Dual use exercise whitener appliance

Abstract

A jaw-joint protective device is provided for whitening and brightening a wearer's teeth while protecting the teeth, tongue, lips, jaw, and other delicate structures of the vital cranial triad (VCT) from injury and / or for supporting the condyle of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in a relatively fixed (stable) position thereby stabilizing the jaw and the VCT during head contact activity, exercise, physical rehabilitation, C-force acceleration, teeth grinding disorders and sleep apnea and or permit the components of a VCT disorder to be realigned for proper healing. This device is an over-the-counter purchased, boil and bite device for whitening at least one tooth while protecting the jaw-joint, providing maxillary and mandibular teeth seats for protection of the mouth and / or healing of the VCT. This invention provides a device for customized fitting that is purchased over-the-counter that is versatile for protecting not only the mouth but also a larger area, the vital cranial triad which includes the TMJ, while at the same time allows for audible speech, reduces sleep disorders of snoring, grinding and clenching of teeth with additional benefits.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to a dual function protective device that not only protects the oral cavity especially the teeth while exercising and, or engaging in sports but also whitens or brightens the teeth while wearing the device. More particularly, this invention will support and protect the teeth, jaw joint structures, and facial muscles, while whitening the teeth during physical events (e.g., exercise, fitness, physical training, rehabilitation, playing, sleeping and military maneuvers).BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]In the prior art, one method for whitening teeth is to use plastic strips that are impregnated with a whitening agent and are adhered to the teeth. The manufacturer says that they can be worn at any time during the day or even at night when sleeping. Another method of whitening teeth is to use whitening appliances composed of two individual and separate custom fitted bleaching trays bought over the counter or fitted by the dentist. These non-...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a therapeutic teeth whitter and protective device for the jaw-joint and other oral structures. It consists of a U-shaped base with integrated maxillary and mandibular components, an occlusal impact chamber, a custom fitting bleaching strip, a reinforced anterior dental region, and a functional air-way passage. It also includes a lingual wall with a deep labial flange to support and guide the mandible in a prognathic position. The device ensures protection against shock and forces driving the mandible back from its prognathic position, while supporting and strengthening anterior teeth. The custom fitting bleaching strips create an inverse bleaching cavity for retaining a whitening agent and the lingual wall eliminates the need for a palatal component. The functional air-way passage facilitates breathing, expectorating, and speaking.

Problems solved by technology

The forces of teeth clenching, facial tension and the repetitive body pounding of physical events cause many of the exercise induced headaches and other adverse physical or cognitive symptoms.

Chronic teeth clenching habits, teeth grinding disorders, stress, tension, repetitive body pounding physical activities, external impact vibration forces in the work place, and trauma will produce adverse consequences, debilitating changes, abuse and wear and tear of the jaw joint structure.

These destructive episodes occurring in the jaw joint structure impair the Vagus nerve functions of the clenching reflex mechanism.

The consequence of this pathology will result in the loss of endurance, strength, muscular response and more rapid fatigue with greater muscular pain during physical activities.

The strenuous forces of teeth clenching, facial tension, and pounding forces of exercise, which damage the jaw joint, are transmitted through this jaw joint structure onto the base of the skull directly affecting the temporal lobe of the brain, manifesting the exercise induced temporal headache.

The excessive and intensive teeth clenching, brought about by the strains of exercise, the nocturnal habits of sleep, habitual teeth grinding, and the like, will also produce damaging occlusal or bite forces against the teeth and intra-oral structures.

These forces may cause sheering and fracturing of the teeth, dental restorations and related structures.

Chronic teeth grinders and participants in the advanced levels of strength training often experience structural damage of the dentition.

The loss of physical education in many school systems, the high consumptions of fast foods, and baggy clothes are also other contributing factors in juvenile obesity.

This reduction in the use of dentures converts to an escalation in the retention of the natural teeth in this rapidly growing elderly population.

These darker colors of the natural teeth are becoming less acceptable in health, fitness, personal appearance and life style modification.

Many of the youth and younger Americans are also dissatisfied with the color of their teeth, which may be due to early dental injuries or other unforeseen health factors.

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