Orthotic devices & methods for treating complications of the masticatory neuromusculature

An oral orthotic device (300), comprising:

• a shell portion shaped to form a teeth-receiving cavity and an occlusal surface opposite the teeth-receiving cavity, wherein the teeth-receiving cavity is configured to receive and nest teeth of a patient;
• characterized in that the oral orthotic device further comprises:
• a first protuberance extending from the occlusal surface adjacent to a left-bicuspid, and
• a second protuberance extending from the occlusal surface adjacent to a right-bicuspid;
• wherein each of the first and second protuberances are configured to concurrently touch an opposing bicuspid upon occlusion of the patient's bite.

A method for treating complications of the masticatory neuromusculature, comprising:

• providing an oral orthotic device configured to receive one or more left- and right-bicuspids of a patient and up to all of the patient's anterior teeth;
• or
• providing an oral orthotic device configured to receive one or more left- and right-bicuspids of the patient and up to all of the patient's teeth (possibly including molars), wherein the oral orthotic device further comprises first and second protuberances, one of the first and second protuberances configured for positioning between the patient's upper and lower left-bicuspids on occlusion, and another of the first and second protuberances is configured for positioning between the patient's upper and lower right-bicuspids on occlusion;
• and
• instructing the patient to wear the oral orthotic device.