Patent ID: 7416516

Claim:
A mass produced universal dental appliance for use in a method of reducing facial aging of a person, the person having an upper and a lower jaw each bearing at least anterior or posterior teeth having occlusal biting surfaces, which appliance comprises at least one part, the or each part intended in use to be in continuous contact with the teeth on either the upper or lower jaw, the or each part comprising an elongate layered-composite structure comprising: i) a first layer, formed of a durable, resilient, elastomeric material having a softening point in the range from 35 to 100° C., having a surface which in use is in continuous contact with the occlusal biting surfaces of at least two teeth on either the upper or lower jaw; and ii) a second, uniform, non-deformable layer, formed of a durable material having a softening point over 100° C., having a surface which in use provides a bite plate; wherein the second layer of each part is provided with a non-deformable protrusion , formed of durable material having a softening point over 100° C., which protrudes at least 2 mm up to 20 mm from the surface of the bite plate away from the first layer, and wherein the appliance has dimensions such that in use it provides a predetermined vertical separation of the jaws which is at least 3 mm beyond the normal resting position of the jaws.