Protective Mouthguard

Abstract

A protective mouthguard has an upper arch or upper mouthguard section with a plurality of alveoli configured to accept the user's upper incisors, canines and at least the first upper molars. The mouthguard has a lower arch or lower mouthguard section with dual lateral wing sections, each wing section having a plurality of alveoli configured to accept only the user's lower bicuspids and at least the first upper molars. The user's lower incisors, canines, and second molars remain uncovered, The mouthguard provides a custom designed dual arch which minimizes and even prevents lateral displacement of the lower jaw.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]There are a variety of protective mouthguards used by athletes which are designed to absorb and dissipate impact forces exerted on the teeth, lower jaw (the mandible) and upper jaw (the maxilla). Most such mouthguards take the form of a saddle, substantially U-shaped in configuration, and of some type of channel cross-section made of a tough, resilient thermoplastic resin. This mouthguard, commonly known as a single arch guard, fits over one set of teeth, in most cases the upper set, and is therefore specifically designed to prevent damage to the user's upper dentition.[0002]This single arch upper mouthguard does not stabilize the upper and lower jaws. In fact, the smooth under surface of the single arch mouthguard actually facilitates lateral movement of the lower jaw, which leads to greater displacement between the lower jaw and the cranial base. Illustrative evidence exists that a blow to the jaw increases the likelihood of an individual being ren...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a protective mouthguard that minimizes and prevents lateral displacement of the lower jaw during impact. It is designed to stabilize the lower jaw with the upper jaw to create a single moving unit with the rest of the cranial skeletal base. This is achieved by customizing the mouthguard to the individual's dentition and oral anatomy, including the individual's bite. The dual arch custom mouthguard is designed to function as a single unit to stabilize the lower jaw and prevent lateral displacement, being open at its lower front area to facilitate snore effective breathing during use.

Problems solved by technology

This single arch upper mouthguard does not stabilize the upper and lower jaws.

In fact, the smooth under surface of the single arch mouthguard actually facilitates lateral movement of the lower jaw, which leads to greater displacement between the lower jaw and the cranial base.

Illustrative evidence exists that a blow to the jaw increases the likelihood of an individual being rendered unconscious.

Of course, stock mouthguards are usually ill-fitting and fail to provide even the most minimum. protection.

However, this mold driven procedure often does not result in the precise fit necessary to fully protect the user.

In addition, the material utilized for this type of mouthguard is not suited for absorbing and dissipating the high impact forces which are exerted on the mouthguard during strenuous, physical athletic activity.

Significantly, this material is very susceptible to deformation and tearing while being used during athletic contact, and by the user's normal chewing and jaw and teeth movements.

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