CA1296488C - Sports mouth guard - Google Patents
Sports mouth guardInfo
- Publication number
- CA1296488C CA1296488C CA000554844A CA554844A CA1296488C CA 1296488 C CA1296488 C CA 1296488C CA 000554844 A CA000554844 A CA 000554844A CA 554844 A CA554844 A CA 554844A CA 1296488 C CA1296488 C CA 1296488C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- molars
- teeth
- bicuspid
- mouthguard
- bottom portion
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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- Dental Tools And Instruments Or Auxiliary Dental Instruments (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A mouthguard, comprising a generally resilient member having at least an upper U-shape portion corresponding generally to the shape of the arch of the upper jaw, into which both the upper and lower teeth are significantly spaced and stabilized together, with at least the lower molars and lower second bicuspids interdigitated into the underside of the upper portion.
A generally resilient shoulder extending downward unitarily from the posterior region of the lower surface of the bottom portion has a lower planar surface unitarily thereon spaced generally parallel to the upper surface in the molars-second bicuspid areas for separating the upper and lower molar-bicuspid areas, and has a width greater than the width of the lower molars-second bicuspid, extending laterally across the full width of the lower molars-second bicuspid. An upper surface unitarily included on the bottom portion is deformed by the upper teeth, including the upper molars, for forming an impression to conform thereto, and the lower planar surface of the shoulder is deformable by at least the molars-second bicuspid of the lower teeth for inter-digitation between the upper teeth, including the upper molars, at least the lower molars-second bicuspid and the resilient member, to stabilize the lower teeth in a position of centric rest. A second embodiment includes a lower, integral U-shaped resilient member covering all of the lower teeth with a rela-tively large, central opening for easy breathing between the upper and lower members.
A mouthguard, comprising a generally resilient member having at least an upper U-shape portion corresponding generally to the shape of the arch of the upper jaw, into which both the upper and lower teeth are significantly spaced and stabilized together, with at least the lower molars and lower second bicuspids interdigitated into the underside of the upper portion.
A generally resilient shoulder extending downward unitarily from the posterior region of the lower surface of the bottom portion has a lower planar surface unitarily thereon spaced generally parallel to the upper surface in the molars-second bicuspid areas for separating the upper and lower molar-bicuspid areas, and has a width greater than the width of the lower molars-second bicuspid, extending laterally across the full width of the lower molars-second bicuspid. An upper surface unitarily included on the bottom portion is deformed by the upper teeth, including the upper molars, for forming an impression to conform thereto, and the lower planar surface of the shoulder is deformable by at least the molars-second bicuspid of the lower teeth for inter-digitation between the upper teeth, including the upper molars, at least the lower molars-second bicuspid and the resilient member, to stabilize the lower teeth in a position of centric rest. A second embodiment includes a lower, integral U-shaped resilient member covering all of the lower teeth with a rela-tively large, central opening for easy breathing between the upper and lower members.
Description
~29648~
lBAC~GROU~D of the INV~HTIO~
-21. Yield of In~ention 3The presene invention relates to a mouthguard, and more 4 psrticularly to a plisble mouthguard having an improved shoulder or separating the upper snd lower molar-bicuspid areas, which 6 includes spaced upper and lower surfaces which are deformed by 7 the upper teeth, including the upper molar-bicuspids, and at 8 least the lower molars-second bicuspid, for allowing interdigita-9 tion between the upper teeth, at least the lower molars-second bicuspid and the mouthguard for stabilizing the lower teeth into 11 a position of centric rest.
12 2. Prior Art & Genèral Background 13 There are a number of differe~t type~ of mouthguards 14 p~eoe~tly available on the market, but they have deficiencies which prevent their giving optimum protection to the wearer 16 against serious injuries to the teeth and particularly to the 17 head and neck area.
18 For example, many mouthguards consist ~imply of U-shaped 19 trough-like members of a resilient material, such as rubber or a suitable plastic, which are shaped to fit over the upper or lower 21 teeth or both. In the case of many such mouthguards, a blow to 22 the lower jaw may result in one or more teeth penetrsting through 23 the mouthguard structure, and, more importantly, such mouthguards 24 provide little, if any, protection against head and neck injuries.
26 It is also known in the prior art to provide a structure [PatApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Page l of 40- SPORTS ~OUTU GUARD]
,, .: ,, . .. ' . . : . , which allows even distribution of contact over all the teeth. However, as will be shown later in describing the present invention, this even distribution of contact cannot accomplish the beneficial results of the present invention.
It is also known to provide a rubber-like, flexible mouthpiece, which includes a saddle to be formed into the mouthpiece from a binary or true ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, as taught for example by Greenberg, U.S. Patent No. 3,411,501 issued on Nov. 19, 1968.
Also known, as taught by Zimmerman in U.S.
Patent No. 4,337,765 issued on July 6, 1982, are the advantages of providing an increased separation between the mandible and the glenoid fosa, which slightly increases the separation in the case of a flow to the chin or face guard to avoid transmission of damaging force from the condyle of the mandible to the temporal bone and the cranium. To accomplish this, the bottom wall of the mouthguard is formed to include a portion of greater thickness in the molar-bicuspid region, and more particularly in the region generally extended from the second molar to the first bicuspid. The lower surface of this thicker portion is curved and shaped to follow approximately the normal dental Curve of Spee, as found between the upper and lower dental arches.
However, the embodiment of Zimmerman lacks the improvements of the present invention and cannot accomplish the beneficial results of the present invention. In contrast to the present invention, the Zimmerman mouthguard does not allow for lower ,~
l tooth mating and fitted interdigitation into the mouthguard snd 2 hss a non-uniform thickne~n in the posterior region. As outlined 3 in the Zimmerman specificstion (eol. 7, line 53~), the mouthguard 4 i8 of a layered construction with a more rigid construction in the outer shell, in comparison to the uniformity of the material 6 used in the preferred embodiment of the invention. Additionally, 7 by following the Curve of Spee, Zimmerman fails to provide a flat 8 plane for custom fitting with lower tooth interdigitation and 9 allow~ the lower teeth to be movsble on the more rigid outer 8hell, in contrast to the stabilization of the present invention.
11 Additionally, the extensions of the mouthguards are different, 12 with Zimmerman extending from the first bicuspid to the second 13 molsr, while in the preferred embodiments the mouthguard extends 14 rom the di~tal o~ the upper cuspid back to the second molar. In dentsl terminology and in contrast to Zimmerman, the present 16 invention places the lower jaw in the most approximate area of li centric rest position for a maximum positive Rinesiology affect, 18 along with allowing for maximum oxygenstion, along with providing 19 mandible stabilization. It is further noted that the preferred embodiments of the invention provide a uniform thickne~s in the 21 posterior region of approximstely seven (7) millimeters (plus or 22 minus one mm.) and in the anterior area four mm. (plu~ or minus a 23 half mm.) when in its initial, pre-fitted "blank" form and 24 approximately four and a half (plus or minus one mm.) and two and a half (plus or minus one mm.), respectively, when in its fitted 26 completed form. In contrast Zimmerman begins at the first molsr [PstApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Psge 3 of 40- SPORT5 MOUTH GUARD]
': '" : ' '" ''; ' - i2964~38 1 with a thickne8~ of five mm. continuously decrea~ing in a curve 2 to four mm. and then to two mm. in both the posterior and the 3 snterior directions, following the Curve of Spee (col. 8, lines 4 40-50).
It iA known broadly to provide tvo generally U-shaped 6 members joined together in their posterior areas with upper snd 7 lower tooth interdigitation, see for example U;S. Patent No.
8 2,590,118 is8ued to Oddo on March 25, 1952. However, in Oddo's 9 mouthpiece there is no significant spacing between the upper and lower teeth in the molar-bicuspid regions, essentially placing 11 the teeth in centric occlusion. In contrast, the invention 1~ provides 8 u~iform, significsnt spscing of the order of five 13 millimeters ~plus or minu~ o~e mm.), which puts the jaw in a 14 centric re~t po~ition.
lPatApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Pnge 4 of 40 SPORTS MOUTH GUARD]
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1 General, Sunmary Discussion of the In~ention 2 Accordingly> the mouthguard of the apparatus and method of 3 the present invention comprises a generally re0ilient member 4 having a ~-shape, which corre~ponds generally to the shape of the arc of the upper j8W, and which includes a bottom portion unitary 6 with the resilient member, having ~paced sidewalls which extend 7 upwardly from the periphery of the bottom portion for forming a 8 ca~ity between the sidewalls and the bottom portion to receive 9 the upper teeth. Additionally, an upper surface unitary with the bottom portion i8 deformable by the upper teeth, including the Il upper molar-bicu~pids, for forming a~ impression thereof for 12 allowing interdigitation between the upper teeth and the resi-13 lient member, and the bottom portion has a width greater than the 14 width of the lower teeth to extend laterally acros~ the full width of the lower teeth.
16 A generally re~ilient shoulder extends unitarily downward 17 from the posterior region of the lower surface of the bottom 18 portion having a planar lower surface thereon spaced generally 19 parallel ~o the upper ~urface in the molar-bicuspid area to uniformly separate the upper and lower molar aress. A deformable 21 surface unitary with the planar lower surface of the shoulder is 22 formed by an impression of at least the molars-second bicuspid of 23 the lower teeth, for allowing interdigita~ion between at least 24 the lower molars-second bicuspid and the resilient member, the intertigitation between the upper teeth including the upper 26 molars, at least the lower molars-second bicu~pid and the [PatApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Page 5 of 40- SPORT5 MOUTH GUARD]
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l resilient member, coupled with the shoulder, which provides a 2 uniform spscer means, stsbilizing the lower teeth into a position 3 of centric rest.
4 In dental terminology and in contrast to the prior art, the present in~ention places the lower jaw in the most approximate 6 area of centric rest position for a maximum positi~e ~inesiology 7 affect, along with allowing for maximum oxygenation, along with 8 providing mandible stabilization.
9 AB may be sppreciated, the improved mouthguard of the LO present invention provides a generally resilient shoulder of Ll uniorm thickness in the region which engages with both molar-12 bicuspid sections, 80 that the mouthguard provides a preferred 13 uniform spacing between the upper and at least lower molar-14 bicuspid areas. Accordingly, whe~ coupled with interdigitation, not only between at least the upper molar-bicuspids and the 16 mouthguard, but with the interdigitation between at least the 17 lower molars-second bicuspid aud the mouthguard, and the uniform 18 spacer means between the molar-bicuspid regions, the lower teeth l9 are stabilized into a position of centric rest. Thus, damage i8 minimized by any force which would be transmitted in the tem-21 poromandibular joint area. Further, because of thi~ portion of 22 constant increased thickness or separation between the molar-23 bicuspid regions, a blow on the chin would be minimized to 24 restrain the transmission of force to the joint and the craniàl area.
26 Further, the uniform separation in the molar-bicuspid .
[PatApp. L.R.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Page 6 of 40- SPORTS MOUTH GUARD]
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regions allows for easier breathing and speaking while wearing the mouthguard. Accordingly, for a further embodiment of the mouthguard having also a lower U-shaped resilient member, which corresponds S generally to the shape of the arc of the lower jaw, the resilient members are provided with an improved separation between the members, which aids the individual in breathing and speaking, particularly during sports activities.
As may be appreciated, the further embodiment of the present invention provides an additional surface for further interdigitation between the lower teeth and the lower resilient member for further stabilizing the lower teeth into the position of centric rest.
As may be further appreciated, the mouthguard is preferably provided in a ~orm which may be fitted by the user and is of a suitable, preferably unitary construction, so that the user may install the mouthguard over the teeth, so as to cause the teeth to become impressed into the material and allow interdigitation between the teeth and the mouthguard. However, if desired, the mouthguard can be provided for complete customizing by a dental professional, if so desired.
Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved protective mouthguard of a unitary construction designed to provide an orthopedic placement separation of the posterior molar-bicuspid region, and more specifically allow interdigitation, not only between the upper teeth including the upper molar-bicuspids, and the mouthguard, but also .~
i29648~3 at least interdigitation between the lower molars-second bicuspid and the mouthguard. Additionally, the primary object includes providing in the mouthguard an improved planar lower surface on a generally resilient shoulder which extends unitarily downward from the posterior region of the mouthguard for separating the upper and lower molars-second bicuspid regions, with the mouthguard unitarily including a deformable surface thereon for forming an impression of the upper teeth to conform thereto and a deformable surface unitarily included on at least the planar lower surface for forming an impression of the lower molar-bicuspid region to conform thereto, to provide the interdigitation between the upper teeth including the upper molars, at least the lower molars-second bicuspid and the mouthguard.
It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved mouthguard which provides for easier and better breathing and speaking while wearing the mouthguard.
It is yet a further object of the invention to provide a mouthguard which may be provided in a limited number of sizes which are suitable for fitting substantially all mouth sizes and teeth characteristics and which may be fitted by the user without the necessity of a custom fitting by a dentist.
It is another object of the invention to provide a mouthguard which may be standardized in a limited number of sizes for commercial production and which may be economically produced.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a mouthguard which is suitable for all sports including ;,~, 1296~8f;
1 boxing, volleyball, softball, baseball, lacros~e, field hockey 2 (both men's and women's), hockey, wrestling, msrtial arts, 3 aerobics, basketball, weight lifting, cycling, sky diving, 4 sculling~ football/soccer, etc., for example.
In short, three major accomplishments of the present 6 invention are increased oxygenation via a larger anterior air 7 channel and air passageway; lower jaw stability via lower tooth 8 intertigitation; and spacing conformity to maximum positive 9 ~inesiology affect~, placing the jaw in centric rest.
[PatApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -P~ge 9 of 40- SPORTg MOUTN GUARDl ,~., .
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1 B~IXF D~C~IPIION of the DB~IRGS
2 For a further understanding of the nature snd objects of the 3 present invention, reference should be had to the following 4 detailed description, taken in conjunction with the sccompanying drswing~, in which like parts are given like reference numerals, 6 and wherein:
7 Yigure l i~ a perspective view of the upper side of the 8 initial, pre-fitted blank of a first embodiment of a mouthguard 9 according to the present invention, in which there i~ full ~idewall coverage for the upper set of teeth and interdigitation 11 with selected ones of the lower set of teeth;
12 ~igurc 2 is a side view of the first embodiment of the 13 mouthguard sccording to the pre~ent invention, ~howing the now 14 fitted mouthguard superimposed on the upper teeth and inter-digitating with ~elected ones of the lower set of teeth;
16 Yigure 3 i8 a perspective view of the fir~t embodiment 17 of the mouthguard according to the present invention, ~howing the 18 fitted interdigitation areas for the upper teeth, including the l9 upper molars, and the mouthguard;
~igure 4 i~ 8 bottom view of the first embodiment of 21 the mouthguard according to t~he present invention, showing the 22 fitted interdigitation areas for at lea~t the lower molar~-aecond 23 bicuspid and the mouthguard;
24 Yigure 5 i~ a perspective view of the upper side of the initial, pre-fitted blank of a further, ~econd embodiment of a 26 mouthguard according to the pre~ent invention, iD which full [PatApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Page 10 of 40- SPORTS MOUTN G~ARD]
12964~88 1 sidewall coverage i~ included for both the upper and lower teeth;
2 Figure 6 is 8 side view of the second embodiment of the 3 mouthguard according to the pre~ent invention, showing the now 4 fitted mouthguard superimposed on the upper and lower teeth;
Yigure 7 is a per~pective view of the second embodiment 6 of the mouthguard according to the present invention, showing the 7 fitted interdigitation areas for the upper teeth, including the 8 upper molars, with the mouthguard; and 9 Yigure 8 is a bottom view of the second embodiment of the mouthguard according to the pre~ent invention, sho~ing the 11 fitted interdigitation sreas for the lower teeth, including at 12 least the lower molars-second bicu~pid, and the mouthguard.
[PatApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Page ll of 40- SPORTS ~OUT~I GUARD]
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED, EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
- Introduction -The nature of any potential damage associated with blows to the chin or the faceguard area, such as occur when utilizing for example a helmet in football, can be better appreciated by a brief understanding of the temporomandibular joint formed between the condyle of the mandible or lower jaw and the temporal bone, and the movement of the lower jaw which is controlled by muscles.
As is known, a cartilagineous disc or pad is disposed between the condyle and the glenoid fossa of the temporal bone. The head of the condyle articulates with the cartilagineous disc or pad in the temporomandibular joint, and the cartilagineous disc or pad glides between the condylar head of the mandible and the articular surface of the glenoid fossa of the temporal bone. As may be appreciated, under ordinary circumstances with ordinary mouth-guards, a blow to the chin or an upper blow to the faceguard causes a transmission of force in the direction into the temporomandibular joint and through the temporal bone into the cranial area.
This may not only cause potential damage to the joint itself, but the force may be transmitted to the cranium, resulting in potential deformation in the cranial area and damage to the brain, causing for example a concussion.
- Details of Mouthguard M (Fig. 1-4) -The mouthguard M of this invention, as described in detail hereafter, tends to cause an improved separation of the upper and .
1 l~wer molar-bicuspid regions, ~o that when a blow is received to 2 the chin or faceguard, with the mouthguard ~ of this invention in 3 place, any force would hsve a significantly less damaging effect 4 on the temporomandibular joint. Moreover the separation of the bony parts in the temporomandibuiar joint, namely the condyle of 6 the mandible and the temporal bone, prevents a damaging shock 7 wave from being transmitted through the temporomandibular joint 8 to the brain and to the other underlying structures in the 9 cranial area.
Turning to Yigure 2, there is shown a view having the 11 mouthguard ~ of the present invention shown positioned on the 12 upper teeth and interdigitated with selected one~ of the lower 13 teeth, The mouthguard ~ includes a génerally resilient member 10 14 having a U-~hape in the horizontal plane which correspond~
gonerally to the shspe of the arch of the upper jaw. The 16 mouthguard ~ includes, as best seen in ~igure~ 3 and 4, a bottom 17 portion 12 unitary with member 10, which has spaced sidewalls 14 18 extending upwardly unitarily from the periphery of the bottom lg portion 12 for forming a cavity 16 between the sidewalls 14 and the bottom portion 12 for receiving the upper teeth. As may be 21 appreciated, the bottom porti~n 12 usually will be of a slightly 22 thicker construction than the sidewalls 14 forming a signifi-23 cantly thick spacer for the upper and lower rear teeth.
24 A generally resilient shoulder 18 extends downward unitarily from the posterior region 20 of the lower surface 22 of the 26 bottom portion 12. The shoulder cover at least the cusp tip~ of [PatApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Pnge 13 of 40- SPORTS MOUTH GUARD]
. .. . . . . . .
~fi~88 1 the lower molars 28, 32 and the second bicuspid 3~ and preferably 2 al80 the cusp tip 30' of the first bicuspid and extends gingi-3 vally maximally to (that i6, not past) the occlusal one third of 4 the molars 28, 32 and the second bicuspid 34.
The shoulder 18 has a planar lower surface 24 spaced 6 generally parallel below the upper surface 26 of the bottom 7 portion 12 in the molsr-bicuspid area to uniformly separate the 8 upper and lower molar-bicuspid areas. This structure also 9 provides an essentially uniform spacer means for separating the upper and lower molar-bicuspid regions to place the upper and ll lower molar-bicuspid regions in a position of centric rest. As 12 may be appreciated, the lower surface 24 includes a width greater 13 than the width of the lower molars-second bicuspid, 80 as to 14 extend laterally across the full width of ~t least the lower molars-second bicuspid.
16 This improved, uniformly greater thickness extends generally 17 from the lower second molar 28 through at least the lower second 18 bicuspid 34 and includes the first molar 32. Preferably, as l9 illustrated, the shoulder 18 extends distal of the maxillary (upper) cuspid and covers the cusp tip 30' of the mandibular of 21 the lower first bicuspid 30, partially covering the lower first 22 bicuspid 30 and totally eovering the second bicuspid 3~. Accord-23 ingly, the shoulder 18 provides a portion of greater uniform 24 thickness, which extends in an anterior posterior direction from the bottom of member 10. It may be appreciated that, laterally, 26 this thickness i8 uniform and constant. As may be seen by [PatApp. L.R.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Page 14 of 40- SPORTS MOUTH GUARD]
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1 referring to Figure 2, with thi6 mouthguard ~ construction, when 2 the lower jaw J has almost reached its closed position, a 3 preferred, improved separation occurs in the area of the tem-4 poromandibular joint.
As mentioned, the mouthguard H of this invention is formed 6 in an approximate horizontal U-6hape, which corresponds generally 7 to the shape of the genersl arch of the user's upper jaw.
8 Further the mouthguard ~ includes a substantially ~-shape, 9 vertical cross-~ection, which includes the bottom portion 12 and the inner and outer sidewalls 14, which extend upwardly from the 11 periphery of the bottom portion 12.
lZ As may be appreciated, these sidewalls ~4 are intended to 13 conform generally to the lingual snd buccal areas, respectively, 14 of ~he upper teeth and gums, snd each of the sidewalls 14 may end in a rounded edge, which approximates the gingival tissues. The 16 sidewalls 14 may be further connected at their posterior ends by 17 transver~ely extending sidewalls, if desired, although such is 18 ~ot shown in the figures. As may be appreciated, the sidewalls 19 14 msy be notched downwardly, as indicated by 36 in the figures, to provide a space for the superior labial fre~um. As may be 21 further appreciated, the bottom portion 12 is generally flat in a 22 lateral direction and i~ of a greater width than the witth of the 23 lower teeth, so as to extend fully across the surface of the 24 lower teeth and slightly beyond these teeth on the lingual side and the buccal side.
26 Thus, the unitary construction of the preferred exemplary, [PatApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Page 15 of 40- SPORTS HOUTH GUARD]
,:
~296~8~
1 embodiment of the pre8ent invention, being of a suitable 2 ~aterial, psovide~ an upper surface 26 unitary with bottom 3 portion 12 which i8 deformed by the upper teeth including a 4 portion of the CU8pB of the upper molar-bicuspid~ for forming an impression to conform thereto thereon, a~ best shown in ~igure 3, 6 for allowing interdigitation between the upper teeth, including 7 the upper molar~, and resilient member 10. Further the planar 8 lower surface 24 provides a deformable ~urface unitary with the 9 bottom surface of ~houlder 18 which is deformed by a portion of the CUBpB of at leaat the lower molars-second bicuspid and 11 preferably the CU8p tip of the first bicuspid, as shown in ~igure 12 4, for allowing interdigitation between at least the lower 13 mol8r~-second bicu~pid and resilient member 10. As msy be 14 appreciated, the interdigitation between the upper teeth includ-ing the upper molar, the lower molar-bicuspid regions and 16 resilient member 10 coupled with the spacer means provided by 17 ~houlder 18 stsbilize the lower teeth in the po~ition of centric 18 rest.
19 - Details of Mouthguard H' (Figs. 5-8) -As shown in Yigure 6, a further, second exemplary, preferred 21 embodiment of the mouthguard H' is shown. The mouthguard ~' 22 includes an upper, generally resilient member lO' [similar to 23 member 10). A generally reailient shoulder 18' (~imilar to 24 shoulder 18) extends downward unitarily from member 10' in the posterior region 20' of the mouthguard ~' in e~ch of the molara-26 ~econd bicu~pid regions and separates the upper and lower molar-lPatApp. L.R.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Page 16 of 40- SPORTS MOUTN GUARD]
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1 bicuspid sress to provide an improved, es~entially uniform spacer 2 means for separating the upper and lower molar-bicuspid regions 3 snd place the upper and lower molar-bicuspid regions in a 4 position of centric rest.
Also included with the mouthguard M' iB a bottom portion 12' 6 (similar to bottom portion 12) and sidewall~ 14' (similar to 7 sidewalls 14), which extend likewise unitarily upward from the 8 periphery of bottom portion 12' for forming a cavity 16' (similar 9 to cavity 16) for recei~ing the upper teeth. A lower surfsce 22' (similar to surface 22), which is unitary with bottom portion 12' 11 snd which is preferably planar, i6 further included. A plansr 12 lower surface 24' (similar to surface 24) along the bottom of 13 shoulter 18', which in a likewi~e manner iB spaced generally 14 parallel below upper surface 26' and has a width greater than the width of the lower molars-second bicuspid 80 as to extend 16 laterally across the full width of the lower molars-second 17 bicuspid in the molar-bicuspid area, is also included. As may be 18 appreciated, the bottom portion 12' is likewise generally flat in 19 a lateral direction snd i8 of a greater width than the width of the lower teeth~ 80 as to extend fully across the surface of the 21 lower teeth and slightly bey~nd these teeth on the lingual side 22 and the buccal side.
23 Likewi.se, the unitary construction of the further embodiment 24 of the present invention is of a suitable material which provides an upper 6urface 26' unitary with bottom portion 12', which is 26 teformed by the upper teeth, including a portion of the cusps of -[PatApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Page 17 of 40- SPORT8 MOUTH GUARD]
~ 29fi4~
1 the upper molar-bicuspids, for forming an impres6ion to conform 2 thereto, as best shown in Pigure 7, for allowing fitted inter-3 digitation between the upper teeth including the upper molar~ and 4 resilient member 10'. Further the planar lower surface 24' provides a deformable surface unitary with the bottom 6urface of 6 shoulder 18', which is deformed by a portion of the cusps of at 7 least the lower molars-second bicuspid in a ~imilar manner, as 8 shown in Yigure 4, a~ indicated in the rearward portion of Yigure 9 8, for allowing fitted i~terdigitation between the lower molsr~-~econd bicuspid and resilient member 10'. As will be discussed11 later, the mouthgusrd ~' provides additional interdigitation 12 between the lower teeth and ~ember 10'.
13 Extending in a~ anterior direction from shoulder 18' is a 14 second, lower, U-shsped, generally resilient member 38 which corre0ponds generally to the ~hape of the dental arch of the 16 lower jaw J. The ~econd U-shaped member 38 includes also a 17 substantially U-shape cross-section in the vertical plane and 18 includes a top portion 40 unitary with member 38, and lower 19 sidewall~ 42 extending unitarily downwardly from the periphery of the top portion 40. A8 may be appreciated, the ~idewalls 42 of 21 the lower U-6haped member 38 comprise inner and outer spaced 22 ~idewalls, if desired, which are intended to conform generally to 23 the lingual and buccal areas, respectively, of the lower teeth 24 and gums, and each of the ~idewalls 42 ends in a rou~ded edge for approximating the gingiv81 tissùes. A~ may be further appreci-26 ated, the sidewalls 42 may be connected at their posterior end~
lPatApp. L.~.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Psge 18 of 40- SPORTS MOUTH GUARD]
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by transversely extending sidewalls, although such is not shown in the figures.
The top portion 40 and the sidewalls 42, which extend downwardly from the periphery of the top portion 40, form a cavity 44 between the sidewalls 42 and the top portion 40 for receiving the lower teeth.
A lower surface 46 is included on the top portion 40, which extends co-planar with the lower surface 24' of the shoulder 18'. The lower surface 46 is deformed by the lower teeth for forming an impression to conform thereto and allow further fitted interdigitation, as shown in Figure 8, between the lower teeth and the resilient member 10'. Also included with the top portion 40 is an upper surface 48 thereon, which is preferably planar having a width greater than the width of the upper teeth, so as to extend laterally across the full width of the upper teeth. As may be appreciated, the further interdigitation, and the inclusion of the inter-digitation between the upper teeth and at least the lower molar-bicuspid region as discussed above, coupled with the spacer means provided by shoulder 18'; further stabilizes the lower teeth in the position of centric rest.
As shown in Figures 5, 6, and 7, the upper and lower U-shape members 10 and 38 are substantially spaced and separated, as indicated by 60, to a point adjacent to both the distal of the first bicuspid regions and are integrally joined rearwardly, as indicated at 32, by shoulder 18' beyond that point.
This permits the lower portion 38 to effectively be hinged downwardly by ~i ~2964~
l flexing for opening and clo8ing of the mouth to breathe or talk 2 without dislodging the mouthgusrd ~'. A6 6hown in the figures, 3 the posterior ends 54 of lower ~urface 22' and spaced upper 4 ~urface 48 sre joined by a portion 56, which may be curved to provide the spacing between surfaces 22' and 48.
6 Portion 56 allows the members 10 and 38 to be uniformly 7 spaced to provide 8~ improved separation between the upper and 8 lower members 10 snd 38 for providing a mouthguard ~ which 9 includes opening 60 allowing free breathing through the mouth and easier speaking. Further the improved spacing coupled with the 11 improved uniform separation in the molar-bicuspid regions allows 12 maximum air exchange. An exemplary size for the h-eight opening 13 60 i~ five and a half millimeters (plus or minus one mm.) high, 14 with the width of being determined by the size of tbe jaw and the cize of mouthguard u~ed.
16 In the past, the lack of adequate air exchange hac been a 17 major sctor in boxing and other contact sports, as the ability 18 o the participant0 with prior art mouthguard~ to have adequate 19 air exchange for good oxygenation of the participant'R total system has generally been poor. Accordingly, the present 21 invention with the improved~ uniform separation in the molar-22 bicuspid region, coupled with the sub~tantial spacing between 23 memberu 10 and 38 of the mouthguard ~', to form opening 60, 24 provide a ~ub~tantial benefit to the participa~t, with the preRent invention having been found extremely useful, not only in 26 boxing snd wrestling, but also in other sport~ such as hockey, -[PatApp. L.K.8COTT, D~D.S. -Page 20 of 40- SPORTS ~OUTH GUARD¦
"' . ' 129648~
~ field hocXey, msrtial arts and other sports, where large volumes 2 of air exchange are needed, 810ng with maximum jaw stabilization 3 and dental arch protection.
4 As may be appreciated, the deformed surface 22 or 22' unitary with the bottom of ~houlder 18 or 18' and the deformed 6 surface 26 or 26' unitary with the top of bottom portion 12 or 7 12' 8110w interdigitation between the teeth of the upper and 8 lower molar areas and the resilient member 10 or lO'. The fitted 9 interdigitation between the teeth of the upper and lower molar-bicuspid areas and the resilient member lO or lO' and the 11 shoulder 18 or 18' stsbilize the lower teeth into a position of 12 centric rest. AA may be further appreciated, the lower U-shaped 13 resilient member 38 8110w~ further, additional interdigitation 14 betwee~ the lower teeth ~nd the re~ilient member 38, for further stsbilizing thé lower teeth into the position of centric rest.
16 As may be appreciated, the uniform thickness of the shoulder 17 18 or 18' may be i~ the range of three and a half to four and a 18 half millimeters, with the thickness of the bottom portion 12 and 19 the top portion 40 being generally in the one and one half to two and one hslf millimeter range, with the total thickness of 21 approximately eight millimeters (plus or minus two mm.).
22 Accordingly, when the lower jaw J is closed with the mouthguard 23 or H' in place, at least the lower molar~-second bicuspid engage 24 the uniformly thick shoulder 18 or 18' of the mouthguard H or approximately at the distal of the cu~pid or the first bicuspit, 26 thereby effecting a preferred uniform separatioD in the tem--[PatApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Page 21 of 40- SPORTS MOUTH GUARD]
.. ..
poromandibular joint. As may be further appreciated, this allows the force between the mouthguard M, M' and the lower teeth to be distri-buted relatively evenly laterally over the molars and over the bicuspids, and not concentrated on any limited area of any one of these teeth.
Because of the improved preferred uniform separation in the molar-bicuspid region as provided by the present invention, any force of a blow upwards would not result in transmission of shock waves through the temporomandibular joint to the brain and cranial area, because of the improved, preferred uniform separation in the molar area.
Thus possible damage to the temporomandibular joint lS itself from such a blow would be minimized. As may be appreciated, the thicker material having a constant uniform thickness in this region further acts as a cushion and helps absorb force transmitted in a vertical direction, that is, along the long 0 axis of the ramus and condyle of the mandible.
- Method of Fitting Mouthguards M, M' -It is contemplated that the mouthguard M,M' of this invention will be provided in a "~lank"
form, as shown in Figure 1 and 5, which is suitable for being fitted by the user without the necessity of being custom fitted by a dentist. Accordingly, the mouthguard M, M' preferably is of a unitary construction and made of a suitable material which is compatible with oral tissues. An example of such a material is ethylene vinyl acetate, such as ElvaxTM , as provided by DuPont, which can be 129648~
1 softened adequstely by immersing in water at a boiling tempera-2 ture and which i8 of a sufficient durability and density to 3 maintain its form and function, while having a suitable resil-4 iency to provide the necessary cushioning effect.
Further, it is contemplated that the mouthguard ~ would be 6 made available commercially in a suitable number of 6ize~, for 7 example small, medium and large for mouthguard ~ and medium and 8 large for mouthguard ~ , which would be sufficient to fit, with 9 adequate accuracy, essentially all mouths. Additionally, the selected sizes are based on comprehensive studies by the dental 11 proession of jaw and dental arch shapes and sizes occurring in a 12 substantial number of individuals adequately repre~eneative of 13 the populstion as a whole.
14 ~urthe~ the user, having selected the mouthguard H of the proper "blank" ~ize, as shown in Yigure 1, would soften the 16 mouthguard "blank" ~ by immersing the mouthguard ~ in boiling 17 water for a suitable length of time, such as for example thirty 18 seconds, and then after a suitable cooling period, such as 19 cooling the mouthguard N in chilled water for one second, would quickly fit the mouthguard ~ with the softened surface 26 over 21 the upper teeth including the-upper molars, in the position 6hown 22 in the ~igure 2, with the planar surfaces 24 contacting both 23 lower molar-bicu~pid regions. The mouthguard ~ may then be 24 molded by biting down lightly against the upper and lower teeth and gums, while using tongue pressure to push the mouthguard N
26 against the backside of the teeth, and closing the teeth until [PatApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Page 23 of 40- SPORTS MOUTH GUARD]
:,, . ~ ", ' ' 129648~
1 the jaw J feels comfortable, allowing the teeth, including a 2 portion of the cusps o~ the upper and at least lower molars-3 second bicuspid, to be impressed into ~oftened surfaces 26 and 4 24.
The mouthguard ~ may then be removed from the mouth and re-6 softeDed by reinHerting into boiling water for about three 7 seconds, after which the water should be carefully shaken off, 8 and the mouthguard H carefully reinserted back in~o the mouthJ
9 where the indentations have been made. The teeth are again re-closed, and the sidewalls 14 are remolded under the cheek and 11 roof of the mouth areas. The material would then be allowed to 12 cool by, for example, dipping the mouthguard M in chilled water, 13 for setting in its final form~
14 In a similar fashion, with the further, second embodiment shown in ~igure 5, the u~er, having selected the mouthguard M' of 16 the proper size, would soften the mouthguard ~' as above by 17 immersing the mouthguard ~' in boiling water for a suitable 18 length of time, such as thirty seconds, and then after a suitable 19 cooling period, such as cooling the mouthguard M' in chilled water for one second, would quickly fit the mouthguard ~ with 21 the softened surface 26' over the upper teeth, including the 22 upper molars, and with a softened ~urface 46 over the lower teeth 23 in the position shown in ~igure 6, with the planar surfaces 24' 24 contacting both lower molar-bicuspid regions. The mouthguard H' msy then be molded by biting down lightly against the upper and 26 lower teeth and gums, while using tongue pressure to pu~h the [PatApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Psge 24 of 40- SPORTg MOUTH GUAR~]
~. - , .,, . i, - .
129648~
1 mouthguard ~' agaiDgt the backside of the teeth, and closing the 2 teeth until the jaw J feels comfortsble, allowing the teeth, 3 including a portion of the cusps of the upper and at least lower 4 molars-second bicuspid, to be impre~sed into the softened ~urfsces 26', 46 and 24'.
6 The mouthguard H' may then be remo~ed from the mouth and re-7 softened by reinserting into boiling water for about three 8 seconds, after which the water is shaken off carefully and the 9 mouthguard H' is carefully reinserted back into ~he mouth, where the indentations hs~e been made. The teeth are again re-closed, 11 snd the sidewalls 14' and 42 of the mouthguard ~' are remolded 12 under the cheek and roof of the mouth areas. The material would 13 then be allowed to cool by, for example, dipping the mouthguard 14 11' in chilled water, for ~e~ting in itq f inal form.
The mouthguard H/~' may now be trimmed bg the u~er with 16 chasp ~cissors, for example, or a single edge razor blade, where 17 there i8 excessi~e material. The mouthguard Ht~' may now be 18 installed i~ the mouth for regular use with the upper teeth 19 including the upper molars; and at least the lower molars-second ZO bicuspid for the first mouthguard H; or the lower teeth at least 21 lncluding the lower molars-second bicuspid for the further 22 mouthguard ~' being received in the formed impressions therein to 23 hold the lower teeth in a position of centric rest.
24 For a fully customized, profes~ional job, the mouthguard or H' may be prepared in the dentist's office by prepasing an 26 alginate or irreversible hydrocolloid impre~sion of the maxillary [PatApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Psge 25 of 40- SPORTS MOUTH GU~RDl 129648~
arch and the mandibular arch, and a die stone or other thick 2 dense, normal dental stone would be poured into the impressions 3 to form the upper and lower ca6ts. Next, the casts are removed 4 from the impression trays and fabrication of the mouthguard N or 5 ~' may now be undertaken. Taking the cast, it is marked with an 6 indelible ink pencil to just above the free gingiva on the buccal 7 surface and approximately three to seven millimeters onto the 8 palatal muc08a. Using a softened rubber bite splint form and the 9 "omni-vac" technique, as known to the art, the maxillary and 10 mandibular arch each have their respective soft rubber bite 11 splints fabricated. Accordingly, the excessive soft rubber 12 occlusal sheet i8 trimmed back to the margins as marked on the 13 stone cast. With the completion of both the maxillary and 14 3andibul8r soft rubber ~outhguards, appro~imately three thick-15 nes~es of the softened rubber bite plane material are used to ' 16 stabilize the upper and lower portions together to form a "hinge"
lBAC~GROU~D of the INV~HTIO~
-21. Yield of In~ention 3The presene invention relates to a mouthguard, and more 4 psrticularly to a plisble mouthguard having an improved shoulder or separating the upper snd lower molar-bicuspid areas, which 6 includes spaced upper and lower surfaces which are deformed by 7 the upper teeth, including the upper molar-bicuspids, and at 8 least the lower molars-second bicuspid, for allowing interdigita-9 tion between the upper teeth, at least the lower molars-second bicuspid and the mouthguard for stabilizing the lower teeth into 11 a position of centric rest.
12 2. Prior Art & Genèral Background 13 There are a number of differe~t type~ of mouthguards 14 p~eoe~tly available on the market, but they have deficiencies which prevent their giving optimum protection to the wearer 16 against serious injuries to the teeth and particularly to the 17 head and neck area.
18 For example, many mouthguards consist ~imply of U-shaped 19 trough-like members of a resilient material, such as rubber or a suitable plastic, which are shaped to fit over the upper or lower 21 teeth or both. In the case of many such mouthguards, a blow to 22 the lower jaw may result in one or more teeth penetrsting through 23 the mouthguard structure, and, more importantly, such mouthguards 24 provide little, if any, protection against head and neck injuries.
26 It is also known in the prior art to provide a structure [PatApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Page l of 40- SPORTS ~OUTU GUARD]
,, .: ,, . .. ' . . : . , which allows even distribution of contact over all the teeth. However, as will be shown later in describing the present invention, this even distribution of contact cannot accomplish the beneficial results of the present invention.
It is also known to provide a rubber-like, flexible mouthpiece, which includes a saddle to be formed into the mouthpiece from a binary or true ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, as taught for example by Greenberg, U.S. Patent No. 3,411,501 issued on Nov. 19, 1968.
Also known, as taught by Zimmerman in U.S.
Patent No. 4,337,765 issued on July 6, 1982, are the advantages of providing an increased separation between the mandible and the glenoid fosa, which slightly increases the separation in the case of a flow to the chin or face guard to avoid transmission of damaging force from the condyle of the mandible to the temporal bone and the cranium. To accomplish this, the bottom wall of the mouthguard is formed to include a portion of greater thickness in the molar-bicuspid region, and more particularly in the region generally extended from the second molar to the first bicuspid. The lower surface of this thicker portion is curved and shaped to follow approximately the normal dental Curve of Spee, as found between the upper and lower dental arches.
However, the embodiment of Zimmerman lacks the improvements of the present invention and cannot accomplish the beneficial results of the present invention. In contrast to the present invention, the Zimmerman mouthguard does not allow for lower ,~
l tooth mating and fitted interdigitation into the mouthguard snd 2 hss a non-uniform thickne~n in the posterior region. As outlined 3 in the Zimmerman specificstion (eol. 7, line 53~), the mouthguard 4 i8 of a layered construction with a more rigid construction in the outer shell, in comparison to the uniformity of the material 6 used in the preferred embodiment of the invention. Additionally, 7 by following the Curve of Spee, Zimmerman fails to provide a flat 8 plane for custom fitting with lower tooth interdigitation and 9 allow~ the lower teeth to be movsble on the more rigid outer 8hell, in contrast to the stabilization of the present invention.
11 Additionally, the extensions of the mouthguards are different, 12 with Zimmerman extending from the first bicuspid to the second 13 molsr, while in the preferred embodiments the mouthguard extends 14 rom the di~tal o~ the upper cuspid back to the second molar. In dentsl terminology and in contrast to Zimmerman, the present 16 invention places the lower jaw in the most approximate area of li centric rest position for a maximum positive Rinesiology affect, 18 along with allowing for maximum oxygenstion, along with providing 19 mandible stabilization. It is further noted that the preferred embodiments of the invention provide a uniform thickne~s in the 21 posterior region of approximstely seven (7) millimeters (plus or 22 minus one mm.) and in the anterior area four mm. (plu~ or minus a 23 half mm.) when in its initial, pre-fitted "blank" form and 24 approximately four and a half (plus or minus one mm.) and two and a half (plus or minus one mm.), respectively, when in its fitted 26 completed form. In contrast Zimmerman begins at the first molsr [PstApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Psge 3 of 40- SPORT5 MOUTH GUARD]
': '" : ' '" ''; ' - i2964~38 1 with a thickne8~ of five mm. continuously decrea~ing in a curve 2 to four mm. and then to two mm. in both the posterior and the 3 snterior directions, following the Curve of Spee (col. 8, lines 4 40-50).
It iA known broadly to provide tvo generally U-shaped 6 members joined together in their posterior areas with upper snd 7 lower tooth interdigitation, see for example U;S. Patent No.
8 2,590,118 is8ued to Oddo on March 25, 1952. However, in Oddo's 9 mouthpiece there is no significant spacing between the upper and lower teeth in the molar-bicuspid regions, essentially placing 11 the teeth in centric occlusion. In contrast, the invention 1~ provides 8 u~iform, significsnt spscing of the order of five 13 millimeters ~plus or minu~ o~e mm.), which puts the jaw in a 14 centric re~t po~ition.
lPatApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Pnge 4 of 40 SPORTS MOUTH GUARD]
129648~
1 General, Sunmary Discussion of the In~ention 2 Accordingly> the mouthguard of the apparatus and method of 3 the present invention comprises a generally re0ilient member 4 having a ~-shape, which corre~ponds generally to the shape of the arc of the upper j8W, and which includes a bottom portion unitary 6 with the resilient member, having ~paced sidewalls which extend 7 upwardly from the periphery of the bottom portion for forming a 8 ca~ity between the sidewalls and the bottom portion to receive 9 the upper teeth. Additionally, an upper surface unitary with the bottom portion i8 deformable by the upper teeth, including the Il upper molar-bicu~pids, for forming a~ impression thereof for 12 allowing interdigitation between the upper teeth and the resi-13 lient member, and the bottom portion has a width greater than the 14 width of the lower teeth to extend laterally acros~ the full width of the lower teeth.
16 A generally re~ilient shoulder extends unitarily downward 17 from the posterior region of the lower surface of the bottom 18 portion having a planar lower surface thereon spaced generally 19 parallel ~o the upper ~urface in the molar-bicuspid area to uniformly separate the upper and lower molar aress. A deformable 21 surface unitary with the planar lower surface of the shoulder is 22 formed by an impression of at least the molars-second bicuspid of 23 the lower teeth, for allowing interdigita~ion between at least 24 the lower molars-second bicuspid and the resilient member, the intertigitation between the upper teeth including the upper 26 molars, at least the lower molars-second bicu~pid and the [PatApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Page 5 of 40- SPORT5 MOUTH GUARD]
, . .
. . . . . .
.... .
129648~
l resilient member, coupled with the shoulder, which provides a 2 uniform spscer means, stsbilizing the lower teeth into a position 3 of centric rest.
4 In dental terminology and in contrast to the prior art, the present in~ention places the lower jaw in the most approximate 6 area of centric rest position for a maximum positi~e ~inesiology 7 affect, along with allowing for maximum oxygenation, along with 8 providing mandible stabilization.
9 AB may be sppreciated, the improved mouthguard of the LO present invention provides a generally resilient shoulder of Ll uniorm thickness in the region which engages with both molar-12 bicuspid sections, 80 that the mouthguard provides a preferred 13 uniform spacing between the upper and at least lower molar-14 bicuspid areas. Accordingly, whe~ coupled with interdigitation, not only between at least the upper molar-bicuspids and the 16 mouthguard, but with the interdigitation between at least the 17 lower molars-second bicuspid aud the mouthguard, and the uniform 18 spacer means between the molar-bicuspid regions, the lower teeth l9 are stabilized into a position of centric rest. Thus, damage i8 minimized by any force which would be transmitted in the tem-21 poromandibular joint area. Further, because of thi~ portion of 22 constant increased thickness or separation between the molar-23 bicuspid regions, a blow on the chin would be minimized to 24 restrain the transmission of force to the joint and the craniàl area.
26 Further, the uniform separation in the molar-bicuspid .
[PatApp. L.R.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Page 6 of 40- SPORTS MOUTH GUARD]
1296~
regions allows for easier breathing and speaking while wearing the mouthguard. Accordingly, for a further embodiment of the mouthguard having also a lower U-shaped resilient member, which corresponds S generally to the shape of the arc of the lower jaw, the resilient members are provided with an improved separation between the members, which aids the individual in breathing and speaking, particularly during sports activities.
As may be appreciated, the further embodiment of the present invention provides an additional surface for further interdigitation between the lower teeth and the lower resilient member for further stabilizing the lower teeth into the position of centric rest.
As may be further appreciated, the mouthguard is preferably provided in a ~orm which may be fitted by the user and is of a suitable, preferably unitary construction, so that the user may install the mouthguard over the teeth, so as to cause the teeth to become impressed into the material and allow interdigitation between the teeth and the mouthguard. However, if desired, the mouthguard can be provided for complete customizing by a dental professional, if so desired.
Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved protective mouthguard of a unitary construction designed to provide an orthopedic placement separation of the posterior molar-bicuspid region, and more specifically allow interdigitation, not only between the upper teeth including the upper molar-bicuspids, and the mouthguard, but also .~
i29648~3 at least interdigitation between the lower molars-second bicuspid and the mouthguard. Additionally, the primary object includes providing in the mouthguard an improved planar lower surface on a generally resilient shoulder which extends unitarily downward from the posterior region of the mouthguard for separating the upper and lower molars-second bicuspid regions, with the mouthguard unitarily including a deformable surface thereon for forming an impression of the upper teeth to conform thereto and a deformable surface unitarily included on at least the planar lower surface for forming an impression of the lower molar-bicuspid region to conform thereto, to provide the interdigitation between the upper teeth including the upper molars, at least the lower molars-second bicuspid and the mouthguard.
It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved mouthguard which provides for easier and better breathing and speaking while wearing the mouthguard.
It is yet a further object of the invention to provide a mouthguard which may be provided in a limited number of sizes which are suitable for fitting substantially all mouth sizes and teeth characteristics and which may be fitted by the user without the necessity of a custom fitting by a dentist.
It is another object of the invention to provide a mouthguard which may be standardized in a limited number of sizes for commercial production and which may be economically produced.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a mouthguard which is suitable for all sports including ;,~, 1296~8f;
1 boxing, volleyball, softball, baseball, lacros~e, field hockey 2 (both men's and women's), hockey, wrestling, msrtial arts, 3 aerobics, basketball, weight lifting, cycling, sky diving, 4 sculling~ football/soccer, etc., for example.
In short, three major accomplishments of the present 6 invention are increased oxygenation via a larger anterior air 7 channel and air passageway; lower jaw stability via lower tooth 8 intertigitation; and spacing conformity to maximum positive 9 ~inesiology affect~, placing the jaw in centric rest.
[PatApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -P~ge 9 of 40- SPORTg MOUTN GUARDl ,~., .
129648~
.
1 B~IXF D~C~IPIION of the DB~IRGS
2 For a further understanding of the nature snd objects of the 3 present invention, reference should be had to the following 4 detailed description, taken in conjunction with the sccompanying drswing~, in which like parts are given like reference numerals, 6 and wherein:
7 Yigure l i~ a perspective view of the upper side of the 8 initial, pre-fitted blank of a first embodiment of a mouthguard 9 according to the present invention, in which there i~ full ~idewall coverage for the upper set of teeth and interdigitation 11 with selected ones of the lower set of teeth;
12 ~igurc 2 is a side view of the first embodiment of the 13 mouthguard sccording to the pre~ent invention, ~howing the now 14 fitted mouthguard superimposed on the upper teeth and inter-digitating with ~elected ones of the lower set of teeth;
16 Yigure 3 i8 a perspective view of the fir~t embodiment 17 of the mouthguard according to the present invention, ~howing the 18 fitted interdigitation areas for the upper teeth, including the l9 upper molars, and the mouthguard;
~igure 4 i~ 8 bottom view of the first embodiment of 21 the mouthguard according to t~he present invention, showing the 22 fitted interdigitation areas for at lea~t the lower molar~-aecond 23 bicuspid and the mouthguard;
24 Yigure 5 i~ a perspective view of the upper side of the initial, pre-fitted blank of a further, ~econd embodiment of a 26 mouthguard according to the pre~ent invention, iD which full [PatApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Page 10 of 40- SPORTS MOUTN G~ARD]
12964~88 1 sidewall coverage i~ included for both the upper and lower teeth;
2 Figure 6 is 8 side view of the second embodiment of the 3 mouthguard according to the pre~ent invention, showing the now 4 fitted mouthguard superimposed on the upper and lower teeth;
Yigure 7 is a per~pective view of the second embodiment 6 of the mouthguard according to the present invention, showing the 7 fitted interdigitation areas for the upper teeth, including the 8 upper molars, with the mouthguard; and 9 Yigure 8 is a bottom view of the second embodiment of the mouthguard according to the pre~ent invention, sho~ing the 11 fitted interdigitation sreas for the lower teeth, including at 12 least the lower molars-second bicu~pid, and the mouthguard.
[PatApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Page ll of 40- SPORTS ~OUT~I GUARD]
., ,, ^
129648~
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED, EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
- Introduction -The nature of any potential damage associated with blows to the chin or the faceguard area, such as occur when utilizing for example a helmet in football, can be better appreciated by a brief understanding of the temporomandibular joint formed between the condyle of the mandible or lower jaw and the temporal bone, and the movement of the lower jaw which is controlled by muscles.
As is known, a cartilagineous disc or pad is disposed between the condyle and the glenoid fossa of the temporal bone. The head of the condyle articulates with the cartilagineous disc or pad in the temporomandibular joint, and the cartilagineous disc or pad glides between the condylar head of the mandible and the articular surface of the glenoid fossa of the temporal bone. As may be appreciated, under ordinary circumstances with ordinary mouth-guards, a blow to the chin or an upper blow to the faceguard causes a transmission of force in the direction into the temporomandibular joint and through the temporal bone into the cranial area.
This may not only cause potential damage to the joint itself, but the force may be transmitted to the cranium, resulting in potential deformation in the cranial area and damage to the brain, causing for example a concussion.
- Details of Mouthguard M (Fig. 1-4) -The mouthguard M of this invention, as described in detail hereafter, tends to cause an improved separation of the upper and .
1 l~wer molar-bicuspid regions, ~o that when a blow is received to 2 the chin or faceguard, with the mouthguard ~ of this invention in 3 place, any force would hsve a significantly less damaging effect 4 on the temporomandibular joint. Moreover the separation of the bony parts in the temporomandibuiar joint, namely the condyle of 6 the mandible and the temporal bone, prevents a damaging shock 7 wave from being transmitted through the temporomandibular joint 8 to the brain and to the other underlying structures in the 9 cranial area.
Turning to Yigure 2, there is shown a view having the 11 mouthguard ~ of the present invention shown positioned on the 12 upper teeth and interdigitated with selected one~ of the lower 13 teeth, The mouthguard ~ includes a génerally resilient member 10 14 having a U-~hape in the horizontal plane which correspond~
gonerally to the shspe of the arch of the upper jaw. The 16 mouthguard ~ includes, as best seen in ~igure~ 3 and 4, a bottom 17 portion 12 unitary with member 10, which has spaced sidewalls 14 18 extending upwardly unitarily from the periphery of the bottom lg portion 12 for forming a cavity 16 between the sidewalls 14 and the bottom portion 12 for receiving the upper teeth. As may be 21 appreciated, the bottom porti~n 12 usually will be of a slightly 22 thicker construction than the sidewalls 14 forming a signifi-23 cantly thick spacer for the upper and lower rear teeth.
24 A generally resilient shoulder 18 extends downward unitarily from the posterior region 20 of the lower surface 22 of the 26 bottom portion 12. The shoulder cover at least the cusp tip~ of [PatApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Pnge 13 of 40- SPORTS MOUTH GUARD]
. .. . . . . . .
~fi~88 1 the lower molars 28, 32 and the second bicuspid 3~ and preferably 2 al80 the cusp tip 30' of the first bicuspid and extends gingi-3 vally maximally to (that i6, not past) the occlusal one third of 4 the molars 28, 32 and the second bicuspid 34.
The shoulder 18 has a planar lower surface 24 spaced 6 generally parallel below the upper surface 26 of the bottom 7 portion 12 in the molsr-bicuspid area to uniformly separate the 8 upper and lower molar-bicuspid areas. This structure also 9 provides an essentially uniform spacer means for separating the upper and lower molar-bicuspid regions to place the upper and ll lower molar-bicuspid regions in a position of centric rest. As 12 may be appreciated, the lower surface 24 includes a width greater 13 than the width of the lower molars-second bicuspid, 80 as to 14 extend laterally across the full width of ~t least the lower molars-second bicuspid.
16 This improved, uniformly greater thickness extends generally 17 from the lower second molar 28 through at least the lower second 18 bicuspid 34 and includes the first molar 32. Preferably, as l9 illustrated, the shoulder 18 extends distal of the maxillary (upper) cuspid and covers the cusp tip 30' of the mandibular of 21 the lower first bicuspid 30, partially covering the lower first 22 bicuspid 30 and totally eovering the second bicuspid 3~. Accord-23 ingly, the shoulder 18 provides a portion of greater uniform 24 thickness, which extends in an anterior posterior direction from the bottom of member 10. It may be appreciated that, laterally, 26 this thickness i8 uniform and constant. As may be seen by [PatApp. L.R.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Page 14 of 40- SPORTS MOUTH GUARD]
- : . ~ . , .
129648~
1 referring to Figure 2, with thi6 mouthguard ~ construction, when 2 the lower jaw J has almost reached its closed position, a 3 preferred, improved separation occurs in the area of the tem-4 poromandibular joint.
As mentioned, the mouthguard H of this invention is formed 6 in an approximate horizontal U-6hape, which corresponds generally 7 to the shape of the genersl arch of the user's upper jaw.
8 Further the mouthguard ~ includes a substantially ~-shape, 9 vertical cross-~ection, which includes the bottom portion 12 and the inner and outer sidewalls 14, which extend upwardly from the 11 periphery of the bottom portion 12.
lZ As may be appreciated, these sidewalls ~4 are intended to 13 conform generally to the lingual snd buccal areas, respectively, 14 of ~he upper teeth and gums, snd each of the sidewalls 14 may end in a rounded edge, which approximates the gingival tissues. The 16 sidewalls 14 may be further connected at their posterior ends by 17 transver~ely extending sidewalls, if desired, although such is 18 ~ot shown in the figures. As may be appreciated, the sidewalls 19 14 msy be notched downwardly, as indicated by 36 in the figures, to provide a space for the superior labial fre~um. As may be 21 further appreciated, the bottom portion 12 is generally flat in a 22 lateral direction and i~ of a greater width than the witth of the 23 lower teeth, so as to extend fully across the surface of the 24 lower teeth and slightly beyond these teeth on the lingual side and the buccal side.
26 Thus, the unitary construction of the preferred exemplary, [PatApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Page 15 of 40- SPORTS HOUTH GUARD]
,:
~296~8~
1 embodiment of the pre8ent invention, being of a suitable 2 ~aterial, psovide~ an upper surface 26 unitary with bottom 3 portion 12 which i8 deformed by the upper teeth including a 4 portion of the CU8pB of the upper molar-bicuspid~ for forming an impression to conform thereto thereon, a~ best shown in ~igure 3, 6 for allowing interdigitation between the upper teeth, including 7 the upper molar~, and resilient member 10. Further the planar 8 lower surface 24 provides a deformable ~urface unitary with the 9 bottom surface of ~houlder 18 which is deformed by a portion of the CUBpB of at leaat the lower molars-second bicuspid and 11 preferably the CU8p tip of the first bicuspid, as shown in ~igure 12 4, for allowing interdigitation between at least the lower 13 mol8r~-second bicu~pid and resilient member 10. As msy be 14 appreciated, the interdigitation between the upper teeth includ-ing the upper molar, the lower molar-bicuspid regions and 16 resilient member 10 coupled with the spacer means provided by 17 ~houlder 18 stsbilize the lower teeth in the po~ition of centric 18 rest.
19 - Details of Mouthguard H' (Figs. 5-8) -As shown in Yigure 6, a further, second exemplary, preferred 21 embodiment of the mouthguard H' is shown. The mouthguard ~' 22 includes an upper, generally resilient member lO' [similar to 23 member 10). A generally reailient shoulder 18' (~imilar to 24 shoulder 18) extends downward unitarily from member 10' in the posterior region 20' of the mouthguard ~' in e~ch of the molara-26 ~econd bicu~pid regions and separates the upper and lower molar-lPatApp. L.R.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Page 16 of 40- SPORTS MOUTN GUARD]
12964~
1 bicuspid sress to provide an improved, es~entially uniform spacer 2 means for separating the upper and lower molar-bicuspid regions 3 snd place the upper and lower molar-bicuspid regions in a 4 position of centric rest.
Also included with the mouthguard M' iB a bottom portion 12' 6 (similar to bottom portion 12) and sidewall~ 14' (similar to 7 sidewalls 14), which extend likewise unitarily upward from the 8 periphery of bottom portion 12' for forming a cavity 16' (similar 9 to cavity 16) for recei~ing the upper teeth. A lower surfsce 22' (similar to surface 22), which is unitary with bottom portion 12' 11 snd which is preferably planar, i6 further included. A plansr 12 lower surface 24' (similar to surface 24) along the bottom of 13 shoulter 18', which in a likewi~e manner iB spaced generally 14 parallel below upper surface 26' and has a width greater than the width of the lower molars-second bicuspid 80 as to extend 16 laterally across the full width of the lower molars-second 17 bicuspid in the molar-bicuspid area, is also included. As may be 18 appreciated, the bottom portion 12' is likewise generally flat in 19 a lateral direction snd i8 of a greater width than the width of the lower teeth~ 80 as to extend fully across the surface of the 21 lower teeth and slightly bey~nd these teeth on the lingual side 22 and the buccal side.
23 Likewi.se, the unitary construction of the further embodiment 24 of the present invention is of a suitable material which provides an upper 6urface 26' unitary with bottom portion 12', which is 26 teformed by the upper teeth, including a portion of the cusps of -[PatApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Page 17 of 40- SPORT8 MOUTH GUARD]
~ 29fi4~
1 the upper molar-bicuspids, for forming an impres6ion to conform 2 thereto, as best shown in Pigure 7, for allowing fitted inter-3 digitation between the upper teeth including the upper molar~ and 4 resilient member 10'. Further the planar lower surface 24' provides a deformable surface unitary with the bottom 6urface of 6 shoulder 18', which is deformed by a portion of the cusps of at 7 least the lower molars-second bicuspid in a ~imilar manner, as 8 shown in Yigure 4, a~ indicated in the rearward portion of Yigure 9 8, for allowing fitted i~terdigitation between the lower molsr~-~econd bicuspid and resilient member 10'. As will be discussed11 later, the mouthgusrd ~' provides additional interdigitation 12 between the lower teeth and ~ember 10'.
13 Extending in a~ anterior direction from shoulder 18' is a 14 second, lower, U-shsped, generally resilient member 38 which corre0ponds generally to the ~hape of the dental arch of the 16 lower jaw J. The ~econd U-shaped member 38 includes also a 17 substantially U-shape cross-section in the vertical plane and 18 includes a top portion 40 unitary with member 38, and lower 19 sidewall~ 42 extending unitarily downwardly from the periphery of the top portion 40. A8 may be appreciated, the ~idewalls 42 of 21 the lower U-6haped member 38 comprise inner and outer spaced 22 ~idewalls, if desired, which are intended to conform generally to 23 the lingual and buccal areas, respectively, of the lower teeth 24 and gums, and each of the ~idewalls 42 ends in a rou~ded edge for approximating the gingiv81 tissùes. A~ may be further appreci-26 ated, the sidewalls 42 may be connected at their posterior end~
lPatApp. L.~.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Psge 18 of 40- SPORTS MOUTH GUARD]
., -~ . . . . .
, ~
129648~
by transversely extending sidewalls, although such is not shown in the figures.
The top portion 40 and the sidewalls 42, which extend downwardly from the periphery of the top portion 40, form a cavity 44 between the sidewalls 42 and the top portion 40 for receiving the lower teeth.
A lower surface 46 is included on the top portion 40, which extends co-planar with the lower surface 24' of the shoulder 18'. The lower surface 46 is deformed by the lower teeth for forming an impression to conform thereto and allow further fitted interdigitation, as shown in Figure 8, between the lower teeth and the resilient member 10'. Also included with the top portion 40 is an upper surface 48 thereon, which is preferably planar having a width greater than the width of the upper teeth, so as to extend laterally across the full width of the upper teeth. As may be appreciated, the further interdigitation, and the inclusion of the inter-digitation between the upper teeth and at least the lower molar-bicuspid region as discussed above, coupled with the spacer means provided by shoulder 18'; further stabilizes the lower teeth in the position of centric rest.
As shown in Figures 5, 6, and 7, the upper and lower U-shape members 10 and 38 are substantially spaced and separated, as indicated by 60, to a point adjacent to both the distal of the first bicuspid regions and are integrally joined rearwardly, as indicated at 32, by shoulder 18' beyond that point.
This permits the lower portion 38 to effectively be hinged downwardly by ~i ~2964~
l flexing for opening and clo8ing of the mouth to breathe or talk 2 without dislodging the mouthgusrd ~'. A6 6hown in the figures, 3 the posterior ends 54 of lower ~urface 22' and spaced upper 4 ~urface 48 sre joined by a portion 56, which may be curved to provide the spacing between surfaces 22' and 48.
6 Portion 56 allows the members 10 and 38 to be uniformly 7 spaced to provide 8~ improved separation between the upper and 8 lower members 10 snd 38 for providing a mouthguard ~ which 9 includes opening 60 allowing free breathing through the mouth and easier speaking. Further the improved spacing coupled with the 11 improved uniform separation in the molar-bicuspid regions allows 12 maximum air exchange. An exemplary size for the h-eight opening 13 60 i~ five and a half millimeters (plus or minus one mm.) high, 14 with the width of being determined by the size of tbe jaw and the cize of mouthguard u~ed.
16 In the past, the lack of adequate air exchange hac been a 17 major sctor in boxing and other contact sports, as the ability 18 o the participant0 with prior art mouthguard~ to have adequate 19 air exchange for good oxygenation of the participant'R total system has generally been poor. Accordingly, the present 21 invention with the improved~ uniform separation in the molar-22 bicuspid region, coupled with the sub~tantial spacing between 23 memberu 10 and 38 of the mouthguard ~', to form opening 60, 24 provide a ~ub~tantial benefit to the participa~t, with the preRent invention having been found extremely useful, not only in 26 boxing snd wrestling, but also in other sport~ such as hockey, -[PatApp. L.K.8COTT, D~D.S. -Page 20 of 40- SPORTS ~OUTH GUARD¦
"' . ' 129648~
~ field hocXey, msrtial arts and other sports, where large volumes 2 of air exchange are needed, 810ng with maximum jaw stabilization 3 and dental arch protection.
4 As may be appreciated, the deformed surface 22 or 22' unitary with the bottom of ~houlder 18 or 18' and the deformed 6 surface 26 or 26' unitary with the top of bottom portion 12 or 7 12' 8110w interdigitation between the teeth of the upper and 8 lower molar areas and the resilient member 10 or lO'. The fitted 9 interdigitation between the teeth of the upper and lower molar-bicuspid areas and the resilient member lO or lO' and the 11 shoulder 18 or 18' stsbilize the lower teeth into a position of 12 centric rest. AA may be further appreciated, the lower U-shaped 13 resilient member 38 8110w~ further, additional interdigitation 14 betwee~ the lower teeth ~nd the re~ilient member 38, for further stsbilizing thé lower teeth into the position of centric rest.
16 As may be appreciated, the uniform thickness of the shoulder 17 18 or 18' may be i~ the range of three and a half to four and a 18 half millimeters, with the thickness of the bottom portion 12 and 19 the top portion 40 being generally in the one and one half to two and one hslf millimeter range, with the total thickness of 21 approximately eight millimeters (plus or minus two mm.).
22 Accordingly, when the lower jaw J is closed with the mouthguard 23 or H' in place, at least the lower molar~-second bicuspid engage 24 the uniformly thick shoulder 18 or 18' of the mouthguard H or approximately at the distal of the cu~pid or the first bicuspit, 26 thereby effecting a preferred uniform separatioD in the tem--[PatApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Page 21 of 40- SPORTS MOUTH GUARD]
.. ..
poromandibular joint. As may be further appreciated, this allows the force between the mouthguard M, M' and the lower teeth to be distri-buted relatively evenly laterally over the molars and over the bicuspids, and not concentrated on any limited area of any one of these teeth.
Because of the improved preferred uniform separation in the molar-bicuspid region as provided by the present invention, any force of a blow upwards would not result in transmission of shock waves through the temporomandibular joint to the brain and cranial area, because of the improved, preferred uniform separation in the molar area.
Thus possible damage to the temporomandibular joint lS itself from such a blow would be minimized. As may be appreciated, the thicker material having a constant uniform thickness in this region further acts as a cushion and helps absorb force transmitted in a vertical direction, that is, along the long 0 axis of the ramus and condyle of the mandible.
- Method of Fitting Mouthguards M, M' -It is contemplated that the mouthguard M,M' of this invention will be provided in a "~lank"
form, as shown in Figure 1 and 5, which is suitable for being fitted by the user without the necessity of being custom fitted by a dentist. Accordingly, the mouthguard M, M' preferably is of a unitary construction and made of a suitable material which is compatible with oral tissues. An example of such a material is ethylene vinyl acetate, such as ElvaxTM , as provided by DuPont, which can be 129648~
1 softened adequstely by immersing in water at a boiling tempera-2 ture and which i8 of a sufficient durability and density to 3 maintain its form and function, while having a suitable resil-4 iency to provide the necessary cushioning effect.
Further, it is contemplated that the mouthguard ~ would be 6 made available commercially in a suitable number of 6ize~, for 7 example small, medium and large for mouthguard ~ and medium and 8 large for mouthguard ~ , which would be sufficient to fit, with 9 adequate accuracy, essentially all mouths. Additionally, the selected sizes are based on comprehensive studies by the dental 11 proession of jaw and dental arch shapes and sizes occurring in a 12 substantial number of individuals adequately repre~eneative of 13 the populstion as a whole.
14 ~urthe~ the user, having selected the mouthguard H of the proper "blank" ~ize, as shown in Yigure 1, would soften the 16 mouthguard "blank" ~ by immersing the mouthguard ~ in boiling 17 water for a suitable length of time, such as for example thirty 18 seconds, and then after a suitable cooling period, such as 19 cooling the mouthguard N in chilled water for one second, would quickly fit the mouthguard ~ with the softened surface 26 over 21 the upper teeth including the-upper molars, in the position 6hown 22 in the ~igure 2, with the planar surfaces 24 contacting both 23 lower molar-bicu~pid regions. The mouthguard ~ may then be 24 molded by biting down lightly against the upper and lower teeth and gums, while using tongue pressure to push the mouthguard N
26 against the backside of the teeth, and closing the teeth until [PatApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Page 23 of 40- SPORTS MOUTH GUARD]
:,, . ~ ", ' ' 129648~
1 the jaw J feels comfortable, allowing the teeth, including a 2 portion of the cusps o~ the upper and at least lower molars-3 second bicuspid, to be impressed into ~oftened surfaces 26 and 4 24.
The mouthguard ~ may then be removed from the mouth and re-6 softeDed by reinHerting into boiling water for about three 7 seconds, after which the water should be carefully shaken off, 8 and the mouthguard H carefully reinserted back in~o the mouthJ
9 where the indentations have been made. The teeth are again re-closed, and the sidewalls 14 are remolded under the cheek and 11 roof of the mouth areas. The material would then be allowed to 12 cool by, for example, dipping the mouthguard M in chilled water, 13 for setting in its final form~
14 In a similar fashion, with the further, second embodiment shown in ~igure 5, the u~er, having selected the mouthguard M' of 16 the proper size, would soften the mouthguard ~' as above by 17 immersing the mouthguard ~' in boiling water for a suitable 18 length of time, such as thirty seconds, and then after a suitable 19 cooling period, such as cooling the mouthguard M' in chilled water for one second, would quickly fit the mouthguard ~ with 21 the softened surface 26' over the upper teeth, including the 22 upper molars, and with a softened ~urface 46 over the lower teeth 23 in the position shown in ~igure 6, with the planar surfaces 24' 24 contacting both lower molar-bicuspid regions. The mouthguard H' msy then be molded by biting down lightly against the upper and 26 lower teeth and gums, while using tongue pressure to pu~h the [PatApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Psge 24 of 40- SPORTg MOUTH GUAR~]
~. - , .,, . i, - .
129648~
1 mouthguard ~' agaiDgt the backside of the teeth, and closing the 2 teeth until the jaw J feels comfortsble, allowing the teeth, 3 including a portion of the cusps of the upper and at least lower 4 molars-second bicuspid, to be impre~sed into the softened ~urfsces 26', 46 and 24'.
6 The mouthguard H' may then be remo~ed from the mouth and re-7 softened by reinserting into boiling water for about three 8 seconds, after which the water is shaken off carefully and the 9 mouthguard H' is carefully reinserted back into ~he mouth, where the indentations hs~e been made. The teeth are again re-closed, 11 snd the sidewalls 14' and 42 of the mouthguard ~' are remolded 12 under the cheek and roof of the mouth areas. The material would 13 then be allowed to cool by, for example, dipping the mouthguard 14 11' in chilled water, for ~e~ting in itq f inal form.
The mouthguard H/~' may now be trimmed bg the u~er with 16 chasp ~cissors, for example, or a single edge razor blade, where 17 there i8 excessi~e material. The mouthguard Ht~' may now be 18 installed i~ the mouth for regular use with the upper teeth 19 including the upper molars; and at least the lower molars-second ZO bicuspid for the first mouthguard H; or the lower teeth at least 21 lncluding the lower molars-second bicuspid for the further 22 mouthguard ~' being received in the formed impressions therein to 23 hold the lower teeth in a position of centric rest.
24 For a fully customized, profes~ional job, the mouthguard or H' may be prepared in the dentist's office by prepasing an 26 alginate or irreversible hydrocolloid impre~sion of the maxillary [PatApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Psge 25 of 40- SPORTS MOUTH GU~RDl 129648~
arch and the mandibular arch, and a die stone or other thick 2 dense, normal dental stone would be poured into the impressions 3 to form the upper and lower ca6ts. Next, the casts are removed 4 from the impression trays and fabrication of the mouthguard N or 5 ~' may now be undertaken. Taking the cast, it is marked with an 6 indelible ink pencil to just above the free gingiva on the buccal 7 surface and approximately three to seven millimeters onto the 8 palatal muc08a. Using a softened rubber bite splint form and the 9 "omni-vac" technique, as known to the art, the maxillary and 10 mandibular arch each have their respective soft rubber bite 11 splints fabricated. Accordingly, the excessive soft rubber 12 occlusal sheet i8 trimmed back to the margins as marked on the 13 stone cast. With the completion of both the maxillary and 14 3andibul8r soft rubber ~outhguards, appro~imately three thick-15 nes~es of the softened rubber bite plane material are used to ' 16 stabilize the upper and lower portions together to form a "hinge"
17 axis opening position. Alternatively, three thicknesses of 18 occlusal sheeting may be placed on the posterior teeth before the l9 "omni-vac" technique, which will develop the same maxillary-20 mandibular relationship.
21 In an alternate preparation of the mouthguard ~, an alginate 22 or irreversible hydrocolloid impression would be taken of the 23 maxillary arch, and likewise a die stone or other thick dense 24 normal stone poured into the impre~sion to form a cast. The cast 25 would then be removed from the impression tray and, with an 26 in~elible ink pen, a line would be drawn approximately one to [PatApp. L.~.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Page 26 of 40- SPORTS ~IOUTN GUARD]
' , ,. ,;~'' ' ~29648fl three millimeters onto the attached gingiva on the buccal surface and approximately three to seven millimeters on the palatal mucosa. Using a rubber bite splint sheet and an "OMNI-VACTM", the mouthguard M of the present invention may be fabricated. With the mouthguard M removed from the mold, the mouthguard M may now be trimmed to the line marked on the cast for extension of the mouthguard M for protection of the maxillary dental arch. It may be appreciated that approximately three thicknesses of softened occlusal bite sheet material would be attached to the occlusal surface of the maxillary arch.
With either method, the mouthguard M or M' would then be heated and placed in the user's mouth for the user to interdigitate his teeth into, in a manner as described above, so that the occlusal surfaces of the mandibular teeth may be recorded in the softened material attached to the maxillary splint.
It can be appreciated from the above description of the construction and usage of the mouthguard N/M' of the present invention, that it possesses a number of particular advantages. It provides a constant separation in at least the molars-second bicuspid area and provides interdigitation between the upper molars and the lower molars and the mouthguard M/M' to stabilize the lower teeth into a position of centric rest, still allowing for easier and better breathing with maximum oxygenation, along with providing mandible stabilization.
Finally, the mouthguard M/M' readily adapts itself to irregularities in the mouth and to asymmetries of the dental arch .~
1 by its unitary con8truction, which allow6 the mouthguard ~/H' to 2 be formed to the shape of the individual ~ mouth.
3 A forwardly extending, flexible elongated tie member 58, 4 which i8 formed integrsl with the front surfa~e of member lO or lO' and protrudes from the occlusal surface of the upper teeth 6 region a distance sufficient to bend around, for example, a face 7 guard of a helmet (not illustrated in the figures), may be 8 included for sttaching mouthguard ~ or ~' to, for example, a 9 helmet in a manner known to the art. The tie member ~8 is preferably formed integral with the mouthguard H or n' but may 11 also be attached separately thereto, if 80 desired. When formed 12 integral with member 10 or 10', the tie member 58 is preferably 13 made of the aforementioned blend of "Elvax," although for a 14 separate tie mem~er 58, 8 suitable material such as vinyl may also be used.
16 Thus, the embodiments described herein in detail for 17 exemplary purpose~ are of course subject to many different 18 variation~ in structure, de~ign, spplication and methodology.
21 In an alternate preparation of the mouthguard ~, an alginate 22 or irreversible hydrocolloid impression would be taken of the 23 maxillary arch, and likewise a die stone or other thick dense 24 normal stone poured into the impre~sion to form a cast. The cast 25 would then be removed from the impression tray and, with an 26 in~elible ink pen, a line would be drawn approximately one to [PatApp. L.~.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Page 26 of 40- SPORTS ~IOUTN GUARD]
' , ,. ,;~'' ' ~29648fl three millimeters onto the attached gingiva on the buccal surface and approximately three to seven millimeters on the palatal mucosa. Using a rubber bite splint sheet and an "OMNI-VACTM", the mouthguard M of the present invention may be fabricated. With the mouthguard M removed from the mold, the mouthguard M may now be trimmed to the line marked on the cast for extension of the mouthguard M for protection of the maxillary dental arch. It may be appreciated that approximately three thicknesses of softened occlusal bite sheet material would be attached to the occlusal surface of the maxillary arch.
With either method, the mouthguard M or M' would then be heated and placed in the user's mouth for the user to interdigitate his teeth into, in a manner as described above, so that the occlusal surfaces of the mandibular teeth may be recorded in the softened material attached to the maxillary splint.
It can be appreciated from the above description of the construction and usage of the mouthguard N/M' of the present invention, that it possesses a number of particular advantages. It provides a constant separation in at least the molars-second bicuspid area and provides interdigitation between the upper molars and the lower molars and the mouthguard M/M' to stabilize the lower teeth into a position of centric rest, still allowing for easier and better breathing with maximum oxygenation, along with providing mandible stabilization.
Finally, the mouthguard M/M' readily adapts itself to irregularities in the mouth and to asymmetries of the dental arch .~
1 by its unitary con8truction, which allow6 the mouthguard ~/H' to 2 be formed to the shape of the individual ~ mouth.
3 A forwardly extending, flexible elongated tie member 58, 4 which i8 formed integrsl with the front surfa~e of member lO or lO' and protrudes from the occlusal surface of the upper teeth 6 region a distance sufficient to bend around, for example, a face 7 guard of a helmet (not illustrated in the figures), may be 8 included for sttaching mouthguard ~ or ~' to, for example, a 9 helmet in a manner known to the art. The tie member ~8 is preferably formed integral with the mouthguard H or n' but may 11 also be attached separately thereto, if 80 desired. When formed 12 integral with member 10 or 10', the tie member 58 is preferably 13 made of the aforementioned blend of "Elvax," although for a 14 separate tie mem~er 58, 8 suitable material such as vinyl may also be used.
16 Thus, the embodiments described herein in detail for 17 exemplary purpose~ are of course subject to many different 18 variation~ in structure, de~ign, spplication and methodology.
19 Because many varying and different embodiments may be made within the scope of the inventive concepts herein taught, and because 21 many modific~tions may be made in tfie embodiments herein detailed 22 in accordance with the de~criptive requirements of the law, it is 23 to be understood that the details herein are to be interpreted as 24 illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
[PatApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Page 28 of 40- SPORTS MOUTN GUARD]
[PatApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Page 28 of 40- SPORTS MOUTN GUARD]
Claims (21)
1. A mouthguard element, comprising:
a generally resilient member having a U-shape corresponding generally to the shape of the arch of the upper jaw;
an upper bottom portion included with said member having spaced sidewalls extending upward from the periphery of said bottom portion forming cavity means between said sidewalls and said bottom portion for receiving the upper teeth, said upper bottom portion including upper surface means deformable by the upper teeth, including the upper molars, for forming an impression to conform thereto and allowing interdigitation between the upper teeth, including the upper molars, and said resilient member, said upper bottom portion including a lower surface having a width greater than the width of the lower teeth to extend laterally across the full width of the lower teeth;
a generally resilient shoulder extending downward from the posterior region of the lower surface of said upper bottom portion having a planar lower surface thereon spaced generally parallel below said upper surface means in the molars-second bicuspid area separating the upper and lower molars-second bicuspid areas providing essentially uniformly thick spacer means for uniformly separating the upper and lower molars-second bicuspid in a position of centric rest, said planar lower surface further having a width greater than the width of the lower molars-second bicuspid to extend laterally across the full width of the lower molars-second bicuspid; and deformable surface means along said planar lower surface of said shoulder deformable by an impression of at least the molars-second bicuspid of the lower teeth in said planar lower surface for providing a fitted surface allowing inter-digitation between at least the lower molars-second bicuspid areas and said resilient member, the interdigitation between the upper molars, at least the teeth of the lower molars-second bicuspid areas and said resilient member coupled with said shoulder providing said essentially uniform spacer means, stabilizing the lower teeth in the position of centric rest.
a generally resilient member having a U-shape corresponding generally to the shape of the arch of the upper jaw;
an upper bottom portion included with said member having spaced sidewalls extending upward from the periphery of said bottom portion forming cavity means between said sidewalls and said bottom portion for receiving the upper teeth, said upper bottom portion including upper surface means deformable by the upper teeth, including the upper molars, for forming an impression to conform thereto and allowing interdigitation between the upper teeth, including the upper molars, and said resilient member, said upper bottom portion including a lower surface having a width greater than the width of the lower teeth to extend laterally across the full width of the lower teeth;
a generally resilient shoulder extending downward from the posterior region of the lower surface of said upper bottom portion having a planar lower surface thereon spaced generally parallel below said upper surface means in the molars-second bicuspid area separating the upper and lower molars-second bicuspid areas providing essentially uniformly thick spacer means for uniformly separating the upper and lower molars-second bicuspid in a position of centric rest, said planar lower surface further having a width greater than the width of the lower molars-second bicuspid to extend laterally across the full width of the lower molars-second bicuspid; and deformable surface means along said planar lower surface of said shoulder deformable by an impression of at least the molars-second bicuspid of the lower teeth in said planar lower surface for providing a fitted surface allowing inter-digitation between at least the lower molars-second bicuspid areas and said resilient member, the interdigitation between the upper molars, at least the teeth of the lower molars-second bicuspid areas and said resilient member coupled with said shoulder providing said essentially uniform spacer means, stabilizing the lower teeth in the position of centric rest.
2, The mouthguard element of Claim 1, wherein said generally resilient member is an upper member, and there is further included a like, lower, generally resilient member having a U-shape in the horizontal plane corresponding generally to the shape of the arch of the lower jaw connected to and extending in an anterior direction from said shoulder.
3. The mouthguard element of Claim 2, wherein said upper and lower resilient members are separated to a point generally adjacent the distal of the upper cuspid ant are integrally but resiliently joined rearwardly beyond that point, allowing said lower member to be flexed downwardly with respect to said upper member, allowing the user to easily open his mouth -Page 30 of 40-to breath or talk.
4. The mouthguard element of Claim 2, wherein said lower resilient member includes a top portion with said resilient member having a pair of downwardly extending spaced sidewalls extending downwardly from the periphery of said top portion for forming a further cavity means between said downwardly extending sidewalls and said top for receiving the lower teeth.
5. The mouthguard element of Claim 4, wherein said top portion includes a unitary lower surface which extends co-planar with said planar surface of said shoulder which is deformed by the lower teeth for further interdigitation between the lower teeth and the mouthguard.
6. The mouthguard element of Claim 1, wherein all of the elements of the recited elements of the mouthguard are integrally formed together in a single piece of uniform plastic material.
7. The mouthguard element of Claim 1, wherein the uniform thickness of said spacer means is about five millimeters (? 1 mm.).
8. The mouthguard element of Claim 1, wherein said shoulder covers at least the cusp tips of the lower molars and -Page 31 of 40-the lower second bicuspids and extends gingivally maximally to the occlusal one third of them.
9. The mouthguard element of Claim 8 wherein said shoulder also covers the cusp tip of the lower first bicuspid and begins distal of the upper cuspid.
10. A mouthguard element, comprising:
a generally resilient member having a U-shape corresponding generally to the shape of the arch of the upper jaw;
a bottom portion included unitarily with said member having a pair of spaced sidewalls extending upward unitarily from the periphery of said bottom portion in which the upper teeth may be received, said bottom portion having a width greater than the width of the lower teeth so as to extend laterally across the full width of the lower teeth;
a generally resilient shoulder extending downward from the posterior region of the lower surface of said bottom portion having a planar lower surface unitarily thereon spaced generally parallel from said upper surface in at least the molars-second bicuspid area to provide a uniform spacer for uniformly separating the upper and lower molars-second bicuspid areas, said planar lower surface having a width greater than the width of the lower molars-second bicuspid so as to extend laterally across the full width of the lower molars-second bicuspid; and upper deformable surface means unitary with the upper surface of said bottom portion which may be deformed by the upper teeth including a portion of the cusps of the upper molars to form an impression to conform thereto for allowing interdigita-tion between the upper teeth including the upper molars and said resilient member, and lower deformable surface means unitary with the bottom surface of said shoulder which may be deformed by a portion of the cusps of at least the lower molars-second bicuspid for allowing interdigitation between at least the lower molars-second bicuspid and said resilient member, the interdigitation between the upper teeth including the upper rear molars, at least the lower molars-second bicuspid and said resilient member, and said spacer providing spacer means for stabilizing the lower teeth into a position of centric rest.
a generally resilient member having a U-shape corresponding generally to the shape of the arch of the upper jaw;
a bottom portion included unitarily with said member having a pair of spaced sidewalls extending upward unitarily from the periphery of said bottom portion in which the upper teeth may be received, said bottom portion having a width greater than the width of the lower teeth so as to extend laterally across the full width of the lower teeth;
a generally resilient shoulder extending downward from the posterior region of the lower surface of said bottom portion having a planar lower surface unitarily thereon spaced generally parallel from said upper surface in at least the molars-second bicuspid area to provide a uniform spacer for uniformly separating the upper and lower molars-second bicuspid areas, said planar lower surface having a width greater than the width of the lower molars-second bicuspid so as to extend laterally across the full width of the lower molars-second bicuspid; and upper deformable surface means unitary with the upper surface of said bottom portion which may be deformed by the upper teeth including a portion of the cusps of the upper molars to form an impression to conform thereto for allowing interdigita-tion between the upper teeth including the upper molars and said resilient member, and lower deformable surface means unitary with the bottom surface of said shoulder which may be deformed by a portion of the cusps of at least the lower molars-second bicuspid for allowing interdigitation between at least the lower molars-second bicuspid and said resilient member, the interdigitation between the upper teeth including the upper rear molars, at least the lower molars-second bicuspid and said resilient member, and said spacer providing spacer means for stabilizing the lower teeth into a position of centric rest.
11, The mouthguard element of Claim 8, wherein said generally resilient member is an upper member, and there is further included a lower generally resilient member having a U-shape in the horizontal plane corresponding generally to the shape of the arch of the lower jaw which extends in an anterior direction from said shoulder.
12. The mouthguard element of claim 8, wherein said upper and lower resilient members are separated to a point generally adjacent the distal of the cuspid region and are integrally joined rearwardly beyond that point to allow the lower -Page 33 of 40-portion to be flexed downwardly, allowing the user to more easily open his mouth to breath or talk.
13. The mouthguard element of Claim 9, wherein said lower resilient member includes a top portion unitary with said resilient member having a pair of downwardly extending spaced sidewalls which extend unitarily downwardly from the periphery of said top portion for forming a further cavity between said downwardly extending sidewalls and said top for receiving at least the molars-second bicuspid of the lower teeth.
14, The mouthguard element of Claim 11, wherein said top portion includes a unitary lower surfsce which extends co-planar with said planar surface of said shoulder which is deformed by the lower teeth for further interdigitation between the lower teeth and the mouthguard.
15. A method of improving the mouthguarding charac-teristics of a mouthguard, comprising the following steps:
(a) providing a mouthguard having -- a generally resilient member having a U-shape cor-responding generally to the shape of the arch of the upper jaw;
- a bottom portion included with said member having spaced sidewalls extending upward from the periphery of said bottom portion forming cavity means between said sidewalls and said bottom portion for receiving the upper teeth, said bottom -Page 34 of 40-portion including upper surface means deformable by the upper teeth, including the upper molars, for forming an impression to conform thereto and allowing interdigitation between the upper teeth, including the upper molars, and said resilient member, said bottom portion including a lower surface having a width greater than the width of the lower teeth to extend laterally across the full width of the lower teeth;
- a generally resilient shoulder extending downward from the posterior region of the lower surface of said bottom portion having 8 planar lower surface thereon spaced generally parallel below said upper surface means in the molars-second bicuspid areas separating the upper and lower molars-second bicuspid areas providing an essentially uniform spacer means for uniformly separating the upper and at least the lower molars-second bicuspid in a position of centric rest, said planar lower surface further having a width greater than the width of the lower molars-second bicuspid to extend laterally across the full width of the lower molars-second bicuspid; and - a deformable surface along said planar lower surface of said shoulder formed by an impression of at least the molars-second bicuspid of the lower teeth in said planar lower surface for allowing interdigitation between at least the lower molars-second bicuspid areas and said resilient member, the interdigita-tion between the upper molars, at least the teeth of the lower molars-second bicuspid areas and said resilient member coupled with said shoulder providing said essentially uniform spacer -Page 35 of 40-means, stabilizing the lower teeth in the position of centric rest; and (b) creating lasting impressions of the user's upper and lower teeth on said upper and lower surfaces forming interdigitating areas for both the upper and lower teeth; and (c) using the mouthguard to protect the teeth, with the mouthguard inherently putting the jaw in centric rest position during normal use of the mouthguard.
(a) providing a mouthguard having -- a generally resilient member having a U-shape cor-responding generally to the shape of the arch of the upper jaw;
- a bottom portion included with said member having spaced sidewalls extending upward from the periphery of said bottom portion forming cavity means between said sidewalls and said bottom portion for receiving the upper teeth, said bottom -Page 34 of 40-portion including upper surface means deformable by the upper teeth, including the upper molars, for forming an impression to conform thereto and allowing interdigitation between the upper teeth, including the upper molars, and said resilient member, said bottom portion including a lower surface having a width greater than the width of the lower teeth to extend laterally across the full width of the lower teeth;
- a generally resilient shoulder extending downward from the posterior region of the lower surface of said bottom portion having 8 planar lower surface thereon spaced generally parallel below said upper surface means in the molars-second bicuspid areas separating the upper and lower molars-second bicuspid areas providing an essentially uniform spacer means for uniformly separating the upper and at least the lower molars-second bicuspid in a position of centric rest, said planar lower surface further having a width greater than the width of the lower molars-second bicuspid to extend laterally across the full width of the lower molars-second bicuspid; and - a deformable surface along said planar lower surface of said shoulder formed by an impression of at least the molars-second bicuspid of the lower teeth in said planar lower surface for allowing interdigitation between at least the lower molars-second bicuspid areas and said resilient member, the interdigita-tion between the upper molars, at least the teeth of the lower molars-second bicuspid areas and said resilient member coupled with said shoulder providing said essentially uniform spacer -Page 35 of 40-means, stabilizing the lower teeth in the position of centric rest; and (b) creating lasting impressions of the user's upper and lower teeth on said upper and lower surfaces forming interdigitating areas for both the upper and lower teeth; and (c) using the mouthguard to protect the teeth, with the mouthguard inherently putting the jaw in centric rest position during normal use of the mouthguard.
16. In a mouthguard element, having -- a generally resilient member having a U-shape corresponding generally to the shape of the arch of the upper jaw;
- an upper bottom portion included with said member having spaced sidewalls extending upward from the periphery of said bottom portion forming cavity means between said widewalls and said bottom portion for receiving the upper teeth, said upper bottom portion including upper surface means deformable by the upper teeth, including the upper molars, for forming an impression to conform thereto and allowing interdigitation between the upper teeth, including the upper molars, and said resilient member, said upper bottom portion including a lower surface having a width greater than the width of the lower teeth to extend laterally across the full width of the lower teeth;
the improvement comprising:
a generally resilient shoulder extending downward from the posterior region of the lower surface of said upper bottom portion having a planar lower surface thereon spaced generally parallel below said upper surface means in the molars-second bicuspid area separating the upper and lower molars-second bicuspid areas providing essentially uniformly thick spacer means for uniformly separating the upper and lower molars-second bicuspid in a position of centric rest, said planar lower surface further having a width greater than the width of the lower molars-second bicuspid to extend laterally across the full width of the lower molars-second bicuspid; and deformable surface means along said planar lower surface of said shoulder deformable by an impression of at least the molars-second bicuspid of the lower teeth in said planar lower surface for providing a fitted surface allowing inter-digitation between at least the lower molars-second bicuspid areas and said resilient member, the interdigitation between the upper molars, at least the teeth of the lower molars-second bicuspid areas and said resilient member coupled with said shoulder providing said essentially uniform spacer means, stabilizing the lower teeth in the position of centric rest.
- an upper bottom portion included with said member having spaced sidewalls extending upward from the periphery of said bottom portion forming cavity means between said widewalls and said bottom portion for receiving the upper teeth, said upper bottom portion including upper surface means deformable by the upper teeth, including the upper molars, for forming an impression to conform thereto and allowing interdigitation between the upper teeth, including the upper molars, and said resilient member, said upper bottom portion including a lower surface having a width greater than the width of the lower teeth to extend laterally across the full width of the lower teeth;
the improvement comprising:
a generally resilient shoulder extending downward from the posterior region of the lower surface of said upper bottom portion having a planar lower surface thereon spaced generally parallel below said upper surface means in the molars-second bicuspid area separating the upper and lower molars-second bicuspid areas providing essentially uniformly thick spacer means for uniformly separating the upper and lower molars-second bicuspid in a position of centric rest, said planar lower surface further having a width greater than the width of the lower molars-second bicuspid to extend laterally across the full width of the lower molars-second bicuspid; and deformable surface means along said planar lower surface of said shoulder deformable by an impression of at least the molars-second bicuspid of the lower teeth in said planar lower surface for providing a fitted surface allowing inter-digitation between at least the lower molars-second bicuspid areas and said resilient member, the interdigitation between the upper molars, at least the teeth of the lower molars-second bicuspid areas and said resilient member coupled with said shoulder providing said essentially uniform spacer means, stabilizing the lower teeth in the position of centric rest.
17. The improvement in the mouthguard element of Claim 16, wherein said shoulder covers at least the cusp tips of the lower molars and the lower second bicuspids and extends gingi-vally maximally to the occlusal one third of them.
18. The improvement in the mouthguard element of Claim -Page 37 of 40-17, wherein said shoulder also covers the cusp tip of the lower first bicuspid and begins distal of the upper cuspid.
19. In a mouthguard element, having -- a generally resilient member having a U-shape corresponding generally to the shape of the arch of the upper jaw;
- an upper bottom portion included with said member having spaced sidewalls extending upward from the periphery of said bottom portion forming cavity means between said sidewalls and said bottom portion for receiving the upper teeth, said upper bottom portion including upper surface means deformable by the upper teeth, including the upper molars, for forming an impression to conform thereto and allowing interdigitation between the upper teeth, including the upper molars, and said resilient member, said upper bottom portion including a lower surface having a width greater than the width of the lower teeth to extend laterally across the full width of the lower teeth;
the improvement comprising:
a generally resilient shoulder extending downward from the posterior region of the lower surface of said upper bottom portion having a planar lower surface thereon spaced generally parallel below said upper surface means in the molars-second bicuspid area separating the upper and lower molars-second bicuspid areas; and deformable surface means along said planar lower surface of said shoulder deformable by an impression of at least the molars-second bicuspid of the lower teeth in said planar lower surface for providing a fitted surface allowing inter-digitation between at least the lower molars-second bicuspid areas and said resilient member; said shoulder covering at least the cusp tips of the lower molars and the lower second bicuspids and extending gingivally maximally to the occlusal one third of them.
- an upper bottom portion included with said member having spaced sidewalls extending upward from the periphery of said bottom portion forming cavity means between said sidewalls and said bottom portion for receiving the upper teeth, said upper bottom portion including upper surface means deformable by the upper teeth, including the upper molars, for forming an impression to conform thereto and allowing interdigitation between the upper teeth, including the upper molars, and said resilient member, said upper bottom portion including a lower surface having a width greater than the width of the lower teeth to extend laterally across the full width of the lower teeth;
the improvement comprising:
a generally resilient shoulder extending downward from the posterior region of the lower surface of said upper bottom portion having a planar lower surface thereon spaced generally parallel below said upper surface means in the molars-second bicuspid area separating the upper and lower molars-second bicuspid areas; and deformable surface means along said planar lower surface of said shoulder deformable by an impression of at least the molars-second bicuspid of the lower teeth in said planar lower surface for providing a fitted surface allowing inter-digitation between at least the lower molars-second bicuspid areas and said resilient member; said shoulder covering at least the cusp tips of the lower molars and the lower second bicuspids and extending gingivally maximally to the occlusal one third of them.
20. The improvement in the mouthguard element of Claim 19, wherein said shoulder provides essentially uniformly thick spacer means for uniformly separating the upper and lower molars-second bicuspid in a position of centric rest, said planar lower surface further having a width greater than the width of the lower molars-second bicuspid to extend laterally across the full width of the lower molars-second bicuspid; and wherein the interdigitation between the upper molars, at least the teeth of the lower molars-second bicuspid areas and said resilient member coupled with said shoulder providing said essentially uniform spacer means, stabilizing the lower teeth in the position of centric rest.
21. The improvement in the mouthguard element of Claim 19, wherein said shoulder also covers the cusp tip of the lower first bicuspid and begins distal of the upper cuspid.
-Page 39 of 40-
-Page 39 of 40-
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US94363786A | 1986-12-19 | 1986-12-19 | |
| US943,637 | 1986-12-19 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1296488C true CA1296488C (en) | 1992-03-03 |
Family
ID=25480003
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000554844A Expired - Lifetime CA1296488C (en) | 1986-12-19 | 1987-12-18 | Sports mouth guard |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1296488C (en) |
-
1987
- 1987-12-18 CA CA000554844A patent/CA1296488C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
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