Orthotic device to maintain or enlarge an oral aperture

Abstract

An orthotic device for treating microstomia is described that includes a U-shaped rod, a pair of conformers, and a spring coiled around the rod, positioned between the conformers. The rod includes a curved portion between two straight arms and is sized to accommodate the subject's head. The pair of conformers each include a labial hook and a pair of through holes for receiving the U-shaped rod. The U-shaped rod is smooth through holes of each conformer positioned at the curved portion proximate to a corresponding one of the straight arms. The labial hooks each curve away from the curved portion towards one of the straight arms of the U-shaped rod. During use the labial hooks are inserted in the subject's mouth to engage one of the opposing labial commissures of the mouth. A compression of the spring applies a force to the labial commissures via the conformers.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.