CA3021785A1 - Dental appliance - Google Patents
Dental appliance Download PDFInfo
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- CA3021785A1 CA3021785A1 CA3021785A CA3021785A CA3021785A1 CA 3021785 A1 CA3021785 A1 CA 3021785A1 CA 3021785 A CA3021785 A CA 3021785A CA 3021785 A CA3021785 A CA 3021785A CA 3021785 A1 CA3021785 A1 CA 3021785A1
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- Prior art keywords
- canine
- teeth
- thickness
- reception zone
- incisor
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C7/00—Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
- A61C7/08—Mouthpiece-type retainers or positioners, e.g. for both the lower and upper arch
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F5/00—Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices; Anti-rape devices
- A61F5/56—Devices for preventing snoring
- A61F2005/563—Anti-bruxisme
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (AREA)
- Dentistry (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Dental Tools And Instruments Or Auxiliary Dental Instruments (AREA)
Abstract
A dental appliance may have an incisor reception zone and rust and second canine reception zones. The top portions of the canine reception zones may have a greater thickness that the top portion of the incisor reception zone. The top portions of the canine reception zones may also be elastic.
Description
DENTAL APPLIANCE
I. Background A. Field of Invention [0001] This invention relates generally to methods an: apparituses related to dentistry and more specifically to methods and apparatuses related to lie trek tment of bruxism, B. Description of the Related Art
I. Background A. Field of Invention [0001] This invention relates generally to methods an: apparituses related to dentistry and more specifically to methods and apparatuses related to lie trek tment of bruxism, B. Description of the Related Art
[0002] Bruxisrn is commonly known as clenching, brac ag, gnashing, and or grinding of one's teeth. Stress and tension are repotted as major contribuii: vs in the etiology of this condition although many theories exist as to its cause.
[0003] The problem and dispute arises as to the cause f: f the rampant parafunctional habits and parafunctional muscular activity found in most humaci population.
The prevalence of excessively worn dentitions (including primary teeth of young c Area) appears to indicate that there is excessive muscular activity that is over riding any naturill "cusp,c1 protected" scheme that nature has provided. The exact cause of such muscular over acti... ty and tension is presently unknown, however the stress of daily life seems to be a big coati imitor k long with ingested stimulants, both natural and manmade. The muscles of rnasticati :Lwork in conjunction with many other head and neck muscles to provide the needed jaw avr,emenis for eating, drinking, speaking, laughing, crying, and frowning - just to mention a few. ?reset day occlusal guards seem to be protecting the teeth but overworking the musculature mastication and in turn affecting many other muscles in the head and neck.
The prevalence of excessively worn dentitions (including primary teeth of young c Area) appears to indicate that there is excessive muscular activity that is over riding any naturill "cusp,c1 protected" scheme that nature has provided. The exact cause of such muscular over acti... ty and tension is presently unknown, however the stress of daily life seems to be a big coati imitor k long with ingested stimulants, both natural and manmade. The muscles of rnasticati :Lwork in conjunction with many other head and neck muscles to provide the needed jaw avr,emenis for eating, drinking, speaking, laughing, crying, and frowning - just to mention a few. ?reset day occlusal guards seem to be protecting the teeth but overworking the musculature mastication and in turn affecting many other muscles in the head and neck.
[0004] There are many known devices that are used to 'cat Br xism.
Essentially, the present state of the art for occlusal guards is that they provide an ilerface of hard plastic that the Page 2 of 22 teeth (controlled by the muscles, and at night time this control i t involuntary and uninhibited especially during dreaming) can "skate" around on and suppme pmvide some freedom for the excessive muscular activity. The problem is that the muscle act i vity may actually be increased and these appliances may be triggering and enhancing muscle!) ler activity.
There seems to be a .. familiarity or "stomping ground" or a muscle memory "sweet s;c ot" or 'planes" that encourage more habitual and parafunctional muscle activity.
Essentially, the present state of the art for occlusal guards is that they provide an ilerface of hard plastic that the Page 2 of 22 teeth (controlled by the muscles, and at night time this control i t involuntary and uninhibited especially during dreaming) can "skate" around on and suppme pmvide some freedom for the excessive muscular activity. The problem is that the muscle act i vity may actually be increased and these appliances may be triggering and enhancing muscle!) ler activity.
There seems to be a .. familiarity or "stomping ground" or a muscle memory "sweet s;c ot" or 'planes" that encourage more habitual and parafunctional muscle activity.
(0005] The hard interface unfortunately creates an end point or familiar home for the muscle driven teeth to teeth match-up and subsequently the melt tence of these contacts becomes .. more comfortable than desirable. These types of lnux guards de little if any to minimize muscle activity.
100061 The cuspid discluding appliances utilize a han:1 contact for interfacing between the opposing dental arches. This contact, incline, or ramp, or is a Fed to )7estore, correct, manage, or create the "cuspid protected appliance" and they do just that. lE however there is little or no reduction of the muscle activity.
[0007j Another popular appliance known as the NTI (n acioceptive trigemeinal inhibition) utilizes a hard interface between opposing dental arch s in the form of an anterior deprogramming device to supposedly reduce muscle activity. It i! repot ed to reduce parafunctional muscular activity during sleep while also disenga;i ing ons teeth. These guards are still bulky and obtrusive and are not recommended for any v, ar during waking hours.
[NM Other appliances utilizing hard interfaces use different "group function"
principles to dissipate or moderate the interocclusal forces from p 3rafuni.tional muscular activity during sleep. Again, none of these appliances appreciably reduce he muscular activity.
[00091 Still other appliances., some of which are soft, rie ampt b interface the teeth to teeth contact during the parafunctional muscular activity, howewl they *re designed as a soft Page 3 of 22 interface between all the opposing posterior teeth resulting in lit :neve cushioning of the parafunctional activity. This is the case in the over the counter =I Jame nimedy "boil and bite" type of mouth guard. These appliances are bulky and do not fit conr'., .artably.
The excessive opening of the vertical dimension and interference with the free-way spacr is damaging to the temporal mandibular joint (TIv1,1 or jaw joint). These devices encourage IN cessiiie muscular activity much like having chewing gum in one's mouth. Covering posterior tee :h, whether with soft or hard material, will incite muscular activity and place undue stress on :he jaw joint.
[0010] Besides the above mentioned shortcomings prirtically all occlusal guards require a commercial laboratory to be involved increasing the cot to the patient. Most are typically cumbersome and difficult to wear and hence many pniciitiorters are reluctant to "sell"
their patients a relatively costly device which they may not be ill: le to rr gularly wear. The resulting potential for buyer's remorse is too high for most denta practitioners to enthusiastically encourage their patient base at accept. Upon merely seeing a mr:a Eel of r proposed, traditional type, occlusal guard, most patients immediately tend to deny thi:i r need for such treatment knowing all well they will not be able to tolerate such a device.
[0011] Estimates indicate that more than 85% of the ge aeral adult population (potentially more if considering affected children) are experiencii rg sips and or symptoms of brux.ism. Dental professionals can easily see and verify the dain:i4r.ing ef Fects of this malady;
however, the insidious nature of this condition is such that most ,Itients are totally unaware of the problem. Daytime parafunctional habits are most often by patients simply because of the habitual nature of the process. Much like blinking where as cute has voluntary control over eyelid closure, daytime habits of clenching go completely unnott ad. Most patients have no realization of either daytime or nighttime bruxism. Rarely does rt :iatient report to his dental practitioner that he has been clenching during sleep, yet many sigls and symptoms are apparent to the observant practitioner.
Page 4 of 22 [0012] Unfortunately, it is generally very difficult to ,:onvime patients that they have a bruxistn problem.
II. Summary of the Invention [0013] This invention is a dental appliance designed iii treat i3naxism during sleep and bruxism and other related parafunctional habits during wakinghours. The daytime use of this appliance is directed towards creation of a mindfulness or awaie ness (xi' any related habits as opposed to using the device as a "punching bag" for release of in nsion etc.
The sleep time wear is designed to protect natural teeth and all dental work from the d age cif the somewhat uninhibited forces of bnIxism during sleep.
[0014] This invention is a dental appliance that utilize; the netural occurring phenomenon known as "canine disclus ion, or canine guidance, a cuspid protected occlusion"
that has been recognized in dentistry and orthodontics practical since the beginning of these professions. Canine disclusion is a principle used for practically all orthodontic cases and practically all dental reconstruction cases. It is also the principl that a imajority of all occlusal guards have utilized in the past. It is the phenomenon where the :ipposing canines interact to disengage and protect front and back teeth from excessive wear a the patient goes from maximum inter-cuspation (when upper and lower teeth are fully i aterdieitated whereas respective cusp tips of upper and lower teeth are completely sea: d into the respective fossae of their opposing teeth) to a lateral position (lateral or protrusive eZI:( lusion) while chewing. This phenomenon allows the crushing forces of mastication to occur the maximum intercuspation position but disengages the cuspsas lateral movements occur (similar in some respects to a cow chewing its cud in a lateral manner) which protects the human tee ih from damaging lateral forces.
[0015] This appliance utilizes these principles but in a c amplei ely different manner. It is completely soft and the discluding principle is a misguiding ele nein and not a guiding one.
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Page 5 of 22 [0016) The nature of this invention and its presentati,c a as a "front tooth protector" is able to overcome the inherent "refusal to accept the problem" the tetitional treatments. As patients see and realize that they could actually wear this devief nightly they tend to "accept" the treatment. The most effective means of patient education appeus to be a co-diagnosis whereas the patient discovers the associated tooth wear with the practitie ner's help.
Having noticed the apparent wear of any of the cuspids ( remember nature's cuspid =;lisclusion is working to protect the teeth but not really eliminating the muscle activity) the dull .1 praci Wolter gives the patient a good sized face mirror and asks the patient to approximate the Jispids as they if they fit as a .. puzzle. This happens almost automatically. The patient is instria :ted to hold that pose and together they discuss the wear. Young and old, it is practically a 'ways evident. Most often this puzzle will be evident on all four cuspids and usually also on tlit patierrs anterior teeth.
Capturing this "puzzle picture" as a digital image serves extreni& ly wet. as a motivational tool when professionals make treatment recommendations and also p ,:ovidea an excellent documentation of the malady.
[0017] According to one embodiment of this invention , a dental appliance may comprise: a body comprising a front wall, a back wall, and a tap eonnecting the front wall to the back wall. The body may define: four incisor reception zones su itable to receive four juxtaposed associated incisor teeth on a lower jaw; a first canine reception 2.i ne suitable to receive a first associated canine tooth that is juxtaposed to a first end of the 'tile, or teeth; and, a second canine reception zone suitable to receive a second associated canine tocii it that is juxtaposed to a second end of the associated incisor teeth. The portion of the top of the i iody that defines the four incisor reception zones may have a first thickness TI, the portion of the top of the body that defines the first canine reception zone may be elastic and may ha ie a second thickness T2, and the portion of the top of the body that defines the second canine =: ception zone may be elastic and may have a third thickness T3. The second thickness T2 and the third thickness T3 may be significantly greater than the first thickness Ti.
Page 6 of 22 [00181 According to another embodiment of this illVa a dental appliance may comprise; a body comprising a front wall, a back wall, and a top connecting the front wall to the back wall. The body may define: an incisor reception zone suir ible to receive a plurality of juxtaposed associated incisor teeth, a first canine reception ZOIlg suitable to receive a first associated canine tooth that is juxtaposed to a first end of the imeisor teeth, and, a second canine reception zone suitable to receive a second associated canine tot eh that is juxtaposed to a second end of the associated incisor teeth. The portion of the top of the body that defines the incisor reception zone may have a first thickness T1, the portion of the t)p of the body that defines the first canine reception zone may have a second thickness T2, and the portion of the top of the body that defines the second canine reception zone may have a If. iird thickness T3. The second thickness T2 and the third thickness T3 may be significantly gee ter thin the first thickness T1.
[0019] According to yet another embodiment of this In ');entioe, a method may comprise the steps of: (A) providing a patient having; a plurality of juxtaposed incisor teeth; a first canine tooth juxtaposed to a first end of the plurality of incii or teethe and, a second canine tooth juxtaposed to a second end of the plurality of incisor teeth: (3) de:ennining that the patient has bruxism; (C) fabricating a dental appliance for the patient to mat the bruxism, the dental appliance comprising: a body comprising a front wall, a back we and a top connecting the front wall to the back wall, the body defining: an incisor reception nee suitable to receive the plurality of juxtaposed incisor teeth; a first canine reception zone suitabe to receive the first canine tooth; a second canine reception zone suitable to receive i] Ile sem rid canine tooth; wherein the portion of the top of the body that defines the incisor receptio zone has a first thickness TI;
wherein the portion of the top of the body that defines the first ca ine reception zone has a second thickness T2; wherein the portion of the top of the body !1 at defines the second canine reception zone has a third thickness T3; and, wherein T2 and T3 re siguificantly greater than TI; and, (D) wearing the dental appliance on the incisor teeth ant the fast and second canine teeth to treat the bruxism.
Page 7 of 22 [0020] One advantage of this invention is, a dental ;iii phone!: may include making a diagnosis of tooth damaging maladies quickly and easily.
[0021] Another advantage of this invention is, a decillappliance may comprise of a co-diagnosis almost instantaneously.
[0022] Another advantage of this invention is, a denutapplimce may comprise of a formulation easily designed to each specific patient and may b accomplished by entry level personnel.
(00231 Another advantage of this invention is, a denta appliance may comprise of a small appliance worn easily and extremely comfortable day or n ight.
[0024] Another advantage of this invention is, a dent,'. appliEnce may comprise of a device easily made in the dental office, without sophisticated hi orator!
equipment reducing costs in a short period of time.
[00251 Still another advantage of this invention is, a dt ntal arpliance may comprise of a device ensily made by entry level dental personnel.
[0026] Still another advantage of this invention is, a O. atal appliance may be readily accepted by patients since "puzzle picture" enlightens patient to t xcessi ye tooth wear almost instantly.
[0027] Still another advantage of this invention is, a do ltal appliance may comprise of a body that minimally opens the patients vertical dimension of co: atusiolu and hence is extremely comfortable.
(0028) Still another advantage of this invention is, a dln (al appliance may be Worn Page 8 of 22 even by those wearing the CPA? machines.
[0029] Yet another advantage of this invention is, a dc atal appliance may be worn over any type of dental appliance including implant supported dentiliiry of a II
types.
[00301 Yet another advantage of this invention is, a 6: mat apliancc may require only the smallest, single, lower impression (capturing the essence of tin lower front eight teeth).
[00311 Yet another advantage of this invention is, a de ital appliance may be that it can be worn inconspicuously during daytime.
[0032) Yet another advantage of this invention is, a &I apy.)liance may provide potential for wear by young children and adolescents.
(0033) Yet another advantage of this invention is, a dm ttal appliance may provide for potential for wear by some requiring anti snore devices.
(0034) Additional benefits and advantages of the inveri iton will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon a reading and unc ,erstaniing of the following detailed specification.
Di. Brief Description of the Drawines [00351 The invention may take physical form in certaili parts and arrangement of parts, embodiments of which will be described in detail in this specifica ,Dn and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein;
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[0036] FIGURE 1 is a front perspective view of a Immo; mouth.
Page 9 of 22 [0037] FIGURE 2 is a front view of a dental appliare [00381 FIGURE :3 is a top view of the dental appliane shomn in FIGURE 2.
[0039] FIGURE 4 is a back view of the dental applian ee shown in FIGURE 2.
[00401 FIGURE 5 is a sectional view taken through ].ii le 5-5 in FIGURE 2.
[00411 FIGURE 6 is a sectional view taken through I it e 6-6 in FIGURE 2.
[0042] FIGURE 7 is a sectional view taken through 111 e 7-7 in FIGURE 2.
[0043] FIGURE 8 is a sectional view taken through lin a 8-8 in FIGURE 2.
[0044] FIGURE 9 is a top view of a model.
[0045] FIGURE 10 is a front view of a dental appliano accotding to another embodiment.
[00461 FIGURE 11 is a top view of the dental applian; ! shown in FIGURE 10.
[0047] FIGURE 12 is a sectional view taken throughl:i] le 12-32 in FIGURE 10.
[00481 FIGURE 13 is a front view of a dental applianc: according to yet another embodiment.
[00491 FIGURE 14 is a top view of the dental applianct shown in FIGURE 13.
Page 10 of 22 IV. Detailed Description of the Invention 0050] Referring now to the drawings wherein the sin 'wings are for purposes of illustrating embodiments of the invention only and not for purral,ses of limiting the same, and wherein like reference numerals are understood to refer to like ,; emporients, FIGURE 1 shows a typical human mouth 10 that may use a dental appliance 30, she em in 7IGURES 2-4, according to embodiments of this invention. The mouth 10 may include lei upper jaw 12 having teeth 14 and a lower jaw 16 having teeth 14. More specifically, the teeth 14 fin each jaw 12, 16 comprise four incisors 18, two canines (also called cuspids) 20, two prene liars Z?, and six molars 24. The teeth 14 may extend from dental alveolus 50 as is known to thc3,:: of skill in the are [0051] With reference now to FIGURES 1-4, the denn :1 appliance 30 that may be used to treat bruxism may include a body 32 comprising a front wall 4, a beck wall 36, and a top 38 connecting the front wall 34 to the back wall 36. The body 32 leay define teeth reception zones.
.. Specifically, the body 32 may dem an incisor reception zonettO that is suitable to receive a plurality of juxtaposed incisor teeth 18, four shown, a first caniellreception zone 42 suitable to receive a first canine tooth 20 that is juxtaposed to a first end of I he incisor teeth 18, and a second canine reception zone 44 suitable to receive a second can se tooth 20 that is juxtaposed to a second end of the incisor teeth 18. In one embodiment, the in: 3or and first and second canine reception zones 40, 42,44 are sufficient to maintain the dental in; eliance 30 in place on the teeth 14. In another embodiment, additional teeth reception zones mal. be used, In a specific embodiment, a first premolar reception zone 44 suitable to recee a first premolar tooth 22 that is juxtaposed to the first canine tooth 20 and a second premolar :a neption zone 48 suitable to receive a second premolar tooth 22 that is juxtaposed to the secer d canine tooth 20 may be used.
[0052] With reference now to FIGURES 2-8, the portic a of the top 38 of the body 32 that defines the incisor reception zone 40 may have a first thicke ss TI ; the portion of the top 38 of the body 32 that defines the first canine reception zone 42 nay heve a second thickness T2; and, the portion of the top 38 of the body 32 that defines thi! !,econt.
canine reception zone Page 11 of 22 may have a third thickness T3. In one embodiment, the seconc . thickness T2 and the third thickness T3 are significantly greater than the first thickness 1:' In this way, the canine reception zones 42,44 extend vertically higher than the remaining paitions of the dental appliance 30 and only the canine reception zones 42,44 are to d to slightly open the vertical dimension of maximum intercuspation. In one embodiment, th e first thickness Ti is between 0.25 millimeters and 0.75 millimeters inclusively and the sem, ii and third thicknesses T2, T3 are between 0.75 millimeters and 1.5 millimeters inclusively. a one embodiment the second and third thicknesses T2, T3 are substantially the same. The rtions Df the top 38 of the body 32 that define the first and second premolar reception zones 40,i, 48 ME y each have a fourth thickness T4. The fourth thickness T4 may be significantly lea than the second and third thicknesses T2 and T3. In one embodiment, the fourth thicknes5 T4 is between 0.25 millimeters and 0.75 millimeters inclusively. In one embodiment the first U ickneAs T1 and the fourth thickness T4 are substantially the same. In one embodiment, tit entire dental appliance 30 has the first thickness Ti (thus T4 equals Ti) except the second arid third thicknesses T2, T3.
[0053] With reference now to FIGURES 1-4, the deriW I appliance 30 may be formed of any material and in any manner chosen with the sound judgiri ent of it person of skill in the art. In one embodiment, the portions of the top 38 of the body :3 2. that define the first and second canine reception zones 42,44 are elastic. In this way, 'it :en opposing canines 20, 20 (one from the upper jaw 12 and the other from the lower jaw 16; contaiTt each other, the impact is a soft "no end point" relationship. The effect is one of a disci: ncerthig effect on muscle habits in the patient. This is opposed to known hard surface (non-elasit ,c) occlusal guards which permit the patient's musculature to become continuously famill r with the occlusal guard surface interface and do nothing more than interface between ep'...aDsing teeth. When the canine reception zones 4244 are elastic, however, the muscle memory is intempted and bruxism activity is subdued. In one embodiment, the canine reception v) ".leS 42, 44 are formed of a relatively soft plastic. In one specific embodiment, the canine i i:eption zones 42,44 are formed of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). In yet another embodii: :era, die entire dental appliance is formed of EVA.
Page 12 of 22 (0054) With reference now to FIGURES 1-8, in one inbodiment, the dental appliance 30 is fitted to the teeth 14 of the upper jaw 12. In another embo llimere, the dental appliance 30 is fitted to the teeth 14 of the lower jaw 16. Fitting the dental appi iance 20 to the teeth 14 of the lower jaw 16 has the advantage of using gravity to help maintait the dental appliance 30 in place. Another advantage of fitting the dental appliance 30 tollh r: teeth 14 of the lower jay 16 is that the proprioception of the lower jaw 16 canines 20 differ front that of the upper jaw 12 canines 20 - primarily because of the mobile nature of the mend i Pie rel Itive to the stationary position of the maxilla. The front wait 34 of the dental appliano 30 may have a height Hi and the back wall 36 may have a height 1-12. In one embodiment, the heights Hi, H2 are sufficient to cover the teeth 14 but no more. In another embodiment, shown, the heights H1, H2 are sufficient to cover the teeth 14 and to at least partially cover the dental die olus 50 from which the teeth 14 extend (this can be seen by observing the portion of the dental vi; pliance 30 that extends below the various tooth reception zones 40, 42, 44, 46, 48). The portiei is of the first and second canine reception zones 42,44 that have the second and third thickness 'lt i, T3, respectively, may be sized and shaped in any manner chosen with the sound judgmer t of a person of skill in the art.
In one embodiment, the portion of the first canine reception zone 42 that has the second thickness T2 may extend, as shown, entirely across the width WI of the first canine reception zone 42 and a distance D1 of at least 3.0 millimeters down the fie irit wall $4 and a distance D2 of at least 3.0 millimeters down the back wall 36. Similarly, the pm lion of the second canine reception zone 44 that has the third thickness T3 may extend, as hown, entirely across the width W2 of the second canine reception zone 44 and a distance 1)3 of It least 3.0 millimeters down the front wall 34 and a distance 1)4 of at least 3.0 millimeters deo n the hack wall 36. In another embodiment, the distances Di, D2, 1)3 and 1)4 are about 5.0 milli meters.
[00551 With reference now to FIGURES 2-3 and 10-1:ll in =ether embodiment a dental appliance 60 that may be used to treat bruxism may be sib Jar to the previously described dental appliance 30. However, for this embodiment a middle pal ion of the front wall 34 is removed. In this way, one or more of the incisor teeth 18 (four sh awn) re not covered by the Page 13 of 22 dental appliance 60 and thus may be visible even when the dent tr.l appliance 60 is being worn, This may make it easier for the patient to wear the dental applia ace 60 during the day. In yet another embodiment, not shown, a middle portion of the back lc all 36 is removed.
[00561 With reference now to FIGURES 2-3 and 13-14, in re another embodiment a dental appliance 70 that may be used to treat bruxisrn may be ell nilar to the previously described dental appliance 30. However, for this embodiment the dental a ppliance 70 has two separate parts or sections 72, 74. For the specific embodiment shown, E!2 r.th sea ion 72, 74 covers one canine 20 and one neighboring premolar 22. In another specifi e embodiment, now shown, each section 72, 74 covers one canine 20 and one neighboring incisce 18. h. yet another specific embodiment, not shown, each section 72,74 covers one canine 0, one neighboring premolar 22, and one neighboring incisor 18 (three teeth total). In still anothe r.
specific embodiment, not shown, each section 72,74 covers only one canine 20.
(0057) With reference now to all the FIGURES, the f rication and use of the dental appliance 30,60, '70 will now be described. First, it may be dete :mind. that the patient has bmxism. This determination may, of course, be made by a denial practitioner.
However, a co-diagnoses (with the patient) is beneficial as the patient is then n: e likely to accept the required treatment. In one specific embodiment, a reflective surface such, as a mirror may be used to show the patient the wear status of the patent's teeth. The most t lwiout, worn enamel (usually on one or more front teeth) is easily seen by the patient forming a'1; uzzle picture" for the patient.
This wear status may be shown to the patient on a monitor and e :iicture may be taken of the wear status, such as by a digital camera. The patient may then t, shown an example dental appliance to allay any fears of wearing the dental appliance 30, 70.
The dental practitioner may also explain the benefits of using the dental appliance 30, 61) , 70 ineluding muscle relaxation verses muscle tension, daytime mindfulness exercises itsing the dental appliance 30, 60, 70, reduction in cracked teeth and the fact that all dental wor14 will lest longer when protected from the forces of bruxism. Once the patient decides that the den :al appliance 30,60, 70 will be beneficial, the dental practitioner can then fabricate it. To do thiit, the dental practitioner may Page 14 of 22 first determine the required thicknesses for the dental appliance 30, 60, 70 using the puzzle picture. Next, the dental practitioner may make a relatively stm ill impression of the anterior quadrant of the patient's teeth with an alginate material. A mei: el, such as model 52 shown in FIGURE 9, is then made from the impression. The dental appli mce 30, 60, 70 may then be vacuum formed, trimmed, and then delivered to the patient, Citilfm nude, immediately. It can be formed of any thickness and in any color or combination of elors chosen with the sound judgment of a person of skill in the art.
[0058] With continuing reference to all the FIGURE: once he dental appliance 30, 60,70 is made and delivered, the patent then wears it. The denii appliance 30, 60, 70 is held in place via a hydra-seal, similar to have dentures remain in place The patent may wear the dental appliance 30,60, 70 during sleep time to protect the patient fro.: . damw caused by bruxisrn.
The patient may also wear the dental appliance 30, 60, 70 duriel wake time to create awareness in the patient of any bruxism related habits. Applicant has disci: rered that for many patients, wearing the dental appliance 30, 60, 70 at night may be more in: mrtant than wearing it during sleep time. As noted above, wearing the dental appliance 30, 6:i 70 wit disconcert muscle memory in the patient and thus will help train the patient's mus,:: es not to grind and the like.
Wearing the dental appliance 30, 60, 70 will help in providing re lef for the patient from: head, neck, and shoulder muscular tension and the potentially associaic d sleep apnea, headaches, .. migraine triggers, neckaches, and shoulder aches. Applicant ha discovered that for some patients wearing the dental appliance 30, 60, 70 works effective!: r in rec u.cing or eliminating snoring. Wearing the dental appliance 30, 60,70 will also help n iinimiri:e dental pain, tooth thermal and tactile sensitivity, enamel abfractions and abrasions. These signs and symptoms can be treated during the day when they arise from conscious, habitu .I, parafunctional clenching, grinding, gnashing and bracing of one's teeth. In this case, the clE ;nal appliance 30, 60,70 provides mindfulness for the patient which is a therapeutic apprii (ch to help attenuate the daytime tension and conscious clenching. The same signs and s !P -aptorns can also be treated at night when they arise from similar but unconscious activities. NV iarhig he dental appliance 30, Page 15 of 22 60, 70 also may protect the patient's teeth from germs and the fi e theveby protecting the teeth from tooth decay.
[00591 Numerous embodiments have been described. ereintibove. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above methods and apparatus i;:; may incorporate changes and modifications without departing from the general scope of this h is/emit n. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations in so far as they come will in the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.
Having thus described the invention, it is now claimed:
100061 The cuspid discluding appliances utilize a han:1 contact for interfacing between the opposing dental arches. This contact, incline, or ramp, or is a Fed to )7estore, correct, manage, or create the "cuspid protected appliance" and they do just that. lE however there is little or no reduction of the muscle activity.
[0007j Another popular appliance known as the NTI (n acioceptive trigemeinal inhibition) utilizes a hard interface between opposing dental arch s in the form of an anterior deprogramming device to supposedly reduce muscle activity. It i! repot ed to reduce parafunctional muscular activity during sleep while also disenga;i ing ons teeth. These guards are still bulky and obtrusive and are not recommended for any v, ar during waking hours.
[NM Other appliances utilizing hard interfaces use different "group function"
principles to dissipate or moderate the interocclusal forces from p 3rafuni.tional muscular activity during sleep. Again, none of these appliances appreciably reduce he muscular activity.
[00091 Still other appliances., some of which are soft, rie ampt b interface the teeth to teeth contact during the parafunctional muscular activity, howewl they *re designed as a soft Page 3 of 22 interface between all the opposing posterior teeth resulting in lit :neve cushioning of the parafunctional activity. This is the case in the over the counter =I Jame nimedy "boil and bite" type of mouth guard. These appliances are bulky and do not fit conr'., .artably.
The excessive opening of the vertical dimension and interference with the free-way spacr is damaging to the temporal mandibular joint (TIv1,1 or jaw joint). These devices encourage IN cessiiie muscular activity much like having chewing gum in one's mouth. Covering posterior tee :h, whether with soft or hard material, will incite muscular activity and place undue stress on :he jaw joint.
[0010] Besides the above mentioned shortcomings prirtically all occlusal guards require a commercial laboratory to be involved increasing the cot to the patient. Most are typically cumbersome and difficult to wear and hence many pniciitiorters are reluctant to "sell"
their patients a relatively costly device which they may not be ill: le to rr gularly wear. The resulting potential for buyer's remorse is too high for most denta practitioners to enthusiastically encourage their patient base at accept. Upon merely seeing a mr:a Eel of r proposed, traditional type, occlusal guard, most patients immediately tend to deny thi:i r need for such treatment knowing all well they will not be able to tolerate such a device.
[0011] Estimates indicate that more than 85% of the ge aeral adult population (potentially more if considering affected children) are experiencii rg sips and or symptoms of brux.ism. Dental professionals can easily see and verify the dain:i4r.ing ef Fects of this malady;
however, the insidious nature of this condition is such that most ,Itients are totally unaware of the problem. Daytime parafunctional habits are most often by patients simply because of the habitual nature of the process. Much like blinking where as cute has voluntary control over eyelid closure, daytime habits of clenching go completely unnott ad. Most patients have no realization of either daytime or nighttime bruxism. Rarely does rt :iatient report to his dental practitioner that he has been clenching during sleep, yet many sigls and symptoms are apparent to the observant practitioner.
Page 4 of 22 [0012] Unfortunately, it is generally very difficult to ,:onvime patients that they have a bruxistn problem.
II. Summary of the Invention [0013] This invention is a dental appliance designed iii treat i3naxism during sleep and bruxism and other related parafunctional habits during wakinghours. The daytime use of this appliance is directed towards creation of a mindfulness or awaie ness (xi' any related habits as opposed to using the device as a "punching bag" for release of in nsion etc.
The sleep time wear is designed to protect natural teeth and all dental work from the d age cif the somewhat uninhibited forces of bnIxism during sleep.
[0014] This invention is a dental appliance that utilize; the netural occurring phenomenon known as "canine disclus ion, or canine guidance, a cuspid protected occlusion"
that has been recognized in dentistry and orthodontics practical since the beginning of these professions. Canine disclusion is a principle used for practically all orthodontic cases and practically all dental reconstruction cases. It is also the principl that a imajority of all occlusal guards have utilized in the past. It is the phenomenon where the :ipposing canines interact to disengage and protect front and back teeth from excessive wear a the patient goes from maximum inter-cuspation (when upper and lower teeth are fully i aterdieitated whereas respective cusp tips of upper and lower teeth are completely sea: d into the respective fossae of their opposing teeth) to a lateral position (lateral or protrusive eZI:( lusion) while chewing. This phenomenon allows the crushing forces of mastication to occur the maximum intercuspation position but disengages the cuspsas lateral movements occur (similar in some respects to a cow chewing its cud in a lateral manner) which protects the human tee ih from damaging lateral forces.
[0015] This appliance utilizes these principles but in a c amplei ely different manner. It is completely soft and the discluding principle is a misguiding ele nein and not a guiding one.
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Page 5 of 22 [0016) The nature of this invention and its presentati,c a as a "front tooth protector" is able to overcome the inherent "refusal to accept the problem" the tetitional treatments. As patients see and realize that they could actually wear this devief nightly they tend to "accept" the treatment. The most effective means of patient education appeus to be a co-diagnosis whereas the patient discovers the associated tooth wear with the practitie ner's help.
Having noticed the apparent wear of any of the cuspids ( remember nature's cuspid =;lisclusion is working to protect the teeth but not really eliminating the muscle activity) the dull .1 praci Wolter gives the patient a good sized face mirror and asks the patient to approximate the Jispids as they if they fit as a .. puzzle. This happens almost automatically. The patient is instria :ted to hold that pose and together they discuss the wear. Young and old, it is practically a 'ways evident. Most often this puzzle will be evident on all four cuspids and usually also on tlit patierrs anterior teeth.
Capturing this "puzzle picture" as a digital image serves extreni& ly wet. as a motivational tool when professionals make treatment recommendations and also p ,:ovidea an excellent documentation of the malady.
[0017] According to one embodiment of this invention , a dental appliance may comprise: a body comprising a front wall, a back wall, and a tap eonnecting the front wall to the back wall. The body may define: four incisor reception zones su itable to receive four juxtaposed associated incisor teeth on a lower jaw; a first canine reception 2.i ne suitable to receive a first associated canine tooth that is juxtaposed to a first end of the 'tile, or teeth; and, a second canine reception zone suitable to receive a second associated canine tocii it that is juxtaposed to a second end of the associated incisor teeth. The portion of the top of the i iody that defines the four incisor reception zones may have a first thickness TI, the portion of the top of the body that defines the first canine reception zone may be elastic and may ha ie a second thickness T2, and the portion of the top of the body that defines the second canine =: ception zone may be elastic and may have a third thickness T3. The second thickness T2 and the third thickness T3 may be significantly greater than the first thickness Ti.
Page 6 of 22 [00181 According to another embodiment of this illVa a dental appliance may comprise; a body comprising a front wall, a back wall, and a top connecting the front wall to the back wall. The body may define: an incisor reception zone suir ible to receive a plurality of juxtaposed associated incisor teeth, a first canine reception ZOIlg suitable to receive a first associated canine tooth that is juxtaposed to a first end of the imeisor teeth, and, a second canine reception zone suitable to receive a second associated canine tot eh that is juxtaposed to a second end of the associated incisor teeth. The portion of the top of the body that defines the incisor reception zone may have a first thickness T1, the portion of the t)p of the body that defines the first canine reception zone may have a second thickness T2, and the portion of the top of the body that defines the second canine reception zone may have a If. iird thickness T3. The second thickness T2 and the third thickness T3 may be significantly gee ter thin the first thickness T1.
[0019] According to yet another embodiment of this In ');entioe, a method may comprise the steps of: (A) providing a patient having; a plurality of juxtaposed incisor teeth; a first canine tooth juxtaposed to a first end of the plurality of incii or teethe and, a second canine tooth juxtaposed to a second end of the plurality of incisor teeth: (3) de:ennining that the patient has bruxism; (C) fabricating a dental appliance for the patient to mat the bruxism, the dental appliance comprising: a body comprising a front wall, a back we and a top connecting the front wall to the back wall, the body defining: an incisor reception nee suitable to receive the plurality of juxtaposed incisor teeth; a first canine reception zone suitabe to receive the first canine tooth; a second canine reception zone suitable to receive i] Ile sem rid canine tooth; wherein the portion of the top of the body that defines the incisor receptio zone has a first thickness TI;
wherein the portion of the top of the body that defines the first ca ine reception zone has a second thickness T2; wherein the portion of the top of the body !1 at defines the second canine reception zone has a third thickness T3; and, wherein T2 and T3 re siguificantly greater than TI; and, (D) wearing the dental appliance on the incisor teeth ant the fast and second canine teeth to treat the bruxism.
Page 7 of 22 [0020] One advantage of this invention is, a dental ;iii phone!: may include making a diagnosis of tooth damaging maladies quickly and easily.
[0021] Another advantage of this invention is, a decillappliance may comprise of a co-diagnosis almost instantaneously.
[0022] Another advantage of this invention is, a denutapplimce may comprise of a formulation easily designed to each specific patient and may b accomplished by entry level personnel.
(00231 Another advantage of this invention is, a denta appliance may comprise of a small appliance worn easily and extremely comfortable day or n ight.
[0024] Another advantage of this invention is, a dent,'. appliEnce may comprise of a device easily made in the dental office, without sophisticated hi orator!
equipment reducing costs in a short period of time.
[00251 Still another advantage of this invention is, a dt ntal arpliance may comprise of a device ensily made by entry level dental personnel.
[0026] Still another advantage of this invention is, a O. atal appliance may be readily accepted by patients since "puzzle picture" enlightens patient to t xcessi ye tooth wear almost instantly.
[0027] Still another advantage of this invention is, a do ltal appliance may comprise of a body that minimally opens the patients vertical dimension of co: atusiolu and hence is extremely comfortable.
(0028) Still another advantage of this invention is, a dln (al appliance may be Worn Page 8 of 22 even by those wearing the CPA? machines.
[0029] Yet another advantage of this invention is, a dc atal appliance may be worn over any type of dental appliance including implant supported dentiliiry of a II
types.
[00301 Yet another advantage of this invention is, a 6: mat apliancc may require only the smallest, single, lower impression (capturing the essence of tin lower front eight teeth).
[00311 Yet another advantage of this invention is, a de ital appliance may be that it can be worn inconspicuously during daytime.
[0032) Yet another advantage of this invention is, a &I apy.)liance may provide potential for wear by young children and adolescents.
(0033) Yet another advantage of this invention is, a dm ttal appliance may provide for potential for wear by some requiring anti snore devices.
(0034) Additional benefits and advantages of the inveri iton will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon a reading and unc ,erstaniing of the following detailed specification.
Di. Brief Description of the Drawines [00351 The invention may take physical form in certaili parts and arrangement of parts, embodiments of which will be described in detail in this specifica ,Dn and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein;
=
[0036] FIGURE 1 is a front perspective view of a Immo; mouth.
Page 9 of 22 [0037] FIGURE 2 is a front view of a dental appliare [00381 FIGURE :3 is a top view of the dental appliane shomn in FIGURE 2.
[0039] FIGURE 4 is a back view of the dental applian ee shown in FIGURE 2.
[00401 FIGURE 5 is a sectional view taken through ].ii le 5-5 in FIGURE 2.
[00411 FIGURE 6 is a sectional view taken through I it e 6-6 in FIGURE 2.
[0042] FIGURE 7 is a sectional view taken through 111 e 7-7 in FIGURE 2.
[0043] FIGURE 8 is a sectional view taken through lin a 8-8 in FIGURE 2.
[0044] FIGURE 9 is a top view of a model.
[0045] FIGURE 10 is a front view of a dental appliano accotding to another embodiment.
[00461 FIGURE 11 is a top view of the dental applian; ! shown in FIGURE 10.
[0047] FIGURE 12 is a sectional view taken throughl:i] le 12-32 in FIGURE 10.
[00481 FIGURE 13 is a front view of a dental applianc: according to yet another embodiment.
[00491 FIGURE 14 is a top view of the dental applianct shown in FIGURE 13.
Page 10 of 22 IV. Detailed Description of the Invention 0050] Referring now to the drawings wherein the sin 'wings are for purposes of illustrating embodiments of the invention only and not for purral,ses of limiting the same, and wherein like reference numerals are understood to refer to like ,; emporients, FIGURE 1 shows a typical human mouth 10 that may use a dental appliance 30, she em in 7IGURES 2-4, according to embodiments of this invention. The mouth 10 may include lei upper jaw 12 having teeth 14 and a lower jaw 16 having teeth 14. More specifically, the teeth 14 fin each jaw 12, 16 comprise four incisors 18, two canines (also called cuspids) 20, two prene liars Z?, and six molars 24. The teeth 14 may extend from dental alveolus 50 as is known to thc3,:: of skill in the are [0051] With reference now to FIGURES 1-4, the denn :1 appliance 30 that may be used to treat bruxism may include a body 32 comprising a front wall 4, a beck wall 36, and a top 38 connecting the front wall 34 to the back wall 36. The body 32 leay define teeth reception zones.
.. Specifically, the body 32 may dem an incisor reception zonettO that is suitable to receive a plurality of juxtaposed incisor teeth 18, four shown, a first caniellreception zone 42 suitable to receive a first canine tooth 20 that is juxtaposed to a first end of I he incisor teeth 18, and a second canine reception zone 44 suitable to receive a second can se tooth 20 that is juxtaposed to a second end of the incisor teeth 18. In one embodiment, the in: 3or and first and second canine reception zones 40, 42,44 are sufficient to maintain the dental in; eliance 30 in place on the teeth 14. In another embodiment, additional teeth reception zones mal. be used, In a specific embodiment, a first premolar reception zone 44 suitable to recee a first premolar tooth 22 that is juxtaposed to the first canine tooth 20 and a second premolar :a neption zone 48 suitable to receive a second premolar tooth 22 that is juxtaposed to the secer d canine tooth 20 may be used.
[0052] With reference now to FIGURES 2-8, the portic a of the top 38 of the body 32 that defines the incisor reception zone 40 may have a first thicke ss TI ; the portion of the top 38 of the body 32 that defines the first canine reception zone 42 nay heve a second thickness T2; and, the portion of the top 38 of the body 32 that defines thi! !,econt.
canine reception zone Page 11 of 22 may have a third thickness T3. In one embodiment, the seconc . thickness T2 and the third thickness T3 are significantly greater than the first thickness 1:' In this way, the canine reception zones 42,44 extend vertically higher than the remaining paitions of the dental appliance 30 and only the canine reception zones 42,44 are to d to slightly open the vertical dimension of maximum intercuspation. In one embodiment, th e first thickness Ti is between 0.25 millimeters and 0.75 millimeters inclusively and the sem, ii and third thicknesses T2, T3 are between 0.75 millimeters and 1.5 millimeters inclusively. a one embodiment the second and third thicknesses T2, T3 are substantially the same. The rtions Df the top 38 of the body 32 that define the first and second premolar reception zones 40,i, 48 ME y each have a fourth thickness T4. The fourth thickness T4 may be significantly lea than the second and third thicknesses T2 and T3. In one embodiment, the fourth thicknes5 T4 is between 0.25 millimeters and 0.75 millimeters inclusively. In one embodiment the first U ickneAs T1 and the fourth thickness T4 are substantially the same. In one embodiment, tit entire dental appliance 30 has the first thickness Ti (thus T4 equals Ti) except the second arid third thicknesses T2, T3.
[0053] With reference now to FIGURES 1-4, the deriW I appliance 30 may be formed of any material and in any manner chosen with the sound judgiri ent of it person of skill in the art. In one embodiment, the portions of the top 38 of the body :3 2. that define the first and second canine reception zones 42,44 are elastic. In this way, 'it :en opposing canines 20, 20 (one from the upper jaw 12 and the other from the lower jaw 16; contaiTt each other, the impact is a soft "no end point" relationship. The effect is one of a disci: ncerthig effect on muscle habits in the patient. This is opposed to known hard surface (non-elasit ,c) occlusal guards which permit the patient's musculature to become continuously famill r with the occlusal guard surface interface and do nothing more than interface between ep'...aDsing teeth. When the canine reception zones 4244 are elastic, however, the muscle memory is intempted and bruxism activity is subdued. In one embodiment, the canine reception v) ".leS 42, 44 are formed of a relatively soft plastic. In one specific embodiment, the canine i i:eption zones 42,44 are formed of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). In yet another embodii: :era, die entire dental appliance is formed of EVA.
Page 12 of 22 (0054) With reference now to FIGURES 1-8, in one inbodiment, the dental appliance 30 is fitted to the teeth 14 of the upper jaw 12. In another embo llimere, the dental appliance 30 is fitted to the teeth 14 of the lower jaw 16. Fitting the dental appi iance 20 to the teeth 14 of the lower jaw 16 has the advantage of using gravity to help maintait the dental appliance 30 in place. Another advantage of fitting the dental appliance 30 tollh r: teeth 14 of the lower jay 16 is that the proprioception of the lower jaw 16 canines 20 differ front that of the upper jaw 12 canines 20 - primarily because of the mobile nature of the mend i Pie rel Itive to the stationary position of the maxilla. The front wait 34 of the dental appliano 30 may have a height Hi and the back wall 36 may have a height 1-12. In one embodiment, the heights Hi, H2 are sufficient to cover the teeth 14 but no more. In another embodiment, shown, the heights H1, H2 are sufficient to cover the teeth 14 and to at least partially cover the dental die olus 50 from which the teeth 14 extend (this can be seen by observing the portion of the dental vi; pliance 30 that extends below the various tooth reception zones 40, 42, 44, 46, 48). The portiei is of the first and second canine reception zones 42,44 that have the second and third thickness 'lt i, T3, respectively, may be sized and shaped in any manner chosen with the sound judgmer t of a person of skill in the art.
In one embodiment, the portion of the first canine reception zone 42 that has the second thickness T2 may extend, as shown, entirely across the width WI of the first canine reception zone 42 and a distance D1 of at least 3.0 millimeters down the fie irit wall $4 and a distance D2 of at least 3.0 millimeters down the back wall 36. Similarly, the pm lion of the second canine reception zone 44 that has the third thickness T3 may extend, as hown, entirely across the width W2 of the second canine reception zone 44 and a distance 1)3 of It least 3.0 millimeters down the front wall 34 and a distance 1)4 of at least 3.0 millimeters deo n the hack wall 36. In another embodiment, the distances Di, D2, 1)3 and 1)4 are about 5.0 milli meters.
[00551 With reference now to FIGURES 2-3 and 10-1:ll in =ether embodiment a dental appliance 60 that may be used to treat bruxism may be sib Jar to the previously described dental appliance 30. However, for this embodiment a middle pal ion of the front wall 34 is removed. In this way, one or more of the incisor teeth 18 (four sh awn) re not covered by the Page 13 of 22 dental appliance 60 and thus may be visible even when the dent tr.l appliance 60 is being worn, This may make it easier for the patient to wear the dental applia ace 60 during the day. In yet another embodiment, not shown, a middle portion of the back lc all 36 is removed.
[00561 With reference now to FIGURES 2-3 and 13-14, in re another embodiment a dental appliance 70 that may be used to treat bruxisrn may be ell nilar to the previously described dental appliance 30. However, for this embodiment the dental a ppliance 70 has two separate parts or sections 72, 74. For the specific embodiment shown, E!2 r.th sea ion 72, 74 covers one canine 20 and one neighboring premolar 22. In another specifi e embodiment, now shown, each section 72, 74 covers one canine 20 and one neighboring incisce 18. h. yet another specific embodiment, not shown, each section 72,74 covers one canine 0, one neighboring premolar 22, and one neighboring incisor 18 (three teeth total). In still anothe r.
specific embodiment, not shown, each section 72,74 covers only one canine 20.
(0057) With reference now to all the FIGURES, the f rication and use of the dental appliance 30,60, '70 will now be described. First, it may be dete :mind. that the patient has bmxism. This determination may, of course, be made by a denial practitioner.
However, a co-diagnoses (with the patient) is beneficial as the patient is then n: e likely to accept the required treatment. In one specific embodiment, a reflective surface such, as a mirror may be used to show the patient the wear status of the patent's teeth. The most t lwiout, worn enamel (usually on one or more front teeth) is easily seen by the patient forming a'1; uzzle picture" for the patient.
This wear status may be shown to the patient on a monitor and e :iicture may be taken of the wear status, such as by a digital camera. The patient may then t, shown an example dental appliance to allay any fears of wearing the dental appliance 30, 70.
The dental practitioner may also explain the benefits of using the dental appliance 30, 61) , 70 ineluding muscle relaxation verses muscle tension, daytime mindfulness exercises itsing the dental appliance 30, 60, 70, reduction in cracked teeth and the fact that all dental wor14 will lest longer when protected from the forces of bruxism. Once the patient decides that the den :al appliance 30,60, 70 will be beneficial, the dental practitioner can then fabricate it. To do thiit, the dental practitioner may Page 14 of 22 first determine the required thicknesses for the dental appliance 30, 60, 70 using the puzzle picture. Next, the dental practitioner may make a relatively stm ill impression of the anterior quadrant of the patient's teeth with an alginate material. A mei: el, such as model 52 shown in FIGURE 9, is then made from the impression. The dental appli mce 30, 60, 70 may then be vacuum formed, trimmed, and then delivered to the patient, Citilfm nude, immediately. It can be formed of any thickness and in any color or combination of elors chosen with the sound judgment of a person of skill in the art.
[0058] With continuing reference to all the FIGURE: once he dental appliance 30, 60,70 is made and delivered, the patent then wears it. The denii appliance 30, 60, 70 is held in place via a hydra-seal, similar to have dentures remain in place The patent may wear the dental appliance 30,60, 70 during sleep time to protect the patient fro.: . damw caused by bruxisrn.
The patient may also wear the dental appliance 30, 60, 70 duriel wake time to create awareness in the patient of any bruxism related habits. Applicant has disci: rered that for many patients, wearing the dental appliance 30, 60, 70 at night may be more in: mrtant than wearing it during sleep time. As noted above, wearing the dental appliance 30, 6:i 70 wit disconcert muscle memory in the patient and thus will help train the patient's mus,:: es not to grind and the like.
Wearing the dental appliance 30, 60, 70 will help in providing re lef for the patient from: head, neck, and shoulder muscular tension and the potentially associaic d sleep apnea, headaches, .. migraine triggers, neckaches, and shoulder aches. Applicant ha discovered that for some patients wearing the dental appliance 30, 60, 70 works effective!: r in rec u.cing or eliminating snoring. Wearing the dental appliance 30, 60,70 will also help n iinimiri:e dental pain, tooth thermal and tactile sensitivity, enamel abfractions and abrasions. These signs and symptoms can be treated during the day when they arise from conscious, habitu .I, parafunctional clenching, grinding, gnashing and bracing of one's teeth. In this case, the clE ;nal appliance 30, 60,70 provides mindfulness for the patient which is a therapeutic apprii (ch to help attenuate the daytime tension and conscious clenching. The same signs and s !P -aptorns can also be treated at night when they arise from similar but unconscious activities. NV iarhig he dental appliance 30, Page 15 of 22 60, 70 also may protect the patient's teeth from germs and the fi e theveby protecting the teeth from tooth decay.
[00591 Numerous embodiments have been described. ereintibove. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above methods and apparatus i;:; may incorporate changes and modifications without departing from the general scope of this h is/emit n. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations in so far as they come will in the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.
Having thus described the invention, it is now claimed:
Claims (20)
1. A dental appliance comprising:
a body comprising a front wall, a back wall, and a top connecting the front wall to the back wall, the body defining:
four incisor reception zones suitable to receive four juxtaposed associated incisor teeth on a lower jaw;
a first canine reception zone suitable to receive a first associated canine tooth that is juxtaposed to a first end of the incisor teeth;
a second canine reception zone suitable to receive a second associated canine tooth that is juxtaposed to a second end of the associated incisor teeth;
wherein the portion of the top of the body that defines the four incisor reception zones has a first thickness T1;
wherein the portion of the top of the body that defines the first canine reception zone is elastic and has a second thickness T2;
wherein the portion of the top of the body that defines the second canine reception zone is elastic and has a third thickness T3; and, wherein the second thickness T2 and the third thickness T3 are significantly greater than the first thickness T1.
a body comprising a front wall, a back wall, and a top connecting the front wall to the back wall, the body defining:
four incisor reception zones suitable to receive four juxtaposed associated incisor teeth on a lower jaw;
a first canine reception zone suitable to receive a first associated canine tooth that is juxtaposed to a first end of the incisor teeth;
a second canine reception zone suitable to receive a second associated canine tooth that is juxtaposed to a second end of the associated incisor teeth;
wherein the portion of the top of the body that defines the four incisor reception zones has a first thickness T1;
wherein the portion of the top of the body that defines the first canine reception zone is elastic and has a second thickness T2;
wherein the portion of the top of the body that defines the second canine reception zone is elastic and has a third thickness T3; and, wherein the second thickness T2 and the third thickness T3 are significantly greater than the first thickness T1.
2. The dental appliance of claim 1 wherein the second thickness T2 is substantially the same as the third thickness T3.
3. The dental appliance of claim 2 wherein the from and back walls are high enough to completely cover the four associated incisor teeth and the first and second associated canine teeth and to partially cover associated dental alveolus from which the associated four incisor teeth and the associated first and second canine teeth extend.
Page 17 of 22
Page 17 of 22
4. The dental appliance of claim 3 wherein the body is formed of ethylene vinyl acetate.
5. The dental appliance of claim 4 wherein the body defines:
a first premolar reception zone suitable to receive a first associated premolar tooth that is juxtaposed to the first associated canine tooth;
a second premolar reception zone suitable to receive a second associated premolar tooth that is juxtaposed to the second associated canine tooth; and, wherein the portions of the top of the body that define the first and second premolar reception zones each have a fourth thickness T4 that is significantly less than the second and third thicknesses T2 and T3.
a first premolar reception zone suitable to receive a first associated premolar tooth that is juxtaposed to the first associated canine tooth;
a second premolar reception zone suitable to receive a second associated premolar tooth that is juxtaposed to the second associated canine tooth; and, wherein the portions of the top of the body that define the first and second premolar reception zones each have a fourth thickness T4 that is significantly less than the second and third thicknesses T2 and T3.
6. The dental appliance of claim 1 wherein the front wall does not cover at least one of the associated incisor teeth.
7. A dental appliance comprising:
a body comprising a front wall, a back wall, and a top col meeting the front wall to the back wall, the body defining:
an incisor reception zone suitable to receive a plurality of juxtaposed associated incisor teeth;
a first canine reception zone suitable to receive a first associated canine tooth that is juxtaposed to a first end of the incisor teeth;
a second canine reception zone suitable to receive a second associated canine tooth that is juxtaposed to a second end of the associated incisor teeth;
wherein the portion of the top of the body that defines the incisor reception zone has a first thickness T1;
wherein the portion of the top of the body that defines the first canine reception zone has a second thickness T2;
Page 18 of 22 wherein the portion of the top of the body that defines the second canine reception zone has a third thickness T3; and, wherein the second thickness T2 and the third thickness T3 are significantly greater than the first thickness T1.
a body comprising a front wall, a back wall, and a top col meeting the front wall to the back wall, the body defining:
an incisor reception zone suitable to receive a plurality of juxtaposed associated incisor teeth;
a first canine reception zone suitable to receive a first associated canine tooth that is juxtaposed to a first end of the incisor teeth;
a second canine reception zone suitable to receive a second associated canine tooth that is juxtaposed to a second end of the associated incisor teeth;
wherein the portion of the top of the body that defines the incisor reception zone has a first thickness T1;
wherein the portion of the top of the body that defines the first canine reception zone has a second thickness T2;
Page 18 of 22 wherein the portion of the top of the body that defines the second canine reception zone has a third thickness T3; and, wherein the second thickness T2 and the third thickness T3 are significantly greater than the first thickness T1.
8. The dental appliance of claim 7 wherein the body defines:
a first premolar reception zone suitable to receive a first associated premolar tooth that is juxtaposed to the first associated canine tooth;
a second premolar reception zone suitable to receive a second associated premolar tooth that is juxtaposed to the second associated canine tooth; and, wherein the portions of the top of the body that define the first and second premolar reception zones each have a fourth thickness T4 that is significantly less than the second and third thicknesses T2 and T3.
a first premolar reception zone suitable to receive a first associated premolar tooth that is juxtaposed to the first associated canine tooth;
a second premolar reception zone suitable to receive a second associated premolar tooth that is juxtaposed to the second associated canine tooth; and, wherein the portions of the top of the body that define the first and second premolar reception zones each have a fourth thickness T4 that is significantly less than the second and third thicknesses T2 and T3.
9. The dental appliance of claim 7 wherein the incisor reception zone is suitable to receive the plurality of juxtaposed associated incisor teeth on associated lower jaw.
10. The dental appliance of claim 7 wherein:
the portion of the top of the body that defines the first canine reception zone is elastic;
and, the portion of the top of the body that defines the second canine reception zone is elastic.
the portion of the top of the body that defines the first canine reception zone is elastic;
and, the portion of the top of the body that defines the second canine reception zone is elastic.
11. The dental appliance of claim 7 wherein the body is formed of ethylene vinyl acetate.
12. The dental appliance of claim 7 wherein the second and third thicknesses T2 and T3 are not greater than 1.5 millimeters.
Page 19 of 22
Page 19 of 22
13. The dental appliance of claim 7 wherein the from and back walls are high enough to completely cover the four associated incisor teeth and the first and second associated canine teeth and to partially cover associated dental alveolus from which the associated four incisor teeth and the associated first and second canine teeth extend.
14. The dental appliance of claim 7 wherein:
the portion of the first canine reception zone that has the second thickness T2 extends: (1) entirely across the width of the first canine reception zone; (2) at least 3.0 millimeters down the front wall; and, (3) at least 3.0 millimeters down the back wall; and, the portion of the second canine reception zone that has the third thickness T3 extends:
(1) entirely across the width of the second canine reception zone (2) at least 3.0 millimeters down the front wall; and, (3) at least 3.0 millimeters down the back wall.
the portion of the first canine reception zone that has the second thickness T2 extends: (1) entirely across the width of the first canine reception zone; (2) at least 3.0 millimeters down the front wall; and, (3) at least 3.0 millimeters down the back wall; and, the portion of the second canine reception zone that has the third thickness T3 extends:
(1) entirely across the width of the second canine reception zone (2) at least 3.0 millimeters down the front wall; and, (3) at least 3.0 millimeters down the back wall.
15. A method comprising the steps of:
(A) providing a patient having: a plurality of juxtaposed incisor teeth; a first canine tooth juxtaposed to a first end of the plurality of incisor teeth; and, a second canine tooth juxtaposed to a second end of the plurality of incisor teeth;
(B) determining that the patient has bruxism;
(C) fabricating a dental appliance for the patient to treat the bruxism, the dental appliance comprising: a body comprising a front wall, a back wall, and a top connecting the front wall to the back wall, the body defining: an incisor reception zone suitable to receive the plurality of juxtaposed incisor teeth; a first canine reception zone suitable to receive the first canine tooth; a second canine reception zone suitable to receive the second canine tooth;
wherein the portion of the top of the body that defines the incisor reception zone has a first thickness T1; wherein the portion of the top of the body that defines the first canine reception zone has a second thickness T2; wherein the portion of the top of the body that defines the second canine reception zone has a third thickness T3; and, wherein T2 and T3 are significantly greater than T1;
(D) wearing the dental appliance on the incisor teeth and the first and second canine teeth to treat the bruxism.
Page 20 of 22
(A) providing a patient having: a plurality of juxtaposed incisor teeth; a first canine tooth juxtaposed to a first end of the plurality of incisor teeth; and, a second canine tooth juxtaposed to a second end of the plurality of incisor teeth;
(B) determining that the patient has bruxism;
(C) fabricating a dental appliance for the patient to treat the bruxism, the dental appliance comprising: a body comprising a front wall, a back wall, and a top connecting the front wall to the back wall, the body defining: an incisor reception zone suitable to receive the plurality of juxtaposed incisor teeth; a first canine reception zone suitable to receive the first canine tooth; a second canine reception zone suitable to receive the second canine tooth;
wherein the portion of the top of the body that defines the incisor reception zone has a first thickness T1; wherein the portion of the top of the body that defines the first canine reception zone has a second thickness T2; wherein the portion of the top of the body that defines the second canine reception zone has a third thickness T3; and, wherein T2 and T3 are significantly greater than T1;
(D) wearing the dental appliance on the incisor teeth and the first and second canine teeth to treat the bruxism.
Page 20 of 22
16. The method of claim 15 wherein:
step (A) comprises the step of: providing the patient with (1) an upper jaw with upper teeth comprising: a plurality of juxtaposed incisor teeth; a first canine tooth juxtaposed to a first end of the plurality of incisor teeth; and, a second canine tooth juxtaposed to a second end of the plurality of incisor teeth; and, (2) a lower jaw with lower teeth comprising:
the plurality of juxtaposed incisor teeth; the first canine tooth and the second canine tooth;
step (C) comprises the step of: fabricating the dental appliance wherein the portion of the top of the body that defines the first canine reception zone is elastic and wherein the portion of the top of the body that defines the second canine reception zone is elastic;
and, step (D) comprises the step of: wearing the dental appliance on the incisor teeth and the first and second canine teeth of the lower jaw.
step (A) comprises the step of: providing the patient with (1) an upper jaw with upper teeth comprising: a plurality of juxtaposed incisor teeth; a first canine tooth juxtaposed to a first end of the plurality of incisor teeth; and, a second canine tooth juxtaposed to a second end of the plurality of incisor teeth; and, (2) a lower jaw with lower teeth comprising:
the plurality of juxtaposed incisor teeth; the first canine tooth and the second canine tooth;
step (C) comprises the step of: fabricating the dental appliance wherein the portion of the top of the body that defines the first canine reception zone is elastic and wherein the portion of the top of the body that defines the second canine reception zone is elastic;
and, step (D) comprises the step of: wearing the dental appliance on the incisor teeth and the first and second canine teeth of the lower jaw.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein step (C) comprises is the steps of:
making an impression of the incisor teeth and the first and second canine teeth with an alginate material;
making a model of the incisor teeth and the first and second canine teeth from the impression; and, fabricating the dental appliance of a relatively soft plastic from the model.
making an impression of the incisor teeth and the first and second canine teeth with an alginate material;
making a model of the incisor teeth and the first and second canine teeth from the impression; and, fabricating the dental appliance of a relatively soft plastic from the model.
18. The method of claim 16 wherein step (D) comprises is the steps of:
wearing the dental appliance during sleep time to protect the patient from damage caused by bruxism; and, wearing the dental appliance during wake time to create an awareness in the patient of any bruxism related habits.
wearing the dental appliance during sleep time to protect the patient from damage caused by bruxism; and, wearing the dental appliance during wake time to create an awareness in the patient of any bruxism related habits.
19. The method of claim 16 wherein step (B) comprises the steps of:
using a dental practitioner to determine that the patient has bruxism;
Page 21 of 22 using a reflective surface to show the patient the wear status of the first and second canines of the upper jaw and the first and second canines of the lower jaw so the patient also determines that the patient has bruxism; and, taking a picture of the wear status.
using a dental practitioner to determine that the patient has bruxism;
Page 21 of 22 using a reflective surface to show the patient the wear status of the first and second canines of the upper jaw and the first and second canines of the lower jaw so the patient also determines that the patient has bruxism; and, taking a picture of the wear status.
20. The method of claim 16 wherein step (D) comprises the step of:
disconcerting muscle memory in the patient.
disconcerting muscle memory in the patient.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3021785A CA3021785A1 (en) | 2018-10-24 | 2018-10-24 | Dental appliance |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3021785A CA3021785A1 (en) | 2018-10-24 | 2018-10-24 | Dental appliance |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA3021785A1 true CA3021785A1 (en) | 2020-04-24 |
Family
ID=70329721
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3021785A Abandoned CA3021785A1 (en) | 2018-10-24 | 2018-10-24 | Dental appliance |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA3021785A1 (en) |
-
2018
- 2018-10-24 CA CA3021785A patent/CA3021785A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20201026 |