277 results about "Maxilla/Maxillary" patented technology

Intrabuccal device includes two shells (2, 3) made of thermoformed plastic material, the first of which respectively covers the superior arch, and the second of which covers the inferior arch of the oral cavity. This device is provided with (rings and arms) (4a, 4b, 13a, 13b) that act on the said shells (2, 3) and can generate a mandibular propulsion force oriented in the direction of the mandibular propulsion and in the posteroanterior sense, so as to keep a shift of the mandible to the front of the maxilla, while allowing lateral movements.

The present invention provides an improved orthopedic system for the modification of the distance between the maxilla and zygoma. In a preferred embodiment, the system includes proximal and distal footplates attached to an orthopedic device. The distal footplate is attached to the zygoma, with the proximal footplate being mechanically coupled to the maxilla. This mechanical coupling is achieved either through attachment directly to the maxilla or by attachment to a construct which is then wired to the patient's teeth. The orthopedic device, which may be a distractor, allows for modification of the distance between the maxilla and zygoma. The entire system can advantageously be placed intra-orally within a patient. In a preferred embodiment, the footplates are also detachable from the orthopedic device and are composed of a bioresorbable material, such that they will be absorbed by the patient's body. Methods for using this novel orthopedic system are also disclosed.

A removable magnetic dental appliance is provided. The magnetic dental appliance can be used in the treatment of various conditions, including but not limited to, snoring, sleep apnea, some forms of temporomandibular joint pain or inflammation, myofascial pain or bruxism. The appliance comprises an upper arch attachment member and a lower arch attachment member, each for removably engaging at least a portion of the dentition. A magnetic component is positioned anteriorly on one of the upper arch attachment member or the lower arch attachment member and a magnet-attracted element is provided on the other arch attachment member for magnetic engagement with the magnetic component when the upper and lower arch attachment members are substantially vertically aligned. The appliance uses magnetic force to selectively position the mandible while still permitting movement of the mandible relative to the maxilla for improved comfort. A use of the magnetic dental appliance and a kit comprising the magnetic dental appliance are also provided

The present invention provides a system for treating a mammalian patient having obstructive sleep disordered breathing, e.g., sleep apnea. The system has a set of appliances including a first appliance being adapted to displace a mandible of the patient by a first predetermined geometry relative to a maxilla of the patient. The set also includes at least a second appliance adapted to displace the mandible of the patient by a second predetermined geometry relative to the maxilla of the patient. In a specific embodiment, the first predetermined geometry is substantially different from the second predetermined geometry. Preferably, either one of the first appliance or at least the second appliance is worn by the patient based upon a predetermined treatment plan that includes one or more provisions for wearing at least the first and the second appliances.

A removable magnetic dental appliance is provided. The magnetic dental appliance can be used in the treatment of various conditions, including but not limited to, snoring, sleep apnea, some forms of temporomandibular joint pain or inflammation, myofascial pain or bruxism. The appliance includes an upper arch attachment member and a lower arch attachment member, each for removably engaging at least a portion of the dentition. A magnetic component is positioned anteriorly on one of the upper arch attachment member or the lower arch attachment member and a non-magnet magnet-attracted element is provided on the other arch attachment member for magnetic engagement with the magnetic component when the upper and lower arch attachment members are substantially vertically aligned. The appliance uses magnetic force to selectively position the mandible while still permitting movement of the mandible relative to the maxilla for improved comfort.

A method for making a template for a dental implant osteotomy in an edentulous space of a patient's mandible or maxilla, and components relating thereto The method includes the steps of forming a dental cast of the patient's mandible or maxilla, drilling a hole into the dental cast wherein the location and orientation of the hole correspond to a desired location and orientation of the dental implant osteotomy, inserting a guide post into the hole, magnetically attaching a sleeve having a longitudinal gap to the guide post, applying a molding material to a portion of the dental cast and to a portion of an outer surface of the sleeve, allowing the molding material to cure, and removing the cured template including the sleeve embedded therein from the dental cast, whereby using the template in the patient's mouth provides a guide means for drilling the osteotomy.

A tooth brushing system adapted to simultaneously clean a set of maxilla teeth or a set of mandible teeth. The system comprises a vibration inducer, a controller for the vibration inducer, a power source and a handle adapted to enclose the vibration inducer, the controller for the vibration inducer and the power source. The system further comprises a plurality of brushes adapted to simultaneously contact the set of maxilla teeth or the set of mandible teeth, a vibration isolation plate integral with the handle and a vibration transfer plate connected to the vibration inducer and the plurality of brushes and releasably connected to the vibration isolation plate, wherein the handle is adapted to be effectively held within a hand of a user and the vibration isolation plate is adapted to isolate vibration from the set of maxilla teeth or the set of mandible teeth not contacted by the plurality of brushes.

A bone distractor having four bone plate attachment members for affixation to the posterior and anterior maxilla and / or zygomatic buttress and to the posterior and anterior mandible, the attachment members mounted onto a pair of parallel rods, one rod being a threaded drive rod and the other being a releasable guide rod, whereby rotation of the drive rod causes dimensional separation of the anterior attachment members from the posterior attachment members. The guide rod can be quickly removed such the superior attachment members joined to the maxilla and / or zygomatic buttress are physically separated from the inferior attachment members joined to the mandible such that the jaw can be opened.

A mandibular advancer assembly comprising an advancer (e.g., a spring advancer, such as a Herbst appliance) having an upper end and a lower end, and a lower implant secured to the lower end of the advancer and adapted to be secured to the mandible of the patient. Preferably, the lower implant comprises a bone-engaging member (e.g., a bone screw) and a securing member for coupling the lower end of the advancer to the bone-engaging member. For example, the bone-engaging member can include a threaded orifice, and the securing member can include a threaded element engaged with the threaded orifice. If desired, the advancer assembly can further include an upper implant secured to the upper end of the advancer and adapted to be secured to the maxilla of the patient.

The present invention provides effective new methods and materials for maxillofacial bone augmentation, particularly alveolar ridge augmentation, that are free of problems associated with prior art methods. In one embodiment, these materials include human recombinant platelet derived growth factor (rhPDGF-BB) and a biocompatible matrix. In another embodiment, these materials include rhPDGF-BB, a deproteinized bone block or calcium phosphate, and a bioresorbable membrane. The use of these materials in the present method is effective in regenerating maxillofacial bones and facilitating achievement of stable osseointegrated implants. The mandible and maxilla are preferred bones for augmentation, and enhancement of the alveolar ridge is a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Methods are provided for regulating tooth movement and for maintaining or improving tissue health using heavy forces. Such methods comprise allowing a heavy force to be exerted on one or more teeth of a patient in need thereof; and administering an effective amount of light to the maxillary or mandibular alveolar bone of the patient, wherein the light is administered before, during, or after the heavy force is exerted. The light can have a wavelength in the range of about 585 nm to about 665 nm, or about 815 nm to about 895 nm. An apparatus useful for providing light therapy is also provided.

A dental prosthetic includes an elongate threaded implant adapted to be secured within the trabecular region of a maxilla or mandible. An abutment having a first region adapted to receive a crown and a second region adapted for coupling to the elongate threaded implant is secured to the elongate threaded implant. The abutment and elongate threaded implant extend generally along a common longitudinal axis. A compliant brace is adapted for placement between the first region of the abutment and the elongate threaded implant. The compliant brace includes first, second, and third elongate extensions capable of engaging the cortical region of the maxilla or mandible, thereby minimizing micromotion and allowing for osseointegration despite immediate installation of a crown and immediate mechanical loading. The dental prosthetic may also include an adaptor for coupling the elongate threaded implant and the abutment. Methods for implanting dental prosthetics are also described.

The invention belongs to the computer aided surgical technique and maxillofacial plastic medical treatment equipment field and relates to a computer simulation method for predicting soft tissue appearance change after a maxillofacial bone plastic surgery. The method comprises the following steps that: spiral CT scanning is performed on the maxillofacial of a patient before the surgery; data are led into maxillofacial surgery design simulation software, namely, CMF-pre CADS, so that a three-dimensional maxilla and skin surface model is re-constructed; a bone segment is reset / shifted to a preliminary location; and the similarity of a pre-surgery prediction model and a post-surgery true appearance is judged through comparison through Geomagic software. With the method adopted, the post-surgery appearance and stomatognathic system functions can be recovered excellently; the appearance of soft tissues are symmetrical, harmonious and beautiful; the post-surgery satisfaction degree of the patient reaches 95%; the effects of the plastic surgery are stable; and long-term satisfaction is also very high.

An interocclusal appliance is formed from a single polymer material composition as one unitary piece or from multiple polymer material compositions as a two-piece preform. The two-piece preform includes a base material and an impression material that has a softening point lower than the base material. Teeth are received into the heat-softened impression material, so as to contour the impression material. A portion of the impression material also may contour to a portion of the user's palate. In certain embodiments, substantially no polymeric material contacts the front surfaces of the front teeth, leading to greater comfort and better air flow between front teeth. In still another embodiment, the appliance fits over front teeth only and no polymeric material contacts the maxillary molars.

Provided is a dental prosthesis formed as artificial molars designed for a lingualized occlusion, comprising the total of four teeth including a first premolar, a second premolar, a first molar and a second molar in a maxilla or a mandible, which are interconnected in a single prosthesis. An artificial maxillary molar is configured to have a blade form in a lingual cusp thereof, and a protrusion is formed in buccal cusps of a mandibular second premolar and a mandibular second molar so as to define a gap for gliding movement to take place between said artificial mandibular molar and oppositely-located artificial maxillary molars. A groove is formed in a bottom side of the four interconnected artificial molars, said groove extending throughout said four teeth and open at an end of the first premolar and an end of the second molar.

A retractor used in inner-oral surgery is provided that includes a maxilla portion configured to maintain a patient's mount in an open state. The retractor also includes a blade that maintains the position of the tongue so that surgical tools are not obstructed. The maxilla portion of one embodiment only extends a portion of the length of the blade.

A removable splint for treating certain orofacial disorders has a chewing surface and can be worn while the patient is eating. The splint fits over some or all of the maxillary or mandibular teeth. The chewing surface is preferably shaped like the occlusal surfaces of the natural teeth of the patient. The device may be made to look like natural teeth and gums. Preferably, the natural look is achieved by coloring the material of the splint during or after casting and placing denture teeth in the part of the splint that shows when the patient smiles.

Dental simulation apparatus comprising a six degrees of freedom motion actuator having an upper mobile portion; an artificial mandible secured to the mobile portion of the motion actuator, the artificial mandible being arranged to receive a plurality of artificial teeth or other dental restoratives; and an artificial maxilla rigidly located about the artificial mandible, the artificial maxilla also being arranged to receive a plurality of artificial teeth or other dental restoratives.

The invention is a three dimensional virtual articulator used for but not limited to diagnosing and treatment planning for dental and medical specialties, including orthodontics, prosthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, orthognathic surgery, implant positioning, crown and bridge and prosthesis design.The operator enters patient-specific anatomical measurements for condylar angles, Bennett angle and shift, lateral excursive and protrusive movements, and maximum mandibular opening, and a selection of preset or customizable intercondylar distances to simulate the unique mandibular range of motion.The patient-specific measurements create a customized complex polygon that illustrates the maximum limits of the mandibular range of motion. The operator is able to use onscreen controls to move the virtual mandible in relation to the virtual maxilla within the parameters described by the patient-specific measurements input by the operator.The first point of contact as well as surface interferences can be marked on the dynamic surfaces of the two virtual arches.

An oral appliance, a system and a method for correcting malocclusions may cause teeth and / or jaws of the patient to move into a corrected position. An upper body and a lower body of the appliance may be connected by a hinge. Lingual protrusions may extend rearward from the anterior portion of the upper body and contact the maxilla of the patient when the appliance is worn. A protrusion may extend from the anterior portion of the lower body forward relative to the mouth and contact the lips and exert a rearward force against the lower teeth.

The present invention discloses a safe surgical mouth gag (MG) comprising a substantially planar frame larger than the maximal mouth aperture which is defined by at least two cross members, i.e., a longitudinal maxillary cross member and a mandibular cross member and by at least one rod connecting said maxillary and said mandibular cross members; and modules maneuverably interconnected to the same. Said modules are selected from a tongue blade approximately perpendicular to said frames' plane, which is vertically displaceable with respect to said mandibular cross member; a retaining member within which said tongue blade shaft is slidably displaceable; retraction elements for urging the cheeks away from the oral cavity; abutment members for contacting the upper teeth or upper maxilla; and at least one light auxiliary located adjacent to oral cavity, adapted to illuminate the same effectively.

A dental device is described. The dental device includes a surgical template having one or more sites for drilling osteotomies in the maxillary or mandibular jaw and a false teeth set. The surgical template and false teeth set are configured to fit together to form a denture prosthesis that can be implanted in a patient. Also described are a method for creating a surgical dental template, a method for implanting a dental prosthesis, and a method for reducing jaw bone in a patient.

An oral cavity manipulator for controlling the position of tongue and jaw, the manipulator including a foundation body, maxilla and mandibular teeth engaging elements mountable on the foundation body and having width equal to or greater than the width of the foundation body and including teeth receiving portions for in use receiving the teeth of the user, a tongue position means attached to one of the foundation body, or the teeth engaging elements wherein in an operating condition the mandibular teeth engaging element is selectively located on the foundation body forward of the maxilla teeth engaging element to receive and locate the mandible of a user forward of the maxilla and position the tongue between the teeth elements to substantially maintain unobstructed airways at the throat of the user.

An oral apparatus for mandibular jaw manipulation which in some embodiments may include: an upper tray configured to receive a plurality of maxillary teeth and which may have a first upper anchor member coupled to a first side of the upper tray and a second upper anchor member coupled to a second side of the upper tray; a lower tray configured to receive a plurality of mandibular teeth and which may have a first lower anchor member coupled to a first side of the lower tray and a second lower anchor member coupled to a second side of the lower tray. The first upper anchor member may be configured to contact the first lower anchor member and the second upper anchor member may be configured to contact the second lower anchor member to adjust the positional relationship between the mandible and the maxilla of a mouth.