Prosthesis for alleviating TMJ discomfort
AssigneeLawrence G. Clayton
InventorLawrence G. Clayton
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A prosthesis for insertion in an ear to reduce pain resulting from TMJ disorders. The ear insert conforms to the shape of the ear canal when the jaw is in an open position. The ear insert supports the TMJ and associated secondary musculature to reduce strain in the TMJ area, including the muscles, ligaments, nerves, and the temporo-mandibular joint itself. The insert is hollow on the inside to permit hearing and is made of a rigid material which retains the shape of the ear canal. A method for forming the ear insert includes forming a mold of the ear canal when the jaw is in the open position. The mold is then used to form the ear insert.
Claims13
A prosthesis adapted to be inserted into an ear canal having an isthmus for treating discomfort in a joint between a mandible and a corresponding temporal bone, the joint having a disc located between the mandible and the temporal bone and associated musculature, the prosthesis having a generally cylindrical core with an exterior surface shaped to substantially conform to a contour of the portion of the ear canal which extends approximately between the entrance to the ear canal and the isthmus, the prosthesis, when inserted, adapted to support the joint and associated musculature for rotational movement of the mandible about the disc, thereby reducing discomfort in the joint.
A prosthesis adapted to be inserted into a typical ear canal having an isthmus for treating discomfort in a joint between a mandible and a corresponding temporal bone, the joint having a disc located between the mandible and the temporal bone and associated musculature, the prosthesis having a generally cylindrical core with an exterior surface, the exterior surface having a length and diameter shaped to substantially conform to a contour of the portion of the ear canal which extends approximately between the entrance to the ear canal and the isthmus when the mandible is in an unoccluded position, the prosthesis, when inserted, adapted to support the joint and associated musculature for rotational movement of the mandible about the disc, thereby reducing discomfort in the joint.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.