Orofacial myofunctional rehabilitation splint

Abstract

This orofacial myofunctional rehabilitation splint is characterized by a lower vertical outer wall (2) with a reduced height of 2 or 3 mm at most, allowing the resting pressure of the orbicularis oris muscle to be exerted on the mandibular alveolar arch. This feature helps prevent, or even reduce after an interceptive treatment phase, unwanted labial tipping of the mandibular incisors. This splint is further characterized by a tongue ramp (3) without a wall along the lingual edge of the upper part of the occlusal plane (8). The tongue ramp (3) thus continues laterally with the occlusal plane (4) via a rounded edge (8). This feature induces passive elevation and propulsion of the tongue, which is accompanied by an opening of the upper airways and helps to reduce snoring and retrain swallowing.The tongue ramp (3) is extended anteriorly by an anterior guide for the tip of the tongue (9). It is specifically designed to lift and guide the tip of the tongue forward and upward and ensure its proprioceptive contact with the retro-incisive papilla, in order to clear the upper airways and promote the rehabilitation of swallowing and resting tongue posture. The device according to the invention is particularly intended for the rehabilitation of breathing, swallowing, tongue posture, the improvement of obstructive sleep-disordered breathing, particularly snoring, and the improvement of dental occlusion. Drawing plates.

Images