Lose at the source plate (L.A.T.S.Plate)

Abstract

This invention is an intra-oral device (appliance) that will assist a user with weight loss by physiologically stimulating appetite suppression. This intra-oral device is a thin, molded acrylic or plastic plate that extends beyond the junction of the hard and soft palate (vibrating line) and is retained in place by wire clasps around selected teeth. The intra-oral appliance resembles a tooth retainer worn by post-orthodontic patients (after braces are removed); however, the shape is distinctly different, with a portion of the acrylic plate extended beyond the junction of hard and soft palate. When the plate extends past the vibrating line into the soft palate area, it impinges on an area of the oropharynx where a partial-gag reflex is located. The Vagus Nerve (Cranial Nerve X) is primarily responsible for upward movement of the soft palate and it is known to be related to appetite and anxiety centers in the medulla of the brain. This device works by stimulating this sensitive area (the Vagus Nerve) as a person attempts to swallow a large mass of food and gives the physiologic response of pre-gag or partial-gag reflex. This in turn causes a non-voluntary, physiologic avoidance response, and the user temporarily loses the desire to eat large boluses of food, thus suppressing appetite. It does not inhibit or prohibit swallowing but causes the user to resort to tiny pieces of food, mashed food, or liquids in small quantities. It also inhibits a person's ability to guzzle or gorge foods in a hurried manner. This translates into slower, more incremental eating behaviors and results in more rapid satiation because of the slowed ingestion. Similar intra-oral devices called stay-plates are in common usage in the dental profession for the temporary replacement of one or more extracted teeth. These appliances are safe to wear because they are too large to be swallowed or aspirated to the lungs and have been in common usage for more than a century. This device resembles a toothless stay-plate (with retaining clasps) that has an extended posterior palatal protrusion over the junction of the hard and soft palate. This is the first intra-oral appliance invention that works to stimulate physiological reflexes that are well-known and documented phenomena. All other intra-oral weight loss devices have relied in one way or another upon physical obstruction of the oral cavity or alteration of the amount of space for which food passes. This invention does not rely on reduction of available space within the mouth, and on the contrary, is a very thin plate which does not interfere with breathing or normal mastication. There are no detrimental effects on the teeth, oral tissues, or on a person's overall health if used as recommended and under proper supervision. It is recommended that the user consult with their physician and dentist, prior to, during, and following the use of this appliance to be sure their general health and oral health are in good order. Several modifications of the appliance design uses wires extending from the appliance or natural teeth to accomplish the stimulation behind the junction of the hard and soft palate (vibrating line).

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.