U.S. patent application number 13/962150 was filed with the patent office on 2015-02-12 for stabilizing mouthpiece with lateral shift guards.
This patent application is currently assigned to Safe-T-Gard Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Gretta Hawkins, Safe-T-Gard Corporation. Invention is credited to Sheila L. Gottsch, Victor J. Hawkins.
Application Number | 20150040915 13/962150 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52447524 |
Filed Date | 2015-02-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150040915 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gottsch; Sheila L. ; et
al. |
February 12, 2015 |
STABILIZING MOUTHPIECE WITH LATERAL SHIFT GUARDS
Abstract
A stabilizing mouthpiece includes features that reduce or
prevent displacement of the mouthpiece either laterally or forward
and backward when the mouthpiece is in use. In one implementation,
the stabilizing mouthpiece may include one or more lateral shift
guards that rest adjacent to inner or outer surfaces of a user's
molars, incisors, or cuspids. In another implementation, the
stabilizing mouthpiece may include elongated ridges or biased grips
that resist posterior-to-anterior movement of the mouthpiece.
Inventors: |
Gottsch; Sheila L.;
(Lakewood, CO) ; Hawkins; Victor J.; (Castle Rock,
CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hawkins; Gretta
Safe-T-Gard Corporation |
Castle Rock
Lakewood |
CO
CO |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Safe-T-Gard Corporation
Lakewood
CO
|
Family ID: |
52447524 |
Appl. No.: |
13/962150 |
Filed: |
August 8, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13961750 |
Aug 7, 2013 |
|
|
|
13962150 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
128/861 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 5/56 20130101; A63B
71/085 20130101; A61C 7/08 20130101; A61F 5/566 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
128/861 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/08 20060101
A63B071/08 |
Claims
1. A mouthpiece comprising: a u-shaped baseplate; at least one
lateral shift guard protruding from an edge of the u-shaped
baseplate proximal to an end of the u-shaped baseplate, the lateral
shift guard having a total longitudinal length that is less that a
distance between a most anterior point and a most posterior point
on the u-shaped baseplate.
2. The mouthpiece of claim 1, wherein the at least one lateral
shift guard further comprises: an inner lateral shift guard
proximal to an end of u-shaped baseplate and protruding from an
inside edge of the u-shaped baseplate; and an outer lateral shift
guard to another end of the u-shaped baseplate and protruding from
an outside edge of the u-shaped baseplate.
3. The mouthpiece of claim 2, wherein the outer lateral shift guard
rests adjacent to the outside of a lower molar when the mouthpiece
is in use.
4. The mouthpiece of claim 2, wherein the inner lateral shift guard
rests adjacent to the inside of a lower molar when the mouthpiece
is in use.
5. The mouthpiece of claim 2, further comprising: at least one set
of grips on a surface of the u-shaped baseplate, the grips
positioned between the inner lateral shift guard and the outer
lateral shift guard.
6. The mouthpiece of claim 2, wherein the inner lateral shift guard
and the outer lateral shift guard are adjacent to opposite sides of
at least one lower molar when the mouthpiece is in use.
7. The mouthpiece of claim 1, wherein the at least one lateral
shift guard further comprises: two inner lateral shift guards
protruding from an inside edge of the u-shaped baseplate, each of
the two inner lateral shift guards proximal to an opposite end of
the u-shaped baseplate; and two outer lateral shift guards
protruding from an outside edge of the u-shaped baseplate, each of
the two outer lateral shift guards proximal to an opposite end of
the u-shaped baseplate.
8. The mouthpiece of claim 7, wherein each of the inner and outer
lateral shift guards have a total longitudinal length that is less
that a distance between a most anterior point and a most posterior
point on the u-shaped baseplate.
9. The mouthpiece of claim 2, wherein the inner and outer shift
guards are substantially orthogonal to the u-shaped baseplate.
10. The mouthpiece of claim 1, further comprising: an inner wall
and an outer wall adjacent to opposite sides of the u-shaped
baseplate, forming a u-shaped channel.
11. The mouthpiece of claim 1, wherein the u-shaped baseplate has a
u-shaped surface that is in a same plane as inner and outer edges
of the u-shaped baseplate.
12. A mouthpiece comprising: a u-shaped baseplate; two inner
lateral shift guards axially aligned with and protruding from an
inner edge of the u-shaped baseplate, each of the two inner lateral
shift guards positioned proximal to opposite ends of the u-shaped
channel; two outer lateral shift guards axially aligned with and
protruding from an outer edge of the u-shaped baseplate, each of
the two outer lateral shift guards positioned proximal to opposite
ends of the u-shaped channel.
13. The mouthpiece of claim 12, wherein each of the inner and outer
lateral shift guards has a total longitudinal length that is less
that a distance between a most anterior point and a most posterior
point on the u-shaped baseplate.
14. The mouthpiece of claim 12, further comprising: an inner wall
and an outer wall adjacent to opposite sides of the u-shaped
baseplate, forming a u-shaped channel.
15. The mouthpiece of claim 12, wherein the u-shaped baseplate has
a u-shaped surface that is in a same plane as inner and outer edges
of the u-shaped baseplate.
16. The mouthpiece of claim 14, wherein the two inner lateral shift
guards and the two outer lateral shift guards each protrude from a
surface of the base opposite the u-shaped channel.
17. A method comprising: aligning a u-shaped baseplate of a
mouthpiece with upper teeth of a user, the mouthpiece including at
least one lateral shift guard protruding from an edge of the
u-shaped baseplate and proximal to an end of the u-shaped
baseplate, the lateral shift guard having a total longitudinal
length that is less that a distance between a most anterior point
and a most posterior point on the u-shaped baseplate; biting down
on the mouthpiece to cause the lateral shift guard to rest adjacent
to a lower tooth in a user's mouth.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the at least one lateral shift
guard further comprises: an inner lateral shift guard proximal to
an end of the u-shaped baseplate and protruding from an inside edge
of the u-shaped baseplate; and an outer lateral shift guard
proximal to the end of the u-shaped baseplate and protruding from
an outside edge of the u-shaped baseplate.
19. The method of claim 17, further comprising: an inner wall and
an outer wall adjacent to opposite sides of the u-shaped baseplate,
forming a u-shaped channel.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein the u-shaped baseplate has a
u-shaped surface that is in a same plane as inner and outer edges
of the u-shaped baseplate.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is related to U.S. patent
application Ser. No. ______, entitled "Stabilizing Mouthpiece with
lower Stabilizing Ridge" and also related to U.S. patent
application Ser. No. ______, entitled "Stabilizing Mouthpiece with
Grips." Both of these applications are filed concurrently with the
present application, and are specifically incorporated by reference
for all that they disclose and teach.
BACKGROUND
[0002] To reduce or prevent injury to the teeth, lips, and gums,
athletes often wear mouth guards during contact sports. Other
individuals wear mouth guards at night to prevent nocturnal jaw
clenching or grinding of teeth. However, mouth guards protect most
effectively when firmly secured between the upper and lower teeth.
Conventional mouth guards have the tendency to slide either
laterally or forward and backward if the user relaxes his or her
bite, particularly if physical contact occurs (e.g., during a
sporting event) while the user's bite is relaxed.
SUMMARY
[0003] A stabilizing mouthpiece includes features that reduce or
prevent displacement of the mouthpiece from a secured position
within a user's mouth. According to one implementation, the
stabilizing mouthpiece includes a u-shaped baseplate and at least
one set of grips positioned on at least one surface of the u-shaped
baseplate, each set of grips proximal to an end of the u-shaped
baseplate. Each set of grips may contact molars in a user's mouth
when the mouthpiece is in use.
[0004] According to another implementation, the stabilizing
mouthpiece includes a u-shaped baseplate and at least one lateral
shift guard protruding from an edge of the u-shaped baseplate. The
lateral shift guard is proximal to an end of the u-shaped baseplate
and has a total longitudinal length that is less that a distance
between a most anterior point and a most posterior point on the
baseplate.
[0005] According to yet another implementation, the stabilizing
mouthpiece includes a u-shaped baseplate and a ridge substantially
orthogonal to the baseplate that protrudes from an inner edge of
the baseplate. The ridge curves around a center of the u-shaped
baseplate and has a total length less than a length of the u-shaped
baseplate.
[0006] This Summary is provided to introduce an election of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed
subject matter. Other features, details, utilities, and advantages
of the claimed subject matter will be apparent from the following
more particular written Detailed Description of various
implementations and implementations as further illustrated in the
accompanying drawings and defined in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a top plan view of an example stabilizing
mouthpiece.
[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates a top plan view of another example
stabilizing mouthpiece.
[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom plan view of another example
stabilizing mouthpiece.
[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates a side perspective view of another
example stabilizing mouthpiece.
[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates a front plan view of another example
stabilizing mouthpiece.
[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates a rear perspective view of another
example stabilizing mouthpiece.
[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates a side perspective view of another
example stabilizing mouthpiece.
[0014] FIG. 8 illustrates another side perspective view of another
example stabilizing mouthpiece.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The terms anterior and posterior are used herein to refer to
different areas on a mouthpiece and corresponding areas of a user's
mouth. Unless stated otherwise, the term anterior refers to a front
area of a user's mouth and the term posterior refers to a back area
of a user's mouth.
[0016] The directional terms "upward-facing", "downward-facing",
"posterior-facing", and "anterior-facing" are also used herein to
describe the direction that various surfaces of the mouthpiece face
when the mouthpiece is oriented within a user's mouth. In this
context, the term "posterior-facing" refers to a surface facing the
back of the user's mouth; "anterior-facing" refers to a surface
facing the front of a user's mouth; "upward-facing" refers to a
surface that may face the top (e.g., upper teeth) of a user's mouth
and "downward-facing" refers to a surface that may face the bottom
(e.g., tongue and lower teeth) of a user's mouth.
[0017] Although features of the implementations illustrated
disclosed herein are primarily discussed with respect to a
mouthpiece fitted for a user's upper teeth, various features
disclosed may also be useful for implementation in a stabilizing
mouthpiece for a user's lower teeth.
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of an example
stabilizing mouthpiece 100. The stabilizing mouthpiece 100 includes
a posterior portion 126 and an anterior portion 124. The posterior
portion 126 underlies or substantially underlies a user's molars
(e.g., first molars, second molars, third molars) and one or more
cuspids (e.g., cuspids, first bicuspids, second bicuspids) when the
mouthpiece is in use. The anterior portion 124 is forward of the
posterior portion 126 and underlies or substantially underlies the
users incisors (e.g., central incisor, lateral incisors) and one or
more cuspids when the mouthpiece 100 is in use.
[0019] The stabilizing mouthpiece 100 includes a central channel
102 formed by a base 114, an inner sidewall 104, and an outer
sidewall 106. The central channel 102 is sized and shaped to
receive and cradle the user's upper teeth. The central channel 102
has a width (i.e., separation between the inner sidewall 104 and
outer sidewall 106) such that the inner sidewall 104 and outer
sidewall 106 may rest adjacent to or in contact with the sides of
the user's upper teeth when the stabilizing mouthpiece 100 is in
use.
[0020] When the user's jaw relaxes, a grip between the upper and
lower teeth "loosens" and conventional mouthpieces may become
vulnerable to movement. However, the central channel 102 includes
sets of upward-facing biased grips 120 and 122 that reduce or
prevent either posterior or anterior sliding of the mouthpiece when
the user's grip is loosened. As used herein, the term grip refers
to one or more protrusions or indentations on the baseplate. The
protrusions or indentations may be a variety of sizes and shapes.
In FIG. 1, each set of the biased grips 120 and 122 includes three
inclined "steps" that slant upward away from the base 114 with
distance in the anterior direction. Consequently, the mouthpiece
100 may slide in the posterior direction more easily than the
anterior direction when the mouthpiece is gripped between the upper
and lower teeth. In another implementation, the biased grips 120
and 122 each include one or more inclined steps that slant upward
away from the base 114 with distance in the posterior direction. In
other implementations, a set of grips may include any number of
such steps (e.g., ridges), which may be biased or unbiased.
[0021] The biased grips 120 and 122 are positioned within the
posterior portion 126 within opposite ends of the u-shaped channel
102. Between the grips 120 and 122, the base 114 has a central
portion that is substantially flat along a surface 116 within the
u-shaped channel 102. When the stabilizing mouthpiece 100 is in
use, each of the stabilizing grips 120 and 122 underlies or
substantially underlies one or more of the user's top molars. In
one implementation, the biased grips 120 and 122 underlie the
rear-most top molars (e.g., the second or third top molars). In
another implementation, the biased grips underlie one or more
cuspids or incisors.
[0022] The outer sidewall 106 may have a constant or variable
height. To provide for comfort, stability, and/or ease of
insertion, the height of the outer sidewall 106 may be greater than
a height of the inner sidewall 104. In an implementation where the
height of the outer sidewall 106 is variable, the height of the
outer sidewall 106 is, at any point, greater than or equal to a
corresponding height on the inner sidewall 104. In the same or
another implementation, the height of the outer sidewall 106
increases with distance in the anterior direction along
substantially the length of the stabilizing mouthpiece 100. In one
implementation, the outer sidewall 106 has a maximum height in a
region adjacent to a user's central incisors and a minimum height
in a region adjacent to the second or third molars. The outer
sidewall 106 gradually decreases in height with distance between
the region of maximum height and the region of minimum height.
[0023] Similarly, the inner sidewall 104 may have a substantially
constant height or a variable height. In one implementation, the
height of the inner sidewall 104 is variable and decreases with
distance in the anterior direction along substantially a length of
the stabilizing mouthpiece 100 from a most posterior portion to a
most anterior portion of the inner sidewall 104.
[0024] The mouthpiece 100 also includes a cleft groove 130 within
the outer sidewall 106 that may substantially align with the user's
medial cleft (i.e., the vertical groove in the middle of the upper
lip) when the mouthpiece 100 is in use.
[0025] According to one or more implementations, features of the
stabilizing mouthpiece 100 can be molded to a user's mouth for a
customized fit. For example, the user may heat the stabilizing
mouthpiece 100 and then bite down on opposing surfaces of the base
114 to further shape the base 114 and the grips 120 and 122 that
rest against the user's teeth.
[0026] A variety of materials may be used to construct the
stabilizing mouthpiece 100 including, without limitation, foams,
rubbers, plastics, etc. In one implementation, the stabilizing
mouthpiece 100 is a dual-material structure with a harder outer
shell (e.g., adjacent to or contacting the inside of the user's
cheeks and upper lip) and a more pliable inner shell (e.g.,
adjacent to or contacting the user's upper teeth). In one such
implementation, the central channel 102 is part of the "inner
shell" and constructed of a different material than one or more
other features belonging to an outer shell.
[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of another example
stabilizing mouthpiece 200. The stabilizing mouthpiece 200 includes
a u-shaped baseplate 202 (rather than a u-shaped channel, as
illustrated in FIG. 1). The u-shaped baseplate 202 has an inner
edge 204 and an outer edge 206 that are each substantially planar
to a substantially flat surface 214. The u-shaped baseplate 202 may
rest between a user's upper and lower teeth, preventing contact
between the upper and lower teeth (e.g., preventing grinding when
the user is sleeping). The u-shaped baseplate includes
upward-facing biased grips 220 and 222 positioned within a
posterior portion of the stabilizing mouthpiece 200 and on opposite
ends of the u-shaped baseplate. Between the grips 220 and 222, the
u-shaped base 202 is substantially flat along the surface 214. When
the stabilizing mouthpiece 200 is in use, each of the stabilizing
grips 220 and 222 underlies or substantially underlies one or more
of the user's top molars. In one implementation, the biased grips
220 and 222 underlie the rear-most top molars (e.g., the second or
third top molars). In another implementation, the biased grips
underlie one or more cuspids or incisors. Other features of the
stabilizing mouthpiece 200 with the u-shaped baseplate 202 may be
the same or similar to FIG. 1 or to other implementations disclosed
herein.
[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom perspective view of another
example stabilizing mouthpiece 300. A downward-facing u-shaped
baseplate 316 rests adjacent to or in contact with a user's lower
teeth when the stabilizing mouthpiece 300 is in use. An opposite
surface of the mouthpiece (not shown) cradles and/or rests adjacent
to the user's upper teeth.
[0029] The downward-facing u-shaped baseplate 316 includes biased
grips 320 and 322, which function to reduce forward and backward
(i.e., anterior and posterior) sliding of the stabilizing
mouthpiece 300 while the mouthpiece 300 positioned is within the
user's mouth. In particular, the grips 320 and 322 illustrated in
FIG. 3 extend away from the downward-facing u-shaped baseplate 316
and slant toward the front of a user's mouth to reduce
posterior-to-anterior sliding of the stabilizing mouthpiece 300. In
another implementation, the grips 320 and 322 slant in another
direction (e.g., toward the back of the user's mouth). In yet
another implementation, the grips 320 and 322 are textured areas
that do not "slant" but still provide a gripable surface to reduce
movement of the mouthpiece in the anterior and/or posterior
directions.
[0030] The biased grips 320 and 322 are positioned on opposite ends
the downward-facing u-shaped baseplate 316 so as to each
substantially overlie one or more of a user's bottom molars. In one
implementation, the biased grips 320 and 322 substantially overlie
the rear-most bottom molars (e.g., the second or third bottom
molars).
[0031] In this or another implementation, the stabilizing
mouthpiece 300 has opposing biased grips (not shown) on an
upward-facing surface of the u-shaped baseplate 316. The opposing
biased grips are axially aligned with the biased grips 320 and 322.
Specifically, the opposing grips may be adjacent to or in contact
with the user's top molars while the grips 320 and 322 are adjacent
to or in contact with the user's bottom molars. The opposing biased
grips may be biased in the same or substantially the same direction
as the biased grips 320 and 322. In one implementation, one or more
of the opposing grips and/or biased grips 320 and 322 can be molded
to uniquely fit a user's bite. For example, the user may heat the
stabilizing mouthpiece 300, position the stabilizing mouthpiece 300
within his or her mouth, and bite down on the stabilizing
mouthpiece 300 to further mold opposing surfaces of the
downward-facing u-shaped baseplate 316, the opposing grips, and the
biased grips 320 and 322.
[0032] In addition to the biased grips 320 and 322, the stabilizing
mouthpiece 300 further includes two pairs of lateral shift guards,
each pair including an inner lateral shift guard (e.g., inner
lateral shift guards 336 and 338) and an outer lateral shift guard
(e.g., outer lateral shift guards 334 and 340). Each of the inner
lateral shift guards 336 and 338 is positioned along an inner edge
of the downward-facing u-shaped baseplate 316. Each of the outer
lateral shift guards 334 and 340 is positioned along an outer edge
of the downward facing u-shaped baseplate 316, opposite a
corresponding inner lateral shift guard. When the mouthpiece 300 is
in use, one or more of the user's lower molars may rest between
each pair of lateral shift guards (e.g., a pair of lateral shift
guards 334 and 336), substantially reducing or preventing lateral
movement of the mouthpiece 300 within the user's mouth.
[0033] The stabilizing mouthpiece 300 further includes a bottom
ridge 342 (i.e., a lower stabilizing ridge) substantially
orthogonal to the downward-facing u-shaped baseplate 316, which
protrudes toward the user's bottom teeth when the stabilizing
mouthpiece 300 is in use. The bottom ridge 342 spans a distance
along the center of an inner edge of the u-shaped baseplate 316,
proximal to the user's upper front teeth. In operation, an anterior
facing surface 318 of the bottom ridge 342 may rest adjacent to or
in contact with the inside of the user's lower front teeth (e.g.,
central and lateral incisors) to further reduce or prevent
posterior-to-anterior movement of the stabilizing mouthpiece
300.
[0034] The stabilizing mouthpiece 300 is a dual-shell structure
having an outer shell 330 and an inner shell visible through a
number of openings (e.g., an opening 332) in the outer shell 330.
In one implementation the outer shell 330 is made from a first,
rigid material, while the inner shell (e.g., the inner shell
visible through the opening 332) is made from a second, more
pliable material. Although the openings in the outer shell 330 are
shown to be substantially square or rectangular, a variety of
shapes are contemplated.
[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates a side perspective view of another
example stabilizing mouthpiece 400. The stabilizing mouthpiece 400
includes a posterior portion 426 and an anterior portion 424. The
posterior portion 426 underlies or substantially underlies one or
more of a user's top molars and top cuspids (e.g., cuspids, first
bicuspids, second bicuspids), and the anterior portion 424
underlies or substantially underlies the user's top incisors (e.g.,
central incisor, lateral incisors) and one or more top cuspids. The
stabilizing mouthpiece 400 includes a base (not shown) that
connects an inner sidewall 404 to an outer sidewall 406, forming a
u-shaped channel (not shown). The u-shaped channel is sized to
substantially align with a user's jawline and shaped to receive and
cradle a user's upper teeth.
[0036] In another implementation, the stabilizing mouthpiece 400
does not include the u-shaped channel. Rather, the stabilizing
mouthpiece 400 includes a u-shaped baseplate without inner and
outer sidewalls. While such an implementation may not protect the
front of a user's teeth from contact (e.g., a hit during a contact
sporting event), such implementation may be worn, for example,
while the user sleeps to prevent grinding of the upper and lower
teeth.
[0037] In FIG. 4, the outer sidewall 406 gradually increases in
height with distance in the anterior direction between a most
posterior point on the outer sidewall 406 and a most anterior point
on the outer sidewall 406. Thus, the height of the outer sidewall
406 is at a minimum in a region proximal to the rear-most molar and
at a maximum in a region proximal to the user's central incisors
(i.e., two front teeth). The height of the outer sidewall 406 may
vary according to design criteria (e.g., according to the size of a
user's mouth). However, in one implementation the outer sidewall
406 has a variable height that gradually increases from about 2 to
about 5 millimeters between the most posterior point of the outer
sidewall 406 and the most anterior point of the outer sidewall 406.
The inner sidewall 404 may have a height that is substantially
consistent or variable. In one implementation, the inner sidewall
404 increases in height with distance in the anterior direction
between a most posterior point and a most anterior point of the
inner sidewall 404. In one such implementation, the height of the
inner sidewall 404 ranges between about 1 and about 3
millimeters.
[0038] The mouthpiece 400 is a dual-shell structure with an outer
shell 430 made from a first, rigid material and an inner shell 442
made from a second, more pliable material. The outer shell 430 has
a number of openings (e.g., an openings 432) through which the
inner shell 442 is visible. The inner shell 442 nests snugly within
the outer shell 430 and may be attached to the outer shell 440 in a
variety of ways (e.g., adhesives, injection molding, etc.).
[0039] Additionally, the stabilizing mouthpiece 400 includes at
least two lateral shift guards (e.g., a lateral shift guard 440)
that extend away from a downward-facing u-shaped baseplate 416 of
the mouthpiece and toward the user's lower teeth. The lateral shift
guards may be positioned along the outer edge of the
downward-facing u-shaped baseplate 416 (e.g., axially aligned with
the outer sidewall 406), such as the lateral shift guard 440, or
positioned along an inner edge (not shown) of the downward-facing
u-shaped baseplate 416 (e.g., axially aligned with the inner
sidewall 404).
[0040] FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of another
example stabilizing mouthpiece 500. The stabilizing mouthpiece 500
includes a cleft groove 530, which may substantially align with a
user's medial cleft when the stabilizing mouthpiece 500 is in use.
Additionally, the stabilizing mouthpiece 500 includes two pairs of
lateral shift guards (e.g., a first pair 534 and 536 and a second
pair 538 and 540), which reduce or prevent lateral movement of the
stabilizing mouthpiece 500. Inner lateral shift guards 536 and 538
are each positioned along an inner edge of a downward-facing
u-shaped baseplate 516 (e.g., axially aligned with a inner sidewall
(not shown)) so as to rest adjacent to or in contact with an inside
surface of one or more of the user's lower molars. Similarly, each
of the outer lateral shift guards 534 and 540 are positioned
opposite a corresponding inner lateral shift guard and along an
outer edge of the downward-facing u-shaped surface 516 (e.g.,
axially aligned with an outer sidewall 506) so as to rest adjacent
to or in contact with an outside surface of one or more of a user's
lower molars.
[0041] In some implementations, one or more lateral shift guards or
pairs of lateral shift guards are positioned adjacent to teeth that
are not molars (e.g., cuspids or incisors). The mouthpiece 500 may
include one or more outer lateral guards without a corresponding
inner lateral guard or one or more inner lateral guards without a
corresponding outer lateral guard.
[0042] The height of the inner and outer lateral guards may be
variable or constant. In one implementation, the height of the
lateral shift guards is variable and ranges from a minimum height
of about 2 millimeters to a maximum height of about 5 millimeters.
In the same or another implementation, the height of the lateral
shift guards increases with distance in the posterior-to-anterior
direction. In one implementation, the outer lateral guards 534 and
540 have a maximum height that is the same or different from a
maximum height of the inner lateral guards 536 and 538.
[0043] The length of the lateral shift guards may vary depending on
design criteria. However, in one implementation the lateral shift
guards are between 1.5 and 2 cm long. The u-shaped baseplate is may
be about 9-10 cm long when measured along an inner edge and about
13-14 cm long when measured along an outer edge.
[0044] FIG. 6 illustrates a rear perspective view of another
example stabilizing mouthpiece 600. The stabilizing mouthpiece 600
includes a u-shaped baseplate 614 that connects an inner sidewall
604 to an outer sidewall 606, forming a u-shaped channel 602. The
u-shaped channel 602 is sized to substantially align with a user's
jawline and shaped to receive and cradle a user's upper teeth.
[0045] The stabilizing mouthpiece 600 includes an inner shell 642
and an outer shell 630. In one implementation, the inner shell 642
is made of a first, pliable material and the outer shell 630 is
made of a second, more ridged material. In another implementation,
the inner shell 642 and outer shell 630 are made of an identical
material. In yet another implementation, the inner shell 642 and
the outer shell 630 are made of different materials that have
substantially similar hardness values. The outer shell 630 may wrap
around some or all of an anterior-facing surface (not shown) of the
outer sidewall 606. When the stabilizing mouthpiece 600 is in use,
a user's upper teeth may rest within the stabilizing mouthpiece 600
and adjacent to or in contact with the inner shell 642. The outer
shell 630 may rest adjacent to or in contact with a user's lower
teeth.
[0046] The stabilizing mouthpiece 600 further includes a bottom
ridge 642 that extends along an inner edge of downward-facing
u-shaped baseplate 616 of the stabilizing mouthpiece 600 and toward
a user's bottom teeth. A posterior-facing surface of the bottom
ridge 642 is flush (e.g., substantially smooth, aligned with) the
inner sidewall 604. An anterior-facing surface (not shown) of the
bottom ridge 642 may rest adjacent to or in contact with an inside
(posterior-facing) surface of the user's lower front teeth to
inhibit or prevent forward movement of the stabilizing mouthpiece
600 out of the user's mouth. The dimensions of the lower ridge 642
may vary; however, in one implementation, the lower ridge 642 has a
height (e.g., distance in a direction orthogonal to the base 614)
of approximately 1 to 2 mm and a longitudinal length of
approximately 2.5 to 3.5 cm). The inner wall 604 has a total length
of between about 9 and 10 cm. In one implementation, the center of
the ridge is adjacent to a most anterior point of the inner wall.
In another implementation, the center of the ridge is adjacent to a
most anterior point on an inner edge of the u-shaped baseplate.
[0047] The stabilizing mouthpiece 600 includes two pairs of lateral
shift guards which each include an inner lateral shift guard (e.g.,
inner lateral shift guards 636 and 638) and a corresponding outer
lateral shift guard (e.g., outer lateral shift guards 634 and 640,
respectively). The inner lateral shift guards 636 and 638 are each
positioned along an inner edge of the surface 616 (e.g., axially
aligned with the inner sidewall 604) so as to rest adjacent to or
in contact with an inside surface of one or more of the user's
lower molars. Similarly, each of the outer lateral shift guards 634
and 640 are positioned opposite the corresponding inner lateral
shift guard and along an outer edge of the surface 616 (e.g.,
axially aligned with the outer sidewall 606) so as to rest adjacent
to or in contact with an outside surface of one or more of a user's
lower molars.
[0048] Biased grips 620 and 622 are included within either end of
the central channel 602. The biased grips 620 and 622 are ridges
that slant upward, away from the base 614 with distance in the
posterior-to-anterior.
[0049] In one implementation, the stabilizing mouthpiece 600 does
not include the inner sidewall 604 and outer sidewall 606;
therefore, there is no u-shaped channel 602. Rather, there is a
u-shaped baseplate (not shown) in place of the u-shaped channel
602. In such an implementation, other features of FIG. 6 (e.g., the
biased grips 620 and/or 622, the bottom ridge 642, the lateral
shift guards 636, 634 638, and/or 640) may be included in any
combination.
[0050] FIG. 7 illustrates a side perspective view of another
example stabilizing mouthpiece 700. The stabilizing mouthpiece 700
includes a base 714 that connects an inner sidewall 704 to an outer
sidewall 706, forming a u-shaped channel 702. The u-shaped channel
702 is sized to substantially align with a user's jawline and
shaped to receive and cradle a user's upper teeth.
[0051] The stabilizing mouthpiece 700 also includes a bottom ridge
742 that extends along an inner edge of a downward-facing u-shaped
baseplate 716 (e.g., a surface of the base 714 that is opposite the
channel 702) and toward a user's bottom teeth. An anterior-facing
surface (not shown) of the bottom ridge 742 may rest adjacent to or
in contact with the posterior-facing surface of the user's lower
front teeth.
[0052] The stabilizing mouthpiece 700 includes two pairs of lateral
shift guards which each include an inner lateral shift guard (e.g.,
inner lateral shift guards 736 and 738) and a corresponding outer
lateral shift guard (e.g., outer lateral shift guards 734 and 740,
respectively). The inner lateral shift guards 736 and 738 are each
positioned along an inner edge of the downward-facing u-shaped
baseplate 716, axially aligned with the inner sidewall 704. The
outer lateral shift guards 734 and 740 are positioned opposite a
corresponding inner lateral shift guard and along an outer edge of
the downward-facing surface 716, axially aligned with the outer
sidewall 706. Consequently, the inner and outer lateral shift
guards may rest adjacent to or in contact with inner and outer
surfaces, respectfully, of one or more of a user's lower
molars.
[0053] Biased grips 720 and 722 are included proximal to opposite
ends of the downward-facing u-shaped baseplate 716. The biased
grips 720 and 722 each include a number of inclined "steps" that
slant away from the base with distance in the anterior direction.
The height of each of the inclined steps may vary in various
implementations; however, in one implementation each of the
inclined steps reaches a maximum distance of about 1 mm away from
the surface 716.
[0054] FIG. 8 illustrates another side perspective view of another
example stabilizing mouthpiece 800. The stabilizing mouthpiece 800
includes a u-shaped base 814 that connects an inner sidewall 804 to
an outer sidewall 806, forming a u-shaped channel (not shown). A
bottom ridge 842 extends orthogonally from an inner edge of the
u-shaped baseplate 814 and toward a user's bottom teeth. An
anterior-facing surface 818 of the bottom ridge 842 may rest
adjacent to or in contact with the posterior-facing surface of the
user's lower front teeth so that the user's lower teeth effectively
prevent movement of the stabilizing mouthpiece 800 in the anterior
direction (e.g., out of the user's mouth).
[0055] The stabilizing mouthpiece 800 also includes two pairs of
lateral shift guards (e.g., a first pair 834 and 836; and a second
pair 838 and 840). The lateral shift guards 836 and 838 are each
positioned along an inner edge of the surface 816 so as to rest
adjacent to or in contact with an inside surface of one or more of
the user's lower molars. Similarly, each of the lateral shift
guards 834 and 840 are positioned opposite the corresponding inner
lateral shift guard and along an outer edge of the surface 816 so
as to rest adjacent to or in contact with an outside surface of the
user's lower molars. Biased grips 820 and 822 are included along
the surface 816, and each include a number of inclined "steps" that
slant away from the base with distance in the anterior
direction.
[0056] The features discussed with respect to each of the
implementations disclosed herein are a matter of choice and may
depend on the materials utilized and/or design criteria of a given
system. The above specification, examples, and data provide a
complete description of the structure and use of exemplary
implementations of the invention. Since many implementations of the
invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope
of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter
appended.
* * * * *