Craniomandibular appliance

#A. Field of the Invention

#The invention relates to pathologic conditions known as temporomandibular joint disorders and to a method and apparatus for treating them.

#B. Prior Art

#The foregoing and other and further objects and features of the invention will be more readily understood on reference to the following detailed description of the invention, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

#FIG. 1 is a sketch of a skull and certain of the bone and muscle structure of consequence with respect to the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is an enlarged sketch of the condylar head region;

#In FIG. 1, the mandible 10 of a skull 12 has a condylar head 14 that articulates with the temporal bone 16. Lateral pterygoyd muscle 18 has a posterior attachment connecting it to the condylar neck and articular disc 22 extending between the condylar head and the temporal bone. In the case of internal derangement of TMJ disorder, the position of the condylar head is displaced (generally superiorly and distally) to such an extent that the articular disc is displaced from its normal position. This not only affects the pterygoid muscle but may also interfere with the ability to move the mandible in a normal fashion. In addition to the discomfort this may cause in connection with talking, eating, and other activities, it may also impose a strain on the muscles associated with the mandible. This strain or resulting spasm may be severe enough as to cause patient discomfort or even significant physical impairment.

#Turning now to FIG. 3, an enlarged medial sectional view of the anterior portion of the mandibular and maxillary structure of a patient exhibiting retrognathia is shown. The teeth of the upper dental arch 30 and the lower dental arch 32 closely abut each other and the incisor teeth 34 of the upper dental arch overhang the incisor teeth 36 of the lower dental arch. This position of the mandible may interfere with proper function of the mandible, and may strain the muscles associated with it, as noted previously, but also may cosmetically mar the patient. Thus, in FIG. 3 it will be noted that the lower lip is everted (turned outwardly) with respect to the upper lip.

#FIG. 4 shows the desired positioning of the mandible. As there illustrated, the upper and lower dental arches 30, 32, respectively are separated by a slight gap 40 (of the order of 3-6 millimeters), and the upper and lower incisor teeth 34, 36, respectively generally abut each other near their incisal edges. From this position, the condylar head of the mandible is moved downward and forward to the position illustrated by the chain lines in FIG. 2, thereby relieving strain on the articular disc and muscles associated with the mandible, and increasing functional mobility of the mandible. Further, it repositions the upper and lower lips opposite each other, and significantly improves the cosmetic appearance of the patient.