A device configured to exercise facial and neck muscles and related methods are provided. The device operates by applying static and/or dynamic external forces to the muscles of the modiolus area of the face and related ligaments. The device includes a pair of bars that may be connected by rotatory means or by an expandable horizontal connection, each having a proximal and distal end. The proximal end of each bar includes a modiolus holder. The modiolus holders are shaped to partially fit within the user's mouth, and when fit to the modiolus area by the separation of the bars, brings the modiolus holders in tight contact with the modiolus area. This movement secures the insertions of the muscles attached at the modiolus, allowing these muscles to be stretched, therefore creating resistance to their contractions. The area to be exercised is selected by angling of the device, so as to target the upper, lower, or middle section of the face and neck. The device is then move away from the user's mouth, creating a pulling force. The user resists the force exerted by the device, thereby exercising the muscles of the face.

The various devices and systems herein include oropharyngeal exercise devices having a pump bulb with a bulb body having a flow restriction structure with a restricted configuration in which the flow restriction structure is configured to restrict the flow of fluid through the lumen such that the user must apply a force to increase the flow of the fluid. Other devices include containers and/or lids thereof with the bulbs attached to or integrated therein.

A device configured to exercise facial and neck muscles and related methods are provided. The device operates by applying static and/or dynamic external forces to the muscles of the modiolus area of the face and related ligaments. The device includes a pair of bars that may be connected by a rotatory connection or by an expandable horizontal connection, each having a proximal and distal end. The proximal end of each bar includes a modiolus holder. The modiolus holders are shaped to partially fit within the user's mouth, and when fit to the modiolus area by the separation of the bars, brings the modiolus holders in tight contact with the modiolus area. This movement secures the insertions of the muscles attached at the modiolus, allowing these muscles to be stretched, therefore creating resistance to their contractions.

The oral training device for muscles of the throat and/or face includes a panel which is receivable in the oral cavity formed between the lips and teeth. The panel has a first face adjacent to the lip area and an opposite second face being adjacent to the teeth and/or gums when in use. The device includes a handle which projects outwardly from the first face for applying an outward pulling force to the panel generally away from the oral cavity. The device also includes an elongate platform extending laterally across the first face onto which the upper and lower lips are placeable when in use.

The present invention discloses a mechanical device for joint distraction of the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) comprising an upper arm (19) and lower arm (20) joined in a pivotal zone by a mechanical and pivoting component (5) and by a spring (6) or mechanical component between the arms (19) (20). Each arm has a handle (1) of the upper arm (19) and a handle (4) of the lower arm (20). Each arm has an intraoral mouth end for contact with dental surfaces: the upper arm (19) has a tray (2) with a flat support surface for the maxillary teeth flanked by a containment flap (11) of the upper tray; the lower arm (20) has a curvature until its end, with a customized surface (3) for supporting the lower teeth. It presents a mechanical component (13) that limits the extent of movement and force applied by the patient or clinician.

Devices and methods for training the tongue and other muscles of the throat and upper respiratory airway to alleviate symptoms of snoring and the Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) are provided. A threshold-load trainer, or similar device, having a biased tongue resistance pad is used for strengthening the muscles of the tongue to inhibit narrowing or obstruction of the upper respiratory airway, particularly during a state of relaxation or sleep. The threshold-load trainer embodiments of the subject invention can specifically target the genioglossus muscle under the tongue (the major tongue protruder) and other muscles of the throat and upper respiratory pathway, so as to improve muscle tonus.

In one aspect of the present application, a dental appliance for isolating jaws from facial muscles is provided, the dental appliance is substantially in the shape of an elongated plate curved according to dental arches, and is received between the jaws and the facial muscles when it is worn, the dental appliance comprises: buccal shields located at both ends of the dental appliance and configured to isolate posterior teeth from facial muscles; and labial bumpers located in the middle of the dental appliance and configured to isolate anterior teeth from facial muscles, wherein the buccal shields and the labial bumpers form an integral piece.

An oral appliance as swallow training auxiliary device with open occlusal surface includes an open fixing frame and a palate pad. The open fixing frame is first made from cast by elastic material, or other elastic material done by 3D printed technology, and the palate pad uses an unsetting soft material to make a palate pad. After placement of the open fixing frame with the palate pad template on the upper dental arch of a patient, the patient does swallowing and uses tongue to press up on and cause the palate pad template to mold the shape of the palate pad to match tongue elevation position during swallowing and palate side in the oral cavity of the patient.

Embodiments of the innovation relate to a jaw range of motion device that includes a conical base having a first end and a second end and a helical ridge carried by the conical base and disposed between the first end and the second end. The helical ridge and the conical base define a channel between adjacent helical ridge portions. The jaw range of motion device also includes a handle disposed at the second end of the conical base. When a user inserts the jaw range of motion device between his teeth, the user can apply a self-directed manual force to the device by generating a twisting motion on the handle to provide an incremental jaw range of motion.

A lip muscle strengthening device includes: an upper plate inserted into a mouth of a user including a first electrode formed on a bottom surface; a lower plate inserted into the mouth of the user including a second electrode formed on a top surface; an outer support plate adhered to an outer lip of the user and supporting a front end of the upper plate and a front end of the lower plate in a connected state while separating the upper plate and the lower plate from each other; and a pressure recognition unit connected to the first electrode and the second electrode and enabling the user to recognize a closed state of the mouth when the user pushes the upper plate and the lower plate with the upper lip and the lower lip and the first electrode and the second electrode contact each other.