초록 ▼

The present invention provides an intraoral sensing device which generates a pressure change in cavities positioned between the upper and lower dental surfaces. This signal is used to provide a therapeutic apparatus and method for treatment of temporomandibular joint dysfunction and bruxism. An audi

The present invention provides an intraoral sensing device which generates a pressure change in cavities positioned between the upper and lower dental surfaces. This signal is used to provide a therapeutic apparatus and method for treatment of temporomandibular joint dysfunction and bruxism. An audible signal is generated to wake the patient from a nocturnal eqisode of abnormal jaw muscle activity. Control means are provided to establish a threshold value below which no audio signal is generated.

대표청구항 ▼

An intraoral sensing device, adapted for placement in the upper arch of the human mouth, for generating a detectable signal indicative of jaw muscle activity associated with nocturnal episodes of temporomandibular joint dysfunction or of bruxism, which comprises: a flexible, unitary horseshoe-shaped

An intraoral sensing device, adapted for placement in the upper arch of the human mouth, for generating a detectable signal indicative of jaw muscle activity associated with nocturnal episodes of temporomandibular joint dysfunction or of bruxism, which comprises: a flexible, unitary horseshoe-shaped appliance adapted to be received within the upper arch of the human mouth, said appliance having right and left posterior occlusal portions, which portions are adapted to be received between occlusal surfaces of the upper and lower dental arches, at least one of said posterior occlusal portions containing a separate elongate, flexible cavity whose longitudinal axis runs in a generally horizontal direction from the posterior to anterior regions of the human mouth, said elongate, flexible cavity sealed at its posterior end and open at its anterior end, said flexible cavity capable of containing a preselected volume of fluid or gas at a preselected pressure, so that a detectable pressure change is obtained when said flexible cavity volume is decreased by jaw muscle activity in response to an episode of temporomandibular joint dysfunction or of buxism, said horseshoe-shaped appliance also having an arcuate, frenum-receiving labial portion which connects the two posterior occlusal portions to obtain said horseshoe shape, and also having buccal engaging means along an outer edge of said posterior occlusal portions to maintain said occlusal portions between the posterior teeth of the upper and lower dental arches.