <NUM>. Additionally, the first cradle <NUM> may be at least partially positioned within the arched structure formed by the second arced member <NUM>. As discussed elsewhere in the present disclosure, the first cradle <NUM> may be configured to be placed below a tongue of a user and to retain and support the tongue during a dental procedure. The first cradle <NUM> may be configured to raise a tongue away from the second arced member <NUM> and towards the first arced member <NUM>.

The first cradle <NUM> may include curved members 206A and 206B (generally, curved member <NUM> or curved members <NUM>). The curved members <NUM> may be attached to or integrally formed with flexible regions 204A and 204B (generally, flexible region <NUM> or flexible regions <NUM>). The flexible regions <NUM> each include an end 112A or 112B. For instance, the first flexible region 204A may include a first end 112A and the second flexible region 204B may include a second end 112B. The first end 112A may be formed (e.g., integrally formed) with the left connection <NUM>. Similarly, the second end 112B may be formed with the right connection <NUM>. Accordingly, the first cradle <NUM> may be attached to the left and right connections <NUM> and <NUM> via the curved members <NUM> and the flexible regions <NUM>.

In the embodiment of <FIG>, the first device <NUM> may be a single piece of material that includes features and components described in the present disclosure. In these and other embodiments, the first end 112A and the second end 112B may be integrally formed as a single piece with the left and right connections <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. In other embodiments, the first device <NUM> may include several pieces or components that are connected or attached to one another. In these embodiments, the first end 112A and the second end 112B may be adhered or otherwise mechanically attached to the left and right connections <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively.

The flexible regions <NUM> enable movement of the first cradle <NUM>. For instance, in response to a downward pressure applied by the tongue to the first cradle <NUM>, a base <NUM> of the first cradle <NUM> may rotate or move to engage with a sublingual floor. Engagement with the sublingual floor may stabilize and support the tongue. The flexible regions <NUM> may be rearwardly curved from the left and right connections <NUM> and <NUM>. For instance, the flexible regions <NUM> may extend in a direction away from the second arced member <NUM>. The flexible regions <NUM> may then curve in a forward direction (e.g., towards the second arced member <NUM>). The flexible regions <NUM> may be formed with the curved members <NUM>.

The curved members <NUM> may be inwardly curved. The curved members <NUM> may curve in a transverse direction towards one another. For instance, the first curved member 206A may be curved towards the second curved member 206B in a direction that substantially corresponds to the x-direction of <FIG>. The first curved member 206A may meet the second curved member 206B at a central region <NUM>, which may include an apex <NUM>. The first cradle <NUM> may be configured such that the flexible regions <NUM> are rotatably flexible relative to the left and right connections <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, with reference to <FIG>, the first cradle <NUM> may be configured to rotate along a path labeled <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the first cradle <NUM> may be configured to remain stationary when the first arced member <NUM> and/or the second arced member <NUM> are rotated or deformed. For instance, to configure the first device <NUM> in the compressed arrangement, the second arced member <NUM> or a portion thereof may be deformed or rotated relative to the first arced member <NUM>. In some embodiments, rotation or deformation of the second arced member <NUM> relative to the first arced member <NUM> may not result in rotation of the first cradle <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the first cradle <NUM> may be biased at a particular rotational position relative to the second arced member <NUM>. For instance, as best illustrated in <FIG>, the first cradle <NUM> may be biased at a first angle <NUM> relative to the second arced member <NUM>. The first angle <NUM> may be between about <NUM> degrees and about <NUM> degrees, between about <NUM> degrees and about <NUM> degrees, or between about <NUM> degrees and about <NUM> degrees. In some embodiments, as the second arced member <NUM> rotates or deforms, the first angle <NUM> may change. For instance, the first cradle <NUM> may maintain its position and the second arced member <NUM> or some portion thereof may rotate away from the first cradle <NUM>.

When the first device <NUM> is in the use arrangement and is placed in a mouth of a user, a base <NUM> of the first cradle <NUM> may be positioned against the sublingual floor. The sublingual floor may accordingly push on the base <NUM>. Because the first cradle <NUM> is biased at the particular rotational position, the first cradle <NUM> may stay in place below the tongue of the user. Additionally, because the first cradle <NUM> rotates substantially independently of the second arced member <NUM>, the positioning of the second arced member <NUM> may not act to alter the position of the first cradle <NUM>. Moreover, if the user closes her mouth (e.g., to take a break during a procedure), the motion of the jaw of the user may not act to alter the position of the first cradle <NUM>. Thus, the tongue of the user may remain engaged with the first cradle <NUM>.

The first cradle <NUM> includes a first engagement surface <NUM>, which is also referred to as a concave surface. For example, the first engagement surface <NUM> may be configured to engage with a tongue of the user. The first engagement surface <NUM> may extend between forward portions (e.g., towards the apex <NUM>) of the curved members <NUM>. In the embodiments of <FIG>, the first engagement surface <NUM> may extend across at least a portion of an arch-shaped region formed by the curved members <NUM> and that includes the apex <NUM> and the central region <NUM>.

The first engagement surface <NUM> is sized and configured to substantially correspond to a shape of an underside of a tongue such that the tongue is received and stabilized by the first cradle <NUM>. For example, the first engagement surface <NUM> includes a rear edge <NUM>. The first engagement surface <NUM> may be arced in a longitudinal direction along the rear edge <NUM>. For instance, as shown in <FIG>, the rear edge <NUM> may be curved towards the first arced member <NUM>. Additionally, an arc along the rear edge <NUM> may be curved in a downward direction (e.g., negative y-direction) towards the curved members <NUM>. The arc in the longitudinal direction may continue along at least a portion of the first engagement surface <NUM> from the rear edge <NUM> to the central region <NUM>. The first engagement surface <NUM> may also be arced in the longitudinal direction between the central region <NUM> and the rear edge <NUM>. The first engagement surface <NUM> may accordingly include at least a portion of a saddle curve that extends from the curved members <NUM> to the central region <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the curved members <NUM> may include a first region <NUM> and a second region <NUM>. The first region <NUM> may extend in a negative longitudinal direction, which corresponds to the negative y-direction of <FIG>. The first region <NUM> may further extend in a forward direction towards the second arced member <NUM>, which corresponds to the x-direction in <FIG>. The first region <NUM> may be positioned between the ends <NUM> and the second region <NUM>. In some embodiments, a portion of the first region <NUM> may be substantially planar or planar. In <FIG>, a first datum <NUM> depicts an edge of a first plane that may correspond to the planar or substantially planar portion of the first region <NUM>.

The second region <NUM> may be forward of the first region <NUM>. In the second region <NUM>, the curved members <NUM> turn in a positive y-direction. The second region <NUM> may further extend in the forward direction. The second region <NUM> may include a lowermost region of the curved members <NUM>. The first cradle <NUM> narrows (decreases z-dimension). The second region <NUM> may include a bottom surface <NUM>. The bottom surface <NUM> of the base <NUM> may be planar or substantially planar. In <FIG>, a second datum <NUM> depicts an edge of a second plane that may correspond to the planar or substantially planar portion of the base <NUM>.

The planar or substantially planar portions of the first region <NUM> and/or the base <NUM> may be configured to a geometry of an oral cavity. For instance, the base <NUM> may generally correspond to a shape of a lower dental arch such that the base <NUM> fits within bone of the lower dental arch. Similarly, the first region <NUM> may correspond to a shape of the lower dental arch near the rearmost teeth of a user.

The planar portions or substantially planar portions of the curved members <NUM> may correspond to the sublingual floor. For instance, a part of the sublingual floor on which the base <NUM> is placed may be planar. Accordingly, the planar portion or substantially planar portions of the curved members <NUM> may be comfortably placed on the sublingual floor.

Additionally, the first cradle <NUM> may be sized relative to the first and second arced members <NUM> and <NUM> to be suitable to be positioned below the tongue of the user and against the sublingual floor. For instance, with reference to <FIG>, the second arced member <NUM> may include a lip retainer <NUM>. In the use configuration, the lip retainer <NUM> may be placed on a lower lip of the user. The lip retainer <NUM> may at least partially extend outside the mouth of the user. The remaining portions of the second arced member <NUM> may be placed in the mouth and against the lower dental arch. Rearmost portions of the second arced member <NUM> may include the right and left connections <NUM> and <NUM>. The curved members <NUM> may include rearmost portions <NUM>. The rearmost portions <NUM> may be included on rearward arching portions of the curved members <NUM>. The rearmost portions <NUM> may be positioned adjacent to and/or behind the rearmost molar or rearmost portion of the lower dental arch of the user. Accordingly, the second arced member <NUM> and the first cradle <NUM> may define a curved volume <NUM> into which the lower teeth of the user may be positioned. The curved volume <NUM> is depicted in <FIG> with a hashed pattern. The curved volume <NUM> may be a part of the inner volume <NUM>. For instance, the curved volume <NUM> may include the portion of the inner volume <NUM> defined by the second arced member <NUM> and the first cradle <NUM>.

The curved volume <NUM> may include dimensions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> that enable the positioning of the second arced member <NUM> against the lower dental arch and the first cradle <NUM> below the tongue and against the sublingual floor. For instance, the embodiment of <FIG> may be suitable for an adult user. The dimensions and values provided below are examples that may be proportionately increased or decreased to accommodate a child or a larger person.

In particular, the first cradle <NUM> may extend into the curved volume <NUM>. The first cradle <NUM> may have a cradle length <NUM> and a cradle width <NUM>. The second arced member <NUM> may include a member width <NUM> and a member length <NUM>. The cradle length <NUM> may be between about <NUM> and about <NUM> millimeters, between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, or between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. The member length <NUM> may be between about <NUM> and about <NUM> millimeters, between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, or between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. Accordingly, the ratio of the member length <NUM> to the cradle length <NUM> may be between about <NUM> to <NUM> and about <NUM> to <NUM>. In <FIG>, a distance <NUM> between the apex <NUM> and a forward most portion of the curved volume <NUM> may be between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, about <NUM> and about <NUM>, or between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. As visible in <FIG>, the cradle width <NUM> may be between about <NUM> and about <NUM> millimeters, between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, or between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. The member width <NUM> may be between about <NUM> and about <NUM> millimeters, between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, or between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. Accordingly, the ratio of the member width <NUM> to the cradle width <NUM> may be between about <NUM> to <NUM> and about <NUM> to <NUM>.

<FIG> depict an example embodiment of the first transpalatal element <NUM> that may be implemented in the first device <NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> depicts a bottom view of the first transpalatal element <NUM>. <FIG> depicts a top view of the first transpalatal element <NUM>. <FIG> depicts a side view of the first transpalatal element <NUM>. The first transpalatal element <NUM> of <FIG> is configured to be placed below the tongue during use. For instance, during a dental procedure such as a dental restorative procedure or another medical/cosmetic procedure, the first device <NUM> may be placed in the mouth of a user. Positioning the first device <NUM> in the mouth includes placement of the first transpalatal element <NUM> between a lower surface of the tongue and a sublingual surface within the mouth of the user. When placed below the tongue, the first transpalatal element <NUM> retains and supports the tongue. Accordingly, the tongue may be positioned in an upward-displaced arrangement in which an apex of the tongue is directed towards a roof of the mouth. In the upward-displaced arrangement, the first transpalatal element <NUM> may separate the tongue from internal surfaces of the teeth in the lower arch, which may reduce or prevent the tongue from interfering with the dental procedure.

The first transpalatal element <NUM> may include a first cradle <NUM>. The first cradle <NUM> may be positioned between flexible regions 204A and 204B (generally, flexible region <NUM> or flexible regions <NUM>). The first cradle <NUM> may include curved members 206A and 206B (generally curved member <NUM> or curved members <NUM>) and a first engagement surface <NUM>.

The curved members <NUM> may extend from the flexible regions <NUM> to an apex <NUM>. For instance, in <FIG>, a first curved member 206A extends from a first flexible region 204A and a second curved member 206B extends from a second flexible region 204B. The first curved member 206A meets the second curved member 206B at the apex <NUM>. The curved members <NUM> form an arch-shaped region, which is generally indicated in <FIG> at <NUM>.

The curved members <NUM> may be inwardly curved. For instance, the first curved member 206A and the second curved member 206B curve towards one another in a transverse direction to meet at the central region <NUM> or the apex <NUM>. Additionally, the portion of the curved members <NUM> may be angled in a rearward direction from the central region <NUM> to the left and right connections.

The embodiments of <FIG> and <FIG> are defined in the present disclosure in detail. In some embodiments, the first transpalatal element <NUM> may include another shape. For example, in these and other embodiments, the first transpalatal element <NUM> may include a shape that is configured to for placement below a tongue of the user and to fit within a dental arch of the user.

With reference to <FIG>, the curved members <NUM> may also extend in a longitudinal direction, which may correspond to a negative y-direction of <FIG>. The curved members <NUM> may then curve in a positive longitudinal direction, which may correspond to a positive x-direction. One or more portions of the curved members <NUM> may be substantially planar. For instance, a first substantially planar portion is identified in <FIG> by a first dashed box <NUM> and another substantially planar portion is identified in <FIG> by a second dashed box <NUM>. The portion <NUM> may include the portion of the curved members <NUM> near and/or including the central region <NUM>. A lower surface of the portion <NUM> may be oriented in a plane, which is generally indicated by the datum <NUM>. Similarly, the substantially planar portion <NUM> may include the portion of the curved members <NUM> opposite the central region <NUM>. A lower surface of the portion <NUM> may be oriented in a plane, which is generally indicated by the datum <NUM>.

During use, the curved members <NUM> may engage a floor of a mouth of a user. For example, at least a portion of the curved members <NUM> may contact and/or press against the floor of the mouth. When the curved members <NUM> are engaged with the floor, the overall shape of the curved members <NUM> may not deform. For instance, the central region <NUM> may maintain its shape, but the first cradle <NUM> may rotate at or near regions where the first transpalatal element <NUM> connects to the flexible regions <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a sublingual buffer <NUM> may optionally be located along a part of the forward portions of the curved members <NUM>. The sublingual buffer <NUM> may include a buffer thickness <NUM>. The buffer thickness <NUM> may be greater than thickness(es) (e.g., <NUM> described below) of remaining portions of the curved members <NUM>. For instance, the buffer thickness <NUM> may be about twice (e.g., between about <NUM> and about <NUM> times) the thickness <NUM> of the curved members <NUM>. In some embodiments, the sublingual buffer <NUM> may be comprised of a different material than the curved members <NUM>. For instance, the sublingual buffer <NUM> may be at least partially of a first material and the curved members <NUM> may be comprised at least partially of a second material. The second material may be more rigid than the first material. The sublingual buffer <NUM> may be attached to the curved member <NUM> to increase comfort when the first transpalatal element <NUM> is placed in the mouth of the user. For instance, the sublingual buffer <NUM> may be placed in contact with a lower arch of the user or adjacent to the lower arch of the user.

An arch-shaped region <NUM> may be sized and configured to match or correspond to a sublingual surface of a mouth of a user. The arch-shaped region <NUM> may be sized such that the curved members <NUM> abut or are adjacent to a lower dental arch of a user. For instance, with reference to <FIG> in some embodiments, which may be implemented in an adult, may include an arch length <NUM>. The arch length <NUM> may be defined between the apex <NUM> and an end of the sublingual buffer <NUM>. The arch length <NUM> may be between about <NUM> millimeters (mm) and about <NUM>, between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, or about <NUM> and about <NUM>. The arch-shaped region <NUM> may include an arch width <NUM>. The arch width <NUM> may be defined between the end of the sublingual buffer <NUM> and a bisection line <NUM>, which may bisect the first transpalatal element <NUM>. The arch width <NUM> may be between about <NUM> and <NUM>, between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, or between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. Additionally, between the end of the sublingual buffer <NUM> and the apex <NUM>, the curved members <NUM> may curve from a substantially linear portion <NUM> to a substantially lateral portion <NUM>. The arch-shaped region <NUM> may include a region length <NUM>. The region length <NUM> may be defined from an end of the curved member <NUM> (which may be the rearmost portion of the first device <NUM>) to the apex <NUM>. The region length <NUM> may be between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, or between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. The arch-shaped region <NUM> may include a region width <NUM>. The region width <NUM> may be defined from the end of the curved member <NUM> to the bisection line <NUM>. The region width <NUM> may be between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, or between about <NUM> and about <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the first engagement surface <NUM> extends between portions of the curved members <NUM>. For instance, the first engagement surface <NUM> may extend across at least a portion of the arch-shaped region <NUM>. The first engagement surface <NUM> is arced to define a volume <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>). The volume <NUM> is shaped and configured to receive a lower surface of the tongue of a user. The first engagement surface <NUM> may be arced in a longitudinal direction along a rear edge <NUM> of the first engagement surface <NUM>. The first engagement surface <NUM> may be further arced in the longitudinal direction between the central region <NUM> and the rear edge <NUM>. For example, with reference to <FIG>, a first datum <NUM> is defined between upper points at which the first engagement surface <NUM> meets the curved members <NUM>. The first engagement surface <NUM> curves away from the datum <NUM>. In some embodiments, a distance <NUM> from the datum <NUM> to a center point <NUM> of the first engagement surface <NUM> may increase between the first curved member 206A and the center point <NUM>. The distance <NUM> may then decrease between the center point <NUM> and the second curved member 206B. In some embodiments, the distance <NUM> may be between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, or about <NUM> and about <NUM>. The curvature of the first engagement surface <NUM> may be similarly curved from the rear edge <NUM> of the first engagement surface <NUM> to regions in which the first engagement surface <NUM> meet the curved members <NUM>.

The first engagement surface <NUM> also includes a curvature between the curved members <NUM>. For instance, a height of the first engagement surface <NUM> increases from the curved members <NUM> to the bisection line <NUM> such that the bisection line <NUM> is a peak or approximate peak of the first engagement surface <NUM>. In addition, the height of the first engagement surface <NUM> above the curved members <NUM> may generally decrease from the center point <NUM> to an intersection point <NUM> where the first engagement surface <NUM> meets the sublingual buffer <NUM>. For instance, with reference to <FIG>, a first height <NUM> may be defined at the center point <NUM>. A second height <NUM> may be defined at a first distance towards the intersection point <NUM>. A third height <NUM> may be defined at a second distance towards the intersection point <NUM>. A fourth height <NUM> may be defined at a third distance towards the intersection point <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first height <NUM> may be greater than the second height <NUM>, which may be greater than the third height <NUM>, etc. Furthermore, the first engagement surface <NUM> may be curved in between the center point <NUM> and the intersection point <NUM>. For instance, a second datum <NUM> may be defined between the center point <NUM> and the intersection point <NUM>. The first engagement surface <NUM> may be curved relative to the second datum <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG>, a distance <NUM> between the first engagement surface <NUM> and the second datum <NUM> may increase from the center point <NUM> to a region about halfway down the first engagement surface <NUM>. The distance <NUM> may then decrease between the region and the intersection point <NUM>. The particular distances and dimensions may be suitable for an average adult. These dimensions and distances may be proportionately increased or decreased to accommodate a child, a smaller person, or a larger person.

In some embodiments, the rear edge <NUM> may include a border <NUM>. The border <NUM> may include a diameter that is greater than a width of the first engagement surface <NUM>. The border <NUM> may soften or reduce the sharpness of the rear edge <NUM>. The border <NUM> may reduce discomfort that may result from the first engagement surface <NUM> contacting the bottom surface of the tongue during use.

<FIG> illustrates the first device <NUM> of <FIG> in a first example use arrangement <NUM>. <FIG> depicts the first device <NUM> positioned in a mouth <NUM> of the user. In the first use arrangement <NUM>, the first transpalatal element <NUM> is positioned below a tongue <NUM>. An apex <NUM> of the tongue <NUM> is pushed up and back by the first cradle <NUM>. The first engagement surface <NUM> contacts a bottom surface <NUM> of the tongue <NUM>. The sublingual buffer <NUM> or a portion thereof is placed behind lower teeth <NUM> and against the sublingual floor. The tongue <NUM> is thus held in an upward-displaced arrangement. The tongue <NUM> is held back and away from surfaces <NUM> of lower molars <NUM>. Additionally, the flexible regions <NUM> are positioned behind the lower molars <NUM>. The second arced member <NUM> is placed against the lower dental arch to separate cheeks and lips from lower teeth.

<FIG> and <FIG> depict an example embodiment of a second dental retraction device <NUM> (hereinafter, "second device <NUM>"). <FIG> is a perspective view of the second device <NUM>. <FIG> is a front view of the second device <NUM>. The second device <NUM> is similar to the first device <NUM>. For example, the second device <NUM> is configured to be placed in a mouth of a user during a dental procedure or another procedure. The second device <NUM> may accordingly create a work area around the teeth and gums by separating the lips and cheeks of the user away from outer or external surfaces of the teeth.

The second device <NUM> may include multiple components and features that are included in the first device <NUM>. For example, the second device <NUM> includes the arced members <NUM> and <NUM> that extend between the left connection <NUM> and the right connection <NUM>. The arced members <NUM> and <NUM> are configurable in the compressed arrangement, the use arrangement, and expanded arrangement as described elsewhere in the present disclosure.

The second device <NUM> includes a second tongue retractor <NUM> that includes a second transpalatal element <NUM>. The second transpalatal element <NUM> may be similar to the first transpalatal element <NUM> described elsewhere in the present disclosure. For instance, the second transpalatal element <NUM> includes flexible regions 404A and 404B (generally, flexible regions <NUM> or flexible region <NUM>) that connect to the left connection <NUM> and the right connection <NUM>, respectively. Like the first transpalatal element <NUM>, the second transpalatal element <NUM> is configured to be placed below the tongue of a user. For instance, positioning the second device <NUM> in the mouth may include placement of the second transpalatal element <NUM> between a lower surface of the tongue and a sublingual surface within the mouth, which may position the tongue in the upward-displaced arrangement. The second transpalatal element <NUM> may be positioned in a volume <NUM> that is defined by the arced members <NUM> and <NUM>.

The second transpalatal element <NUM> may include a second cradle <NUM>. The second cradle <NUM> generally extends into the volume <NUM>. The second cradle <NUM> is similar to the first cradle <NUM>. However, the second cradle <NUM> includes different dimensions than the first cradle <NUM>. In particular, the second cradle <NUM> is shorter and smaller than the first cradle <NUM>. For example, the second cradle <NUM> may include curved members 406A and 406B (generally curved member <NUM> or curved members <NUM>) that meet at an apex <NUM> on a central portion <NUM>. The second cradle <NUM> may be positioned between the flexible regions <NUM>. The flexible regions <NUM> enable the second cradle <NUM> to rotate independently or semi-independently of the arced members <NUM> and <NUM> like the rotational independence described above with reference to the first device <NUM>.

The second cradle <NUM> may also include a second engagement surface <NUM>, which may also be a concave surface in some embodiments. The second engagement surface <NUM> is curved similarly to the first engagement surface <NUM>. For instance, a rear edge <NUM> may be curved generally in a longitudinal direction towards the first arced member <NUM>. The longitudinal direction may correspond to the y-direction of <FIG>. The first engagement surface <NUM> may also curve from the rear edge <NUM> to the apex <NUM> and the curved members <NUM> and in the transverse direction between the flexible regions <NUM>.

Portions of the curved members <NUM> may be covered by a sublingual buffer <NUM>, which is similar to the sublingual buffer <NUM>. For instance, the sublingual buffer <NUM> includes a thickness that is greater than remaining portions of the curved members <NUM>. The sublingual buffer <NUM> may increase the comfort during use by decreasing pressure against a sublingual floor.

The curved members <NUM> may include the rearmost portions <NUM> described elsewhere in the present disclosure. Accordingly, the second arced member <NUM> and the second cradle <NUM> may define a second curved volume <NUM> into which lower teeth of the user may be positioned. The second curved volume <NUM> is greater than the curved volume <NUM>. The second curved volume <NUM> is depicted in <FIG> with a hashed pattern. The second curved volume <NUM> may include dimensions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> that enable the positioning of the second arced member <NUM> against the lower dental arch and the first cradle <NUM> below the tongue and against the sublingual floor. For instance, the embodiment of <FIG> may be suitable for an adult user. The dimensions and values provided below are examples that may be proportionately increased or decreased to accommodate a child or a larger person.

In particular, the second cradle <NUM> may extend into the curved volume <NUM>. The second cradle <NUM> may have a cradle length <NUM> and a cradle width <NUM>. The second arced member <NUM> may include a member width <NUM> and a member length <NUM>. The member length <NUM> and the member width <NUM> may be substantially similar to the member length <NUM> of <FIG> and the member width <NUM> of <FIG>, respectively. Additionally, the cradle width <NUM> may be substantially similar to the cradle width <NUM> of <FIG>. The cradle length <NUM> of <FIG> may be less than the cradle length <NUM>. For instance, the cradle length <NUM> may be between about <NUM>% and about <NUM>% of the cradle length <NUM>. Accordingly, a distance <NUM> between the apex <NUM> and a forward most portion of the second curved volume <NUM> may be greater than the distance <NUM> of <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates the second device <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> in a second example use arrangement <NUM>. <FIG> depicts the second device <NUM> positioned in a mouth <NUM> of a user. In the second use arrangement <NUM>, the second transpalatal element <NUM> is positioned below a tongue <NUM>. An apex <NUM> of the tongue <NUM> is pushed up (in a positive y-direction) and back (e.g., away from the lips of the user) by the second cradle <NUM>. The second engagement surface <NUM> contacts a portion of a bottom surface <NUM> of the tongue <NUM>. The sublingual buffer <NUM> or a portion thereof is placed against the sublingual floor of the user. The second device <NUM> is positioned away from inner surfaces <NUM> of the lower, front teeth <NUM>. For instance, with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first device <NUM> in the first use arrangement <NUM> positions the sublingual buffer <NUM> in contact with or adjacent to gums or tissue attaching the lower teeth <NUM>. In contrast, the sublingual buffer <NUM> of the second device <NUM> is positioned away from the gums and tissue attaching the lower front teeth <NUM>. Instead, the sublingual buffer <NUM> is positioned in a rear portion of the mouth <NUM>.

The second device <NUM> supports the tongue <NUM> back and away from inner surfaces <NUM> of lower molars <NUM>. Additionally, the flexible regions <NUM> are positioned behind the lower molars <NUM>. The second arced member <NUM> is placed against the lower dental arch to separate cheeks and lips from lower teeth. The tongue <NUM> is thus held in an upward-displaced arrangement and the second device <NUM> creates a work area for a dental procedure.

By the term "substantially" it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide.

Claim 1:
A tongue retractor (<NUM>) that is configured to be placed below a tongue of a user and lift the tongue from the sublingual floor towards a roof of a mouth of the user, the tongue retractor comprising:
a first curved member (206A);
a second curved member (206B), the curved members extending substantially in a transverse direction towards one another to meet at a central region (<NUM>);
a concave surface (<NUM>) configured to contact a lower surface of a tongue of a user when placed in a mouth of a user, the concave surface (<NUM>) extending between forward portions of the curved members, the concave surface being arced in a longitudinal direction along a rear edge (<NUM>,<NUM>) of the concave surface and the concave surface is further arced in the longitudinal direction between the central region (<NUM>) and the rear edge; and
a sublingual buffer (<NUM>,<NUM>) located along a part of the forward portions of the curved members, the sublingual buffer including a buffer thickness that is greater than thicknesses of remaining portions of the forward portions of the curved members, the sublingual buffer placed in contact with or adjacent to a lower dental arch of the user to distribute pressure to the sublingual floor of the user while lifting the tongue of the user from the sublingual floor.