Importance

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Abstract

An oral appliance adapted to redirect improper positioning of the tongue and lips at the start of a swallow comprises a molded body of acrylic or similar material having an arcuate marginal segment curved to contact the occlusal surfaces of teeth of the upper dental arch, an upper tongue positioning segment and a lower tongue positioning segment. The marginal segment has thin, substantially flat and relatively wide upper side surfaces that are separated to span a prescribed range of dental arches. The upper side surfaces are tightly engaged to the side teeth by a shaped layer of light activated resin for retention while the wearer is active or at rest. The lower tongue positioning segment forms an inclined channel below the marginal segment with a posteriorly facing entrance for receiving the inferior surface of the anterior portion of the tongue and the upper tongue positioning segment forms a channel above the marginal segment with a posteriorly facing entrance for receiving the superior surface of the anterior portion of the tongue. An aperture formed in the upper tongue positioning segment directs the apex of the tongue into contact with the curved aspect of the anterior palate and soft tissue.

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First Claim