Provided is a mouthpiece which is mounted in an oral cavity for use in changing the shape of the skull including the maxillary bone and is composed of a plurality of segment pieces, at least some of the segment pieces being configured to approach or be spaced apart from each other by means of a screw, wherein the surfaces of the segment pieces facing or contacting the skin in the oral cavity are configured such that the segment pieces overlap with each other, such that a gap does not occur in spite of the approaching or spacing-apart movement of the segment pieces relative to each other.

Polymeric shell appliances are provided in which the polymeric shell appliances are configured to provide one or more activation forces to facilitate tooth movement. In many embodiments, the activation forces are arranged to provide force in a direction opposite to an intended direction of tooth movement. The polymeric shell appliances may comprise one or more tooth receiving cavities, in which each of the plurality of tooth receiving cavities is shaped and arranged to provide a counter moment of each of the plurality of teeth.

Polymeric shell appliances are provided in which the polymeric shell appliances are configured to provide one or more activation forces to facilitate tooth movement. In many embodiments, the activation forces are arranged to provide force in a direction opposite to an intended direction of tooth movement. The polymeric shell appliances may comprise one or more tooth receiving cavities, in which each of the plurality of tooth receiving cavities is shaped and arranged to provide a counter moment of each of the plurality of teeth.

A device for cranial restructuring, by the expansion, compression, or flexure of a cranial structure located between first and second anchor points, includes: a force generator configured to generate force; a first anchor attachment to the first anchor point; a second anchor attachment to a second anchor point; a hydraulic force transmitting structure, connected to the force generator, to transmit the generated force to the anchors thereby putting the cranial structure in tension, compression or flexure. Another device for cranial restructuring includes: a head support, having a head-receiving portion; a force generator to generate force which is periodic; a first anchor attachment to the first anchor point; a force transmitting structure, connected to the force generator, which transmits the periodic force to the anchor in a restructuring direction; wherein the head support includes: a restriction to prevent or restrict movement of the user's head when the periodic force is applied.

The present invention provides adjustment means for a mandibular advancement device. The device includes both intraoral and extraoral portions. The intraoral portion includes a body portion. The body portion includes lower and upper plates. The lower plate is adapted to accommodate a pair of opposed arms that extend rearwardly and outwardly from the plate into the oral cavity when the device is worn. Each arm includes a posterior intraoral maxillary abutment surface. The lower plate includes a threaded hole on each side, adjacent a respective arm so that the threaded hole extends from the respective arm towards the edge of the plate. Each hole is adapted to receive a screw that is able to be screwed into the threaded hole, and when the screw has been sufficiently screwed, the inner end of the screw contacts its respective arm whereupon further turning of the screw forces the arm to move towards its opposite arm so that the position of the moved arm's posterior intraoral maxillary abutment surface is moved to a new position.

The present invention provides adjustment means for a mandibular advancement device. The device includes both intraoral and extraoral portions. The intraoral portion includes a body portion. The body portion includes lower and upper plates. The lower plate is adapted to accommodate a pair of opposed arms that extend rearwardly and outwardly from the plate into the oral cavity when the device is worn. Each arm includes a posterior intraoral maxillary abutment surface. The lower plate includes a threaded hole on each side, adjacent a respective arm so that the threaded hole extends from the respective arm towards the edge of the plate. Each hole is adapted to receive a screw that is able to be screwed into the threaded hole, and when the screw has been sufficiently screwed, the inner end of the screw contacts its respective arm whereupon further turning of the screw forces the arm to move towards its opposite arm so that the position of the moved arm's posterior intraoral maxillary abutment surface is moved to a new position.

Provided is an exchangeable or replaceable maxillary skeletal expander. The exchangeable maxillary skeletal expander including: a pair of guides configured to be fixed by micro implants implanted into maxilla; and an expansion part including: a pair of main bodies configured to be inserted and extended while sliding between the pair of guides; and an expansion screw configured to penetrate the pair of main bodies and adjust an interval between the pair of main bodies.

Provided is an exchangeable or replaceable maxillary skeletal expander. The exchangeable maxillary skeletal expander including: a pair of guides configured to be fixed by micro implants implanted into maxilla; and an expansion part including: a pair of main bodies configured to be inserted and extended while sliding between the pair of guides; and an expansion screw configured to penetrate the pair of main bodies and adjust an interval between the pair of main bodies.

Systems for dental/orthodontic treatment can include a cervical collar, a brace, a mount, and an upper support. The brace can extend from an anterior section of the cervical collar to the upper support, which can be positioned to engage a forehead of a dental/orthodontic treatment patient. The mount can be engaged to and positioned on the brace, and can be configured to receive one or more elastics extending from fixation points within the mouth of the patient.

A method and apparatus for preventing sleep apnea employs an external clamp that has a first pad that engages the upper lip beneath the nose and a second pad that engages the lower jaw on its underside, behind the mandibular symphysis. The pads are connected to each other by a flexible member, or brace. Preferably the second pad is rounded on that portion that contacts the lower jaw. The clamp is held in place by one or more straps, braces or springs that pass about the patient's head. The first pad is held such that it presses against the upper lip while the second pad closes the lower jaw and pulls it forwardly and upwardly using relatively small forces.