THERAPEUTIC DEVICE

Abstract

A therapeutic device may include an upper section and a lower section. The upper section may include a hyperboloid having a top end and a bottom end. The lower section may have a tubular configuration and the lower section may be connected to the bottom end of the hyperboloid. The tubular lower section may extend longitudinally from the upper section. A first aperture may may be disposed in the upper section and/or the tubular lower section. A measurement scale may be included on the tubular lower section. One or more textured sections may be disposed on the tubular lower section.

Claims

1. A therapeutic device, comprising: an upper section including a hyperboloid having a top end and a bottom end; a tubular lower section connected to the bottom end of the hyperboloid, the tubular lower section extending longitudinally from the upper section; and a first aperture at least partially disposed in the upper section and/or the tubular lower section.

2. The therapeutic device of claim 1, wherein the tubular lower section includes one or more textured sections.

3. The therapeutic device of claim 1, wherein the tubular lower section includes a measurement scale.

4. The therapeutic device of claim 2, wherein the one or more textured sections include at least one of: bristles, a cuboid, a parallelepiped, or a bump.

5. The therapeutic device of claim 2, wherein at least one of the one or more textured sections include projections and the projections form at least a portion of a shaped channel.

6. The therapeutic device of claim 1, wherein the hyperboloid includes a second aperture at least partially defined by an inner portion of the hyperboloid.

7. The therapeutic device of claim 6, wherein the second aperture is in communication with the first aperture.

8. The therapeutic device of claim 6, wherein the inner portion of the hyperboloid includes ridges.

9. The therapeutic device of claim 1, further comprising a second aperture extending through a width of the bottom end of the hyperboloid.

10. The therapeutic device of claim 9, further comprising a strap extending through the second aperture.

11. The therapeutic device of claim 1, wherein the upper section includes one or more textured sections.

12. The therapeutic device of claim 1, wherein the tubular lower section is at least about inches in length.

13. The therapeutic device of claim 1, wherein the upper section and the tubular lower section are made from a material with a hardness greater than or equal to about 30 on a Shore A scale.

14. A method of therapy comprising: providing a therapeutic device, wherein the therapeutic device includes: an upper section including a hyperboloid, the hyperboloid having a top end and a bottom end; and a tubular lower section connected to the bottom end of the hyperboloid, the tubular lower section extending longitudinally from the upper section; and determining, with the therapeutic device, at least one of a cranial, cervical, or orofacial characteristic.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least one of the cranial, cervical, or orofacial characteristic includes at least one of: facial height, facial width, facial height-ratios, maxillary and/or mandibular width, depth, and/or height, maxillary tilt/cant, maxillary arch width, overbite, overjet, tongue length, tongue width, tongue height, lower anterior facial height, molar-vertical distance, inter-labial gap, philtrum length, hyoid-to-mentum distance, indicator line, vertical opening, canine-to-canine, molar-to-incisor, incisor-to-incisor, incisor show, open bite, intermolar distance, intercanine distances, retrusion, interpupillary distance, lateral protrusion, jaw protrusion, jaw retrusion, tongue range of motion, a nasal measurement, an oral measurement, an ocular measurement, anterior arch length, palatal depth, or palatal length..

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the determination of the cranial, cervical, or orofacial characteristic is made using a measurement scale on the tubular lower section.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising: performing an oral facial exercise with the therapeutic device.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the oral facial exercise includes inserting at least a portion of a tongue into an aperture in the top end of the hyperboloid.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the oral facial exercise includes biting down on at least a portion of the hyperboloid or the tubular lower section; wherein at least one bottom molar, bottom bicuspid, bottom cuspid, or bottom incisor contacts one side of the hyperboloid or the tubular lower section; and wherein at least one top molar, top bicuspid, top cuspid, or top incisor contacts an opposite side of the hyperboloid or the tubular lower section.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the oral facial exercise includes moving at least one of the hyperboloid or the lower tubular section within a mouth of an individual.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Example embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the accompanying drawings in which:

[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a side-view of an example therapeutic device;

[0031] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate perspective-views of the example therapeutic device.

[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates a top-view of the example therapeutic device;

[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom-view of the example therapeutic device;

[0034] FIG. 5A illustrates a top-view of the example therapeutic device;

[0035] FIG. 5B illustrates a section view of a portion of the example therapeutic device;

[0036] FIG. 6A illustrates a perspective view of another example therapeutic device;

[0037] FIG. 6B illustrates another perspective view of the example therapeutic device shown in

[0038] FIG. 6A in which the therapeutic device includes exemplary gripping mechanisms and attachment portions; and

[0039] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an example method of using a therapeutic device;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0040] Exemplary embodiments are explained with reference to the accompanying figures. It is to be understood that the figures are diagrammatic and schematic representations of such example embodiments, and are not limiting, nor are they necessarily drawn to scale. In the figures, features with like numbers may indicate like structures and functions.

[0041] FIG. 1 illustrates a side-view of an example therapeutic device 100. The example therapeutic device 100 may include an upper section 110 and a lower section 120. The upper section 110 may include a hyperboloid 111 with a bottom end 112 and a top end 114. In these and other exemplary embodiments, the bottom end 112 may correspond to the portion of the hyperboloid 111 below the narrowest point of the hyperboloid 111 and the top end 114 may correspond to the portion of the hyperboloid 111 above the narrowest point of the hyperboloid 111. The lower section 120 may have a tubular configuration and the lower section may be disposed longitudinally relative to the upper section 110. For example, the tubular lower section 120 may extend longitudinally from the bottom end 112 of the hyperboloid 111. In some embodiments, the example therapeutic device 100 may include a first aperture 130 and the first aperture may be disposed in at least a portion of the upper section 110 and/or the tubular lower section 120.

[0042] The hyperboloid 111 may have a hyperbolic or hourglass shape. The hyperboloid 111 may be used to aid in cranial, cervical, and/or orofacial therapy and/or to aid in the development of nasal-breathing by allowing an individual to perform oral facial exercises with the example therapeutic device 100. For example, the hyperboloid 111 may be chewed on unilaterally to develop jaw muscles on one side of the mouth to correct unilateral chewing patterns, neuro imbalances, muscular imbalances, unilateral mastication, and/or unilateral cross malocclusion. In another example, the hyperboloid 111 may be bit, moved, or otherwise manipulated within the mouth of the individual. Specifically, the individual may bite down on the hyperboloid 111 such that at least one tooth, such as a bottom molar, bottom bicuspid, bottom cuspid, or bottom incisor, contacts a side of the hyperboloid 111 and at least one tooth, such as a top molar, top bicuspid, top cuspid, or top incisor, contacts an opposite side of the hyperboloid 111. By performing oral facial exercises with the hyperboloid 111, cranial, cervical, and/or mandibular balance may be developed.

[0043] In another example, the hyperboloid 111 may be disposed generally lengthwise in the mouth of the individual, the individual may slide the hyperboloid 111 forward by moving their lower jaw forward from a neutral position, the individual may bite down on the hyperboloid 111, and may slide their lower jaw back to the neutral position or a more neutral position while biting the hyperboloid 111. In these and other embodiments, after returning to the neutral position or a more neutral position, the individual may release the bite (e.g., release the tension) and repeat the exercise. In another example, the hyperboloid 111 may be held under the upper lip of the individual and the hyperboloid 111 may be rolled in an upwards direction to curl the upper lip upwards. In some embodiments, the upper lip may be curled diagonally upwards and/or vertically upwards utilizing the hyperboloid 111. The hyperboloid 111 may also be held under the lower lip of the individual and the hyperboloid 111 may be rolled downwards to curl the lower lip downwards. In some embodiments, the lower lip may be curled diagonally downwards and/or vertically downwards utilizing the hyperboloid 111.

[0044] In another example, the hyperboloid 111 may be disposed generally horizontally or vertically between teeth of the individual and the individual may flare and/or open each of their nostrils while holding the hyperboloid 111 between the teeth. This exercise may help develop the muscle that opens the nose, which may improve nasal patency.

[0045] In another example, the hyperboloid 111 may be held between the upper lip and the lower lip of the individual, and the individual may pucker the lips around the hyperboloid 111 (e.g., a kissing motion). In some embodiments, the individual may relax and repeat this exercise. In some embodiments, the individual may hold the pucker.

[0046] In another example, the hyperboloid 111 may be held between an upper lip and a lower lip of an individual, the individual may close the upper lip and lower lip around the hyperboloid 111, and the individual may breathe through their nose. This exercise may help influence nasal-breathing instead of mouth-breathing and/or may help improve or influence lip seal.

[0047] In some embodiments, the individual may perform the exercises while smiling, which may help develop facial muscles. Smiling may help to flare and/or open the nostrils and/or activate facial muscles that can increase upper airway patency, which may influence nasal-breathing. In some embodiments, the hyperboloid 111 may be held between the teeth and/or lips, and the individual may smile while doing so to activate cranial facial muscles that may help open and/or flare the nostrils and open the nasal passages.

[0048] The lower section 120, which may have a tubular configuration, may be a straight tube, a curved tube, a coiled tube, a tapered tube, a branched tube, a telescopic tube, an ovular tube (with an ovular cross-section), a cylindrical tube (with a circular cross-section), a polygonal tube (e.g. with a square, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, nonagonal, or dodecagonal cross-section), and the like. The tubular lower section 120 may be used to aid in cranial, cervical, and/or orofacial therapy and/or to aid in the development of nasal-breathing by allowing an individual to perform oral facial exercises with the example therapeutic device 100. For example, the tubular lower section 120 may be chewed on bilaterally to develop jaw muscles on both sides of the mouth and/or unilaterally to develop jaw muscles on one side of the mouth to correct unilateral chewing patterns, neuro imbalances, muscular imbalances, unilateral mastication, and/or unilateral cross malocclusion. In another example, the tubular lower section 120 may be bit, moved, or otherwise manipulated within the mouth of the individual. Specifically, the individual may bite down on the tubular lower section 120 such that at least one tooth, such as a bottom molar, bottom bicuspid, bottom cuspid, or bottom incisor, contacts a side of the tubular lower section 120 and at least one tooth, such as a top molar, top bicuspid, top cuspid, or top incisor, contacts an opposite side of the tubular lower section 120. Performing oral facial exercises with the tubular lower section 120 may help develop cranial, cervical, and/or mandibular balance.

[0049] In another example, the tubular lower section 120 may be disposed generally lengthwise in the mouth of the individual, the individual may slide the tubular lower section 120 forward by moving their lower jaw forward from a neutral position, the individual may then bite down on the tubular lower section 120, and may slide their lower jaw back to the neutral position while biting the tubular lower section 120. In these and other embodiments, after returning to the neutral position, the individual may release the bite (e.g., release the tension) and repeat the exercise. The tubular lower section 120 may also be held under the upper lip of the individual and the tubular lower section 120 may be rolled in an upwards direction to curl the upper lip upwards. In some embodiments, the tubular lower section 120 may be used to curl the upper lip vertically upwards and/or diagonally upwards. The tubular lower section 120 may also be held under the lower lip of the individual and the tubular lower section 120 may be rolled downwards to curl the lower lip downwards. In some embodiments, the tubular lower section 120 may be used to curl the lower lip vertically downwards and/or diagonally downwards.

[0050] In another example, the tubular lower section 120 may be disposed generally horizontally or front-to-back (e.g., throat to mouth), between teeth of the individual and the individual may flare and/or open each of their nostrils while holding the tubular lower section 120 between the teeth. This exercise may help develop the muscle that opens the nose, which may improve nasal patency.

[0051] In another example, the tubular lower section 120 may be held between the upper lip and the lower lip of the individual, and the individual may pucker the lips around the tubular lower section 120 (e.g., a kissing motion). In some embodiments, the individual may relax and repeat this exercise. In some embodiments, the individual may hold the pucker.

[0052] In another example, the tubular lower section 120 may be held between an upper lip and a lower lip of an individual, the individual may close the upper lip and lower lip around the tubular lower section 120, and the individual may breathe through their nose. This exercise may help influence nasal-breathing instead of mouth-breathing and/or help develop lip seal.

[0053] In some embodiments, the individual may perform the exercises while smiling, which may help develop facial muscles. Smiling may help to open and/or flare the nostrils and open the nasal passages, which may influence nasal-breathing. In some embodiments, the tubular lower section 120 may be held between the teeth and/or lips, and the individual may smile while doing so to flare and/or open the nostrils and open the nasal passages.

[0054] In some embodiments, such as shown in the exemplary figures, the top end 114 of the hyperboloid 111 may have a smaller maximum diameter than a maximum diameter of the bottom end 112 of the hyperboloid 111. In some embodiments, the top end 114 of the hyperboloid 111 may have a larger maximum diameter than a maximum diameter of the bottom end 112 of the hyperboloid 111. In some embodiments, the maximum diameter of the top end 114 of the hyperboloid 111 may have the same maximum diameter of the bottom end 112 of the hyperboloid 111. In some embodiments, the top end 114 and the bottom end 112 of the hyperboloid 111 may be symmetric. In some embodiments, the top end 114 and the bottom end 112 of the hyperboloid 111 may be asymmetric.

[0055] In some embodiments, the hyperboloid 111 may include a second aperture 116. The second aperture 116 may be at least partially defined by an inner portion of the hyperboloid 111, and the second aperture 116 may be connected to the first aperture 130. For example, the second aperture 116 may be at least partially defined by the inner diameter of the top end 114 of the hyperboloid 111 and/or the inner diameter of the bottom end 112 of the hyperboloid 111. The second aperture 116 may allow an individual to perform oral facial exercises with the example therapeutic device 100. For example, the individual may insert the tongue into the second aperture 116 and/or manipulate the tongue within the second aperture 116. These oral facial exercises may develop tongue shape, strength, posture, and/or neuromuscular training to aid in the development of nasal-breathing as the individual may develop the tongue characteristics to properly position the tongue up along the palate at rest.

[0056] In some embodiments, the second aperture 116 may not be connected to the first aperture 130. For example, the second aperture may be a blind hole and the second aperture 116 may not be connected to the first aperture 130. In these and other embodiments, the top end 114 of the hyperboloid 111 may function as a suction cup. For example, an individual may apply a suction force to the second aperture 116, and the top end 114 may seal against the individual's mouth. The suction cup may enable the individual to perform oral facial exercises by creating pressure within the second aperture 116.

[0057] In some embodiments, the example therapeutic device 100 may include a third aperture 118. In some embodiments, the third aperture 118 may extend through the width of the bottom end 112 of the hyperboloid 111, the width of the top end 114 of the hyperboloid 11, and/or any other portion of the hyperboloid 111. In some embodiments, the third aperture 118 may be included in the tubular lower section 120. For example, the third aperture 118 may be included at the end of the tubular lower section 120 (which may be away from the hyperboloid 111). In some embodiments, the third aperture 118 may be connected to the second aperture 116. In some embodiments, the third aperture 118 may extend through one side of the hyperboloid 111 but not the other side of the hyperboloid 111. In some embodiments, the third aperture 118 may extend completely through the width of the hyperboloid 111.

[0058] In some embodiments, the example therapeutic device 100 may include a strap (not shown) and the strap may extend through the third aperture 118. The strap may provide retention capability to the example therapeutic device 100. The strap may reduce the choking hazard of the hyperboloid 111. In some embodiments, the strap may be adjustable in length such that the strap may be worn around the neck, the wrist, or any other portion of the body. In some embodiments, the strap may be a lanyard, a cord, a rope, a cable, a tube, a band, a chain, a tie, a ribbon, and the like. In some embodiments, the strap may include a breakaway connection that may be disconnected from the example therapeutic device 100. For example, the strap may have break-away connections (e.g., Velcro or other fasteners) on one or more ends that may be connected and disconnected from the example therapeutic device 100. In some embodiments, the strap may extend through the third aperture 118 and through the second aperture 116. In some embodiments, the strap may extend through the third aperture 118 and the first aperture 130.

[0059] In some embodiments, the tubular lower section 120 may include one or more textured sections 122 (such as the textured section described with reference to FIG. 3) and the textured sections 122 may be disposed on an outer surface of the tubular lower section 120. In these and other embodiments, the tubular lower section 120 may include a measurement scale 124 (such as the measurement scale described with reference to FIG. 4) and the measurement scale 124 may be disposed on a surface of the tubular lower section 120. In some embodiments, the one or more textured sections 122 may be located on a first portion, such as a half, of the tubular lower section 120 and the measurement scale 124 may be located on another portion, such as an opposite half, of the tubular lower section 120. For example, and as shown in FIG. 2A, the one or more textured sections 122 may be located on a surface which is on the top half of the tubular lower section 120 and the measurement scale 124 may be located on a surface which is on the bottom half of the tubular lower section 120. In some embodiments, the one or more textured sections 122 may be located on the same surface as the measurement scale 124. It will be appreciated, after reviewing this disclosure, that the therapeutic device 100 may include various features and/or aspects, such as the one or more textured sections 122, but these feature and/or aspects may not be required and may be omitted.

[0060] In some embodiments, the upper section 110 and/or the tubular lower section 120 may be made from silicone, plastic, thermoplastics (e.g., polypropylene, polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE)), or a combination of two or more materials. In some embodiments, the materials utilized to construct the upper section 110 and/or the tubular lower section 120 may be at least substantially free of Bisphenol A (BPA), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), lead, phthalates, and/or latex. In some embodiments, the upper section 110 and the tubular lower section 120 may be made of materials having a hardness greater than or generally equal to about 30 on the Shore A scale. In some embodiments, the upper section 110 and the tubular lower section 120 may be made of materials having a hardness less than or generally equal to about 30 on the Shore A scale. In some embodiments, the materials may have a hardness greater than or generally equal to about 30, about 35, about 40, about 45, about 50, about 55, or about 60 on the Shore A scale. In some embodiments, the upper section 110 and the tubular lower section 120 may have generally the same hardness on the Shore A scale. In some embodiments, the upper section 110 and the tubular lower section 120 may have different hardness on the Shore A scale. For example, the hyperboloid 111 may have a Shore A hardness of about 40 while the tubular lower section 120 may have a Shore A hardness of about 30 or vice versa.

[0061] In some embodiments, the upper section 110 may be detachable from the tubular lower section 120 and/or the tubular lower section 120 may be detachable from the upper section 110. For example, the upper section 110 and the tubular lower section 120 may be connected to each other via a male-female configuration such as a tab-and recess, pin-and-hole, tongue-and-groove, key-and-keyseat, tail-and-pin, rivet-and-hole, or the like. In these and other embodiments, the upper section 110 may be mechanically separated from the tubular lower section 120. In some embodiments, the upper section 110 may be physically separated from the tubular lower section 120. For example, the upper section 110 may be trimmed or cut away from the tubular lower section 120 so that the upper section 110 and the tubular lower section 120 may be utilized for oral facial exercises separately. For example, the upper section 110 may be cut away from the lower section, the upper section 110 may be used unilateral chewing, and the tubular lower section 120 may be used to perform exercises influencing craniomandibular balance (for example, bilateral chewing).

[0062] In these and other embodiments, multiple straps may be used in conjunction with the therapeutic device 100 to retain the upper section 110 and the tubular lower section 120, respectively. For example, a first strap may be coupled to the tubular lower section 120 through the first aperture 130 and a second strap may be coupled to the upper section 110 through second aperture 116 and/or the third aperture 118. Thus, the apertures may provide retention capability for the tubular lower section 120 and/or the upper section 110, alone or in combination.

[0063] In some embodiments, the tubular lower section 120 may include one or more sections. For example, the tubular lower section 120 may include one or more detachable sections, and the detachable sections may be connected to each other. For example, each section may be connected to each other via a male-female configuration such as a tab-and recess, pin-and-hole, tongue-and-groove, key-and-keyseat, tail-and-pin, rivet-and-hole, or the like. In these and other embodiments, the sections may be mechanically separated. In some embodiments, the sections may be physically separated from the tubular lower section 120 to shorten the tubular lower section 120. For example, the sections may be trimmed or cut away from the tubular lower section 120 to shorten the tubular lower section 120.

[0064] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate perspective views of the example therapeutic device 100. For example, FIG. 2A shows the second aperture 116 and the measurement scale 124 in more detail.

[0065] The second aperture 116 may allow an individual to perform oral facial exercises with the example therapeutic device 100. For example, the individual may insert the tongue or a portion of the tongue into at least a portion of the second aperture 116 and/or manipulate the tongue within at least a portion of the second aperture 116. The second aperture 116 may also allow an individual to use the example therapeutic device 100 in a straw-like fashion to suck or blow air or liquid through the second aperture 116. This oral facial exercise may increase oropharyngeal tone and strength, aid in the development of nasal-breathing, and/or aid in cranial, cervical, and/or orofacial therapy.

[0066] The second aperture 116 may also be connected to the first aperture 130, which may allow other oral facial exercises to be performed. For example, the straw-like sucking exercise described previously may be modified with an object, such as a piece of paper, placed below the first aperture 130. The individual may suck air through the second aperture 116, and, because the first aperture 130 is connected to the second aperture 116, the individual may be able to suck, elevate, and/or hold the object, such as the piece of paper. This exercise may also develop oropharyngeal tone and strength, aid in the development of nasal-breathing, and/or aid in cranial, cervical, and/or orofacial therapy. In another example, the individual may blow air through the second aperture 116 and through the first aperture 130. This exercise may be modified such that the individual may blow air through the example therapeutic device 100, which may allow bubbles to be created in a fluid and/or perform other types of exercises to facilitate breathing or air movement.

[0067] In some embodiments, the second aperture 116 may not be connected to the first aperture. For example, the second aperture 116 may be a blind hole and the second aperture 116 may not be connected to the first aperture 130. In these and other embodiments, the top end 114 of the hyperboloid 111 may function as a suction cup. For example, an individual may apply a suction force to the second aperture 116, and the top end 114 may seal against the individual's mouth. The suction force may be created due to the second aperture 116 being a blind hole. The suction cup functionality may enable the individual to perform oral facial exercises by creating pressure within the second aperture 116.

[0068] The oral facial exercises performed with the second aperture 116 may develop tongue shape, strength, and/or neuromuscular function to aid in the development of nasal-breathing as the individual may develop the tongue characteristics necessary to properly position the tongue on the palate during breathing.

[0069] In some embodiments, the second aperture 116 may be funnel shaped. In these and other embodiments, the funnel shape may shape and/or strengthen the tongue of the individual when the tongue is inserted. In some embodiments, the funnel shape may increase the air resistance (or drag) when sucking exercises are being performed. Additionally, or alternatively, the funnel shape may increase the pressure when sucking exercises are being performed, such as when the second aperture 116 is a blind hole. The increase in air resistance may increase oropharyngeal tone and strength, aid in the development of nasal-breathing, and/or aid in cranial, cervical, and/or orofacial therapy. While a funnel-shaped second aperture 116 is illustrated in the figures, the second aperture 116 may be any shape. For example, the second aperture 116 may be cylindrical, parabolic, conical, polygonal, bell-shaped, or other suitable shapes. In some embodiments, the second aperture 116 may be a blind hole. In some embodiments, the second aperture 116 may be a through hole and connected to the first aperture 130.

[0070] The inner portion of the hyperboloid 111 may include one or more guide members, such as ridges 117. In some embodiments, the one or more ridges 117 may guide the tongue into the second aperture 116. In some embodiments, the one or more ridges 117 may provide sensory feedback to the individual so that the individual may develop neuromuscular function and/or neuroplasticity. In some embodiments, the one or more ridges 117 may provide grip or traction to the tongue such that the individual may twist the tongue and/or the example therapeutic device 100 to stretch and/or strengthen the rotational aspects and/or components of the tongue. In some embodiments, multiple ridges 117 may be present on the inner portion of the hyperboloid 111. For example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more ridges 117 may be utilized. In embodiments where multiple ridges 117 are utilized, the ridges 117 may be spaced apart at equivalent distances or the ridges 117 may be spaced at varying distances. In some embodiments, the ridges 117 may be positioned on one side of the inner portion of the hyperboloid 111. In some embodiments, the ridges 117 may be positioned on both sides of the inner portion of the hyperboloid 111.

[0071] The second aperture 116 may provide the hyperboloid 111 with higher elasticity and/or higher rebound than the hyperboloid 111 would otherwise have in instances where the hyperboloid 111 is rigid and/or solid.

[0072] FIG. 2B shows the first aperture 130 in more detail. The first aperture 130 may extend into the upper section 110 and the tubular lower section 120. For example, the first aperture 130 may extend through the entire length of the tubular lower section 120 and into the bottom end 112 of the hyperboloid 111. In these embodiments, the first aperture 130 may communicate with the second aperture 116. In some embodiments, the first aperture 130 may only extend into the tubular lower section 120. For example, the first aperture 130 may be at least about 10 %, at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, or about 100% of the length of the tubular lower section 120. In some embodiments, the first aperture 130 may be a through hole. In some embodiments, the first aperture 130 may be a blind hole. For example, an end of the example therapeutic device 100 may be closed off and the first aperture 130 may be connected to the second aperture 116 at the other end of the example therapeutic device 100 having the hyperboloid 111.

[0073] In some embodiments, the first aperture 130 may have a larger size, such as a larger cross-section, than the second aperture 116. In some embodiments, the first aperture 130 may have a smaller size, such as a smaller cross-section, than the second aperture 116. In some embodiments, the first aperture 130 and the second aperture 116 may have generally the same size, such as a generally same cross-section.

[0074] The first aperture 130 may allow an individual to perform oral facial exercises with the example therapeutic device 100. For example, the individual may insert at least a portion of the tongue into the first aperture 130 and/or manipulate the tongue within the first aperture 130. The first aperture 130 may also allow an individual to use the example therapeutic device 100 in a straw-like fashion to suck air through the first aperture 130. This oral facial exercise may increase oropharyngeal tone and strength, aid in the development of nasal-breathing, and/or aid in cranial, cervical, and/or orofacial therapy. In some embodiments, the first aperture 130 may be in communication with the second aperture 116, which may allow other oral facial exercises to be performed. For example, the straw-like sucking exercise described previously may be modified with an object, such as a piece of paper, placed below the second aperture 116. The individual may suck air through the first aperture 130, and, because the first aperture 130 may be in communication with the second aperture 116, the individual may be able to suck, elevate, and/or hold the object, such as the piece of paper. This exercise may also develop oropharyngeal and upper airway tone and strength, aid in the development of nasal-breathing, and/or aid in cranial, cervical, and/or orofacial therapy. In another example, the individual may blow or suck air or liquid through the first aperture 130 and through the second aperture 116.

[0075] The oral facial exercises performed with the first aperture 130 may develop tongue shape, strength, and/or neuromuscular function to aid in the development of nasal-breathing as the individual may develop the tongue characteristics necessary to properly position the tongue on the palate during breathing.

[0076] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the example therapeutic device 100 and the exemplary therapeutic device may include one or more textured sections 122. In some embodiments, the example therapeutic device 100 may include a single textured section on a surface of the tubular lower section 120. In some embodiments, the example therapeutic device 100 may include multiple textured sections. For example, the example therapeutic device 100 may include a first textured section 122a, a second textured section 122b, and a third textured section 122c on a surface of the tubular lower section 120. After reviewing this disclosure, it will be understood that the therapeutic device can have any suitable number of textured sections, but the textured sections are not required.

[0077] In some embodiments, the one or more textured sections 122 may include protrusions and/or recessed portions such as bristles, cuboids, parallelepipeds, bumps, and the like. In some embodiments, the protruded and/or recessed portions may form at least a portion of a shaped channel. For example, the second textured section 122b may include one or more bristles and the bristles may form a V-shaped channel. The example V-shaped channel may be seen more clearly with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2A, and FIG. 2B. The shaped channel may have any suitable shape. For example, the channel may be L-shaped, U-shaped, V-Shaped, I-shaped, parabolic, or other desired shapes.

[0078] In some embodiments, the one or more textured sections 122 may include one or more bristles disposed on one or more sides by a cuboid. For example, and as shown in FIG. 3, the first textured section 122a and the second textured section 122b may include one or more bristles and the bristles may be disposed by one or more cuboids. Continuing the example, the one or more cuboids may be disposed parallel to the length of tubular lower section 120 (such as shown by the first textured section 122a) and/or the cuboids may be disposed perpendicular to the length of tubular lower section 120 (such as shown by the second textured section 122b).

[0079] In some embodiments, the one or more textured sections 122 may include one or more bumps. As shown in FIG. 3, the one or more bumps may have various shapes. For example, the third textured section 122c includes three different types of bumps including circular bumps, diamond-shaped bumps, and circular bumps with an open center. In some embodiments, the one or more textured sections 122 may have the same textures, or the one or more textured sections 122 may have different textures.

[0080] The one or more textured sections 122 may provide sensory feedback and/or guidance to a user. The user may utilize the textured sections 122 to differentiate the location of the example therapeutic device 100 within the mouth of the user by using the textured sections 140. For example, the user may be able to differentiate between the first textured section 122a, the second textured section 122b, and the third textured section 122c based on the different textures. The one or more textured sections 122 may be used to encourage tongue lateralization (for example with the horizontal cuboids), encourage protrusion (for example with the vertical cuboids), and/or to stimulate the sides of the tongue, the cranial nerves, the mouth, the lips, and/or the palate (for example with the bristles). It will be appreciated, after reviewing this disclosure, that the textured sections 122 may have other suitable shapes, sizes, configurations, and/or arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of the therapeutic device.

[0081] The therapeutic device 100 may also be cooled, frozen, or heated, which may activate temperature senses in the user. For example, the example therapeutic device 100 may be warmed up in warm water and/or placed in the freezer.

[0082] In some embodiments, the one or more textured sections 122 may allow the example therapeutic device 100 to retain flavors. For example, the example therapeutic device 100 may be dipped in flavor such as lemon flavor and the bristles of the one or more textured sections 122 may retain the flavor making the example therapeutic device 100 easier to use with young patients.

[0083] FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of the example therapeutic device 100 and an optional measurement scale 124 may be disposed along a portion of the therapeutic device. As shown in FIG. 4, the measurement scale 124 may be provided in inches; however, the measurement scale 124 may be any unit of measurement. For example, the measurement scale 124 may be provided in metric units (e.g., centimeters). In some embodiments, the measurement scale 124 may be less than about 24 inches, less than about 12 inches, less than about 11 inches, less than about 10 inches, less than about 9 inches, less than about 8 inches, less than about 7 inches, less than about 6 inches, less than about 5 inches, less than about 4 inches, less than about 3 inches, less than about 2 inches, or less than about 1 inch. In some embodiments, the measurement scale 124 may be at least about 3 inches in length. In some embodiments, the example therapeutic device 100 is at least about 2 inches in length. In some embodiments, the example therapeutic device 100 is at most about 2 inches in length.

[0084] In some embodiments, one or more hash marks may be included on the measurement scale 124. In these embodiments, the one or more hash marks may form at least one of the textured sections 122 and the one or more hash marks may provide measurement capability. In some embodiments, the hash marks may not have a raised surface, and/or the hash marks may be flat or recessed.

[0085] In some embodiments, the measurement scale 124 may be used to determine a cranial, cervical, and/or orofacial characteristic. In some embodiments, the cranial, cervical, and/or orofacial characteristic may include facial height, facial width, facial height-ratios, maxillary and/or mandibular width, depth, and/or height, maxillary tilt/cant, maxillary arch width, overbite, overjet, tongue length, tongue width, tongue height, lower anterior facial height, molar-vertical distance, inter-labial gap, philtrum length, hyoid-to-mentum distance, indicator line, vertical opening, canine-to-canine, molar-to-incisor, incisor-to-incisor, incisor show, open bite, intermolar distance, intercanine distances, retrusion, interpupillary distance, lateral protrusion, jaw protrusion, jaw retrusion, tongue range of motion, a nasal measurement, an oral measurement, an ocular measurement, anterior arch length, palatal depth, and/or palatal length, among other cranial, cervical, and/or orofacial characteristics. In some embodiments, cranial, cervical, and/or orofacial characteristics may include facial characteristics, oral characteristics, mandibular characteristics, characteristics pertaining to the head and/or skull, and/or characteristics pertaining to the neck and/or spine. Additionally, or alternatively, postural measurements, spinal measurements, and/or other bodily assessment measurements may be determined, and/or non-bodily measurements may be determined using the therapeutic device 100.

[0086] FIG. 5A illustrates a top view of the hyperboloid 111 that may be included in the example therapeutic device 100. FIG. 5B illustrates a section view of the hyperboloid 111 that may be included in the example therapeutic device 100. FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate some of the optional, example features of the therapeutic device 100, such as the one or more ridges 117 of the hyperboloid 111, the first aperture 130, the second aperture 116, and the connection between the first aperture 130 and the second aperture 116.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 5A, the example therapeutic device 100 may include six ridges 117 and the ridges 117 may be equivalently spaced. It will be appreciated that any suitable number of ridges 117 may be utilized and/or the ridges 117 may be omitted. In some embodiments, the ridges 117 may have different spacing.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 5B, the first aperture 130 may extend into the tubular lower section 120 and into the upper section 110. The first aperture 130 may connect with the second aperture 116 and the second aperture 116 may be defined by at least a portion of the inner portion of the hyperboloid 111. For example, the first aperture 130 may connect with the second aperture 116 in the center of the hyperboloid 111, in the bottom end 112 of the hyperboloid 111, and/or in the top end 114 of the hyperboloid 111.

[0089] In some embodiments, the second aperture 116 may have a funnel-shape to aid in guiding the tongue into the example therapeutic device 100. The second aperture 116, however, may have other suitable shapes, sizes, configurations, and/or arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of the therapeutic device 100.

[0090] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the example therapeutic device 100 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the designations of different elements in the manner described is meant to help explain concepts herein and is not limiting. Further, the example therapeutic device 100 may include any number of other elements or may be implemented within other systems or contexts than those described. For example, the upper section 110 may include the one or more textured sections 122. In some embodiments, both the tubular lower section 120 and the upper section 110 may include the one or more textured sections 122. In some embodiments, the first aperture 130, the second aperture 116, and/or the third aperture 118 may be omitted. For example, the first aperture 130, the second aperture 116, and/or the third aperture 118 may be omitted and the tubular lower section 120 and/or the hyperboloid 111 may be solid. In some embodiments, the one or more textured sections 122 and/or the measurement scale 124 may be omitted. For example, FIG. 6A illustrates an example therapeutic device 200 without textured sections and/or a measurement scale.

[0091] In some embodiments, the therapeutic device 100 may include one or more reinforcement sections. In these and other embodiments, the reinforcement sections may have an increased amount of material that may allow the therapeutic device 100 to be more rigid in the reinforcement sections. For example, FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrates an example reinforcement section 226, in which the reinforcement section 226 includes coils. The reinforcement sections 226 are described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B.

[0092] In some embodiments, the therapeutic device 100 may include one or more gripping mechanisms, and the gripping mechanisms may be coupled to at least one of the hyperboloid 111 and/or the tubular lower section 120. For example, the therapeutic device 100 may include a handle, and the handle may be coupled to at least one of the hyperboloid 111 and/or the tubular lower section 120. In these and other embodiments, the therapeutic device 100 may include one or more attachment portions, and the attachment portions may be inserted into the first aperture 130, the second aperture 116, and/or the third aperture 118. In these and other embodiments, the attachment portions may allow other features to be coupled to the therapeutic device 100. For example, the attachment portions may include a plug that may be sized and configured to be inserted into the first aperture 130, the second aperture 116, and/or the third aperture 118, and additional oral facial exercise components may be attached to the plug. For example, FIG. 6B illustrates example gripping mechanisms 234 and example attachment portions 232. The gripping mechanisms 234 and the attachment portions 232 are described in more detail with respect to FIG. 6B.

[0093] One skilled in the art, after reviewing this disclosure, will understand that the therapeutic device 100 may have other suitable shapes, sizes, configurations, and/or arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of the therapeutic device 100. For example, the therapeutic device 100 may be shaped to emulate various objects in order to facilitate user engagement with the therapeutic device 100. For instance, the device may be shaped like a carrot, a parsnip, a cactus, or other shapes that may increase engagement with children while performing oral facial exercises and/or other therapeutic exercises. Additionally, or alternatively, various objects may be coupled to the apertures to maintain user engagement with using the therapeutic device 100. For example, the therapeutic device 100 may be shaped like a carrot and carrot leaves may be coupled to the therapeutic device 100 at one or more of the apertures (e.g., via the attachment portions), which may increase engagement with the therapeutic device 100 in children.

[0094] FIG. 6A illustrates an example therapeutic device 200, which may be similar in one or more regards to the example therapeutic device 100. The example therapeutic device 200 may include an upper section 210 and a lower section 220, which may have a tubular configuration. The upper section 210 may include a hyperboloid 211 having a bottom end 212 and a top end 214, and the hyperboloid may be similar to the hyperboloid 111 described with respect to FIGS. 1-5B. The upper section 210 and the tubular lower section 220 may be similar to, include similar features as, and/or perform similar functions as similarly named components described with respect to FIG. 1-5B. In some embodiments, the therapeutic device 200 may include a first aperture 230, a second aperture 216, and a third aperture 218, which may be similar to and perform similar functions as similarly named apertures described with respect to FIGS. 1-5B.

[0095] As illustrated in FIG. 6A, the therapeutic device 200 may not include a measurement scale such as the measurement scale 124 and/or textured sections such as the textured sections 122. In some embodiments, the therapeutic device 200 may include a measurement scale and/or textured sections such as the measurement scale 124 and/or the textured sections 122 described previously.

[0096] In some embodiments, the therapeutic device 200 may include a reinforcement section 226. In these and other embodiments, the reinforcement section 226 may be a section of the tubular lower section 220 that may have an increased thickness compared to the rest of the tubular lower section 220. In these and other embodiments, the reinforcement section 226 may be more rigid than other portions of the tubular lower section 220. In some embodiments, the reinforcement section 226 may be located at a center portion of the tubular lower section 220 such that the tubular lower section 220 may be bent for bilateral biting and/or chewing and the reinforcement section 226 may provide increased durability at the point of bending. For example, the reinforcement section 226 may be located at or around the longitudinal midpoint of the tubular lower section 220. In some embodiments, the reinforcement section 226 may be made of more rigid material than the rest of the tubular lower section 220. For example, the reinforcement section 226 may be made of a material that is harder on the Shore A scale than the rest of the tubular lower section 220. For instance, the reinforcement section 226 may be made of a harder plastic, thermoplastic, and/or silicone than the tubular lower section 220.

[0097] In some embodiments, the reinforcement section 226 may include a coiled section such as illustrated in FIG. 6A. In these and other embodiments, the reinforcement section 226 may include multiple coils that the tubular lower section 220 may be bent about to facilitate various oral facial exercises and/or other therapeutic exercises.

[0098] In some embodiments, such as illustrated with respect to FIG. 6B, the therapeutic device 200 may include one or more gripping mechanisms 234, and the gripping mechanisms may be coupled to the tubular lower section 220 and/or the upper section 210. For example, a first end of the gripping mechanism 234 may be coupled to the tubular lower section 220 and a second end of the gripping mechanism 234a may be coupled to a second end of the tubular lower section 220. In some embodiments, the therapeutic device 230 may include multiple gripping mechanisms 234. For example, the therapeutic device 200 may include a first gripping mechanism 234a and a second gripping mechanism 234b. In these and other embodiments, the first gripping mechanism 234a and the second gripping mechanism 234b may be coupled to the therapeutic device 200 opposite one another. For example, the first gripping mechanism 234a may be coupled to the tubular lower section 220 opposite the second gripping mechanism 234b such as illustrated in FIG. 6B.

[0099] In some embodiments, the gripping mechanisms 234 may include various configurations to facilitate manipulation and/or control of the therapeutic device 200 such as during oral facial exercises and/or other therapeutic exercises. In some embodiments, the gripping mechanisms 234 may include one or more handles that may be coupled to the tubular lower section 220 and/or the upper section 210, and the handles may extend outwardly from the tubular lower section 220 and/or the upper section 210. The one or more handles may be sized and configured to provide enhanced grip capability for users. In some embodiments, the handles may be formed as loop-shaped structures, and the structures may allow a user's fingers to be inserted through the handles for secure gripping. In some embodiments, the gripping mechanisms 234 may include handles that may extend along the tubular lower section 220 and may be connected at multiple points along the length of the tubular lower section 220. In some embodiments, the gripping mechanisms 234 may include textured surfaces on the handles that may provide additional tactile feedback and/or may prevent slippage during use. In some embodiments, the gripping mechanisms 234 may be permanently attached to the therapeutic device 200 or may be removably coupled to the therapeutic device 200.

[0100] In some embodiments, such as illustrated in FIG. 6B, the therapeutic device 200 may include one or more attachment portions 232. For example, the therapeutic device 200 may include a first attachment portion 232a, a second attachment portion 232b, and a third attachment portion 232c.

[0101] In some embodiments, the attachment portions 232 may include plugs that may be sized and configured to be inserted into the apertures of the therapeutic device 200. For example, the first attachment portion 232a may be sized and configured for insertion into the first aperture 230, the second attachment portion 232b may be sized and configured for insertion into the second aperture 216, and the third attachment portion 232c may be sized and configured for insertion into the third aperture 218. In these and other embodiments, the attachment portions 232 may have different shapes, sizes, configurations, and/or arrangements depending, for example, upon the shapes, sizes, configurations, and/or arrangements of the apertures.

[0102] In these and other embodiments, the attachment portions 232 may allow for various objects to be attached to the therapeutic device 200. For example, the attachment portions 232 may support the connection of additional tubes, textured elements, and/or shaped elements that may facilitate oral facial exercises and/or other therapeutic exercises. In some embodiments, the attachment portions 232 may be configured to receive interchangeable components that may be selected based on therapeutic preferences and/or user preferences, allowing for customization of the therapeutic device 200 for individual treatment. In some embodiments, the attachment portions 232 may allow various aesthetic features to be attached to the therapeutic device 200 (e.g., leaves to make the therapeutic device look like a carrot, cactus arms to make the therapeutic device look like a cactus, among other aesthetic features) to facilitate user engagement with the therapeutic device 200.

[0103] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the example therapeutic device 200 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the designations of different elements in the manner described is meant to help explain concepts herein and is not limiting. Further, the example therapeutic device 200 may include any number of other elements or may be implemented within other systems or contexts than those described. For example, the therapeutic device 200 may include any of the features described with respect to the therapeutic device 100 and/or may be used to perform the oral facial exercises described with respect to the therapeutic device 100.

[0104] One skilled in the art, after reviewing this disclosure, will understand that the therapeutic device 200 may have other suitable shapes, sizes, configurations, and/or arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of the therapeutic device 200. For example, the therapeutic device 200 may be shaped to emulate various objects in order to facilitate user engagement with the therapeutic device 200. For instance, the device may be shaped like a carrot, a parsnip, a cactus, or other shapes that may increase engagement with children while performing oral facial exercises and/or other therapeutic exercises. Additionally, or alternatively, various objects may be coupled to the apertures to maintain user engagement with using the therapeutic device 200. For example, the therapeutic device 200 may be shaped like a carrot and carrot leaves may be coupled to the therapeutic device 200 at one or more of the apertures (e.g., via the attachment portions 232), which may increase engagement with the therapeutic device 200 in children.

[0105] FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of an example method 300 of therapy, which may be in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. The method 300 may be performed by any suitable system, apparatus, or device. For example, the method 300 may be implemented by the example therapeutic device 100 described with respect to FIGS. 1-5B and/or the example therapeutic device 200 described with respect to FIGS. 6A and 6B. Although illustrated with discrete blocks, the steps and operations associated with one or more blocks of the method 300 may be divided into additional blocks, combined into fewer blocks, or eliminated, depending, for example, on the particular implementation. For example, one or more of the operations described above with respect to the example therapeutic device 100 and/or the therapeutic device 200 may be implemented in the method 300.

[0106] At block 302, a therapeutic device is provided. In some embodiments, the therapeutic device may include an upper section including a hyperboloid having a top end and a bottom end and a tubular lower section connected to the bottom end of the hyperboloid. The tubular lower section may extend longitudinally from the upper section. In some embodiments, the therapeutic device may be the example therapeutic device 100 described previously with reference to FIGS. 1-5B or the therapeutic device 200 described previously with respect to FIGS. 6A and 6B.

[0107] At block 304, at least one of a cranial, cervical, and/or orofacial characteristic may be at least partially determined with the therapeutic device. In some embodiments, the cranial, cervical, and/or orofacial characteristic may include facial height, facial width, facial height-ratios, maxillary and/or mandibular width, depth, and/or height, maxillary tilt/cant, maxillary arch width, overbite, overjet, tongue length, tongue width, tongue height, lower anterior facial height, molar-vertical distance, inter-labial gap, philtrum length, hyoid-to-mentum distance, indicator line, vertical opening, canine-to-canine, molar-to-incisor, incisor-to-incisor, incisor show, open bite, intermolar distance, intercanine distances, retrusion, interpupillary distance, lateral protrusion, jaw protrusion, jaw retrusion, tongue range of motion, a nasal measurement, an oral measurement, an ocular measurement, anterior arch length, palatal depth, and/or palatal length, among other cranial, cervical, and/or orofacial characteristics. In some embodiments, the determination of the cranial, cervical, and/or orofacial may be made using a measurement scale on a surface of the tubular lower section. For example, the determination of the cranial, cervical, and/or orofacial characteristic may be made using the measurement scale 124 of the example therapeutic device 100.

[0108] In some embodiments, the cranial, cervical, and/or orofacial characteristic may be entered into an application on a user device, and the cranial, cervical, and/or orofacial characteristic may be tracked by the individual. The measurements of the cranial, cervical, and/or orofacial characteristic in the application on the user device may be utilized to monitor the cranial, cervical, and/or orofacial therapy over time.

[0109] At block 306, an oral facial exercise may be performed with the therapeutic device. In some embodiments, an oral facial exercise may include cranial, cervical, and/or orofacial exercises that may have therapeutic benefits or other benefits for cranial, cervical, and/or orofacial features.

[0110] In some embodiments, the oral facial exercise may include inserting at least a portion of a tongue into an aperture in the top end of the hyperboloid. For example, at least a portion of the tongue could be inserted into the second aperture 116 of the hyperboloid 111 in the example therapeutic device 100.

[0111] In some embodiments, the oral facial exercise may include biting down on at least a portion of the hyperboloid and/or the tubular lower section. In these embodiments, at least a tooth, such as a bottom molar, bottom bicuspid, bottom cuspid, and/or bottom incisor may contact one side of the hyperboloid and/or the tubular lower section and at least a tooth, such as a top molar, top bicuspid, top cuspid, and/or top incisor may contact an opposite side of the hyperboloid or the tubular lower section. For example, the user may bite down on at least a portion of the hyperboloid 111 and/or the tubular lower section 120 of the example therapeutic device 100. In some embodiments, the user may then pull the example therapeutic device 100 in a forward direction, which may help bring the upper and lower jaws forward.

[0112] In some embodiments, the oral facial exercise may include chewing at least a portion of a hyperboloid and/or a tubular lower section 120. For example, the user may chew the hyperboloid 111 and/or the tubular lower section 120 of the example therapeutic device 100.

[0113] In some embodiments, the oral facial exercise may include holding the tubular lower section generally horizontal between an upper lip and a lower lip, protruding the lower jaw forward from a starting position, biting down on the tubular lower section, and sliding the lower jaw back to the starting or more neutral or other position. For example, this exercise may be performed with the tubular lower section 120 of the example therapeutic device 100.

[0114] In some embodiments, the oral facial exercise may include holding the tubular lower section lengthwise using the mouth, sliding the tubular lower section forward from a neutral jaw position by moving the lower jaw forward, biting down on the tubular lower section, and pulling the lower jaw back to the neutral jaw position. In these and other embodiments, after reaching the neutral position, the tubular lower section may be released and the oral facial exercise may be repeated. For example, this exercise may be performed with the tubular lower section 120 of the example therapeutic device 100.

[0115] In some embodiments, the oral facial exercise may include holding the tubular lower section under an upper lip and rolling the tubular lower section in an upwards direction to curl the upper lip upwards. In some embodiments, the tubular lower section may be rolled to curl the upper lip vertically upwards or diagonally upwards. In some embodiments, the oral facial exercise may include holding or stretching the tubular lower section under a lower lip and rolling the tubular lower section in a downward direction to curl the lower lip downwards. In some embodiments, the tubular lower section may be rolled to curl the lower lip vertically downwards or diagonally downwards. For example, either of these exercises may be performed with the tubular lower section 120 of the example therapeutic device 100.

[0116] In some embodiments, the oral facial exercise may include moving at least a portion of one or more of the hyperboloids and/or the lower tubular section within the mouth of an individual. For example, a user may move or otherwise manipulate the hyperboloid 111 and/or the tubular lower section 120 within their mouth.

[0117] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the method 300 without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the designations of different elements in the manner described is meant to help explain concepts described herein and is not limiting. Further, the method 300 may include any number of other elements or may be implemented within other systems or contexts than those described.

[0118] For example, the block 304 may be omitted and the therapeutic device may be utilized to perform oral facial exercises without facial characteristics being determined. In some embodiments, the block 306 may be omitted and the therapeutic device may be utilized to determine cranial, cervical, and/or orofacial characteristics without oral facial exercises being performed. Additionally or alternatively, postural measurements, spinal measurements, and/or other bodily assessment measurements may be determined and/or non-bodily measurements may be determined using the therapeutic device.

Example Exercises

[0119] The following therapeutic exercises (e.g., oral facial exercises) may be performed in conjunction with and/or using the example therapeutic devices described throughout this disclosure. In some instances, humming, swallowing, vocalizing, visual tracking, balancing (e.g., on one leg), planking, squatting, standing, and/or other sensorimotor functions may be performed in conjunction with the oral facial exercises described throughout the disclosure to build neural networks and/or neuroplasticity.

[0120] As described previously, performance of oral facial exercises, such as with the therapeutic device described throughout the disclosure, may improve breathing, orofacial function and sleep issues such as snoring, sleep-disordered breathing and obstructive sleep apnea. For example, a systematic review and meta-analysis found that orofacial myofunctional therapy may improve moderate sleep apnea 50% in children and 62% in adults (Camacho, M 2015). Another study indicated that a breath hold time tested in the day may be indicative of high loop gain at night which is common in central sleep apnea and considered connected with body chemistry (Messineo, L 2018). Another study of more than 11,000 children looked at impacts and red flags of sleep disordered breathing (Bonuck, K 2012). A 2017 study by Zaffanello et al. suggested connections with obstructive sleep-disordered breathing, enuresis, and combined disorders in children.

[0121] Moreover, the therapeutic devices described may be used in conjunction with assessment and screening tools such as Functional AIRway Evaluation Screening Tools (FAIREST) which may use the therapeutic devices in at least a portion of the assessments performed using FAIREST.

[0122] Smiling: In some instances, smiling while performing oral facial exercises and/or other therapeutic exercises with the therapeutic devices described may aid in toning the airway. Smiling may activate 53 or more facial muscles, may activate the diaphragm and the body's filtration system to defend the respiratory system, may open the nostrils, and/or may cause the brain to release neuropeptides to help combat stress. Moreover, other neurotransmitters may be released by the brain such as dopamine, serotonin, and/or endorphins during use of the therapeutic device.

[0123] The placement of the therapeutic device as well as the type and/or intensity of the oral facial exercises may be adjusted for different outcomes. For example, clenching with varied intensity to hold onto the therapeutic device while performing daily activities (e.g., working) may help an individual with open mouth posture or low tone adopt healthy cranial, cervical, and/or orofacial tone and/or orofacial rest posture. Smiling using the therapeutic device may itself be considered an oral facial exercise and/or may be performed in conjunction with another oral facial or therapeutic exercise as a variation of the oral facial exercise.

[0124] Kissing: In some instances, an individual may hold an end of the therapeutic device and squeeze their lips around the therapeutic device in a pucker. In some instances, the therapeutic device may be held horizontally between the teeth while holding a pucker. Performing these kissing motions may help bring the lips together to develop lip seal and/or move the jaws and face in a forward direction, which may mobilize cranial structures important in expanding the palate, jaws, and/or face. Additionally, or alternatively, performing these kissing motions may improve tone as these motions may activate nerves including the trigeminal nerve. These kissing motions using the therapeutic device may be considered an oral facial exercise and/or the kissing motions may be performed in conjunction with another oral facial and/or therapeutic exercise as a variation of the oral facial exercise.

[0125] In these and other instances, kissing motions may be performed while lying prone. In some instances, the tongue may protrude out of the mouth and placed above or below the therapeutic device while laying prone. In these and other instances, the therapeutic device may be placed along the median sulcus of the tongue to encourage lingual cupping and/or the therapeutic device may be pressed up along the palate. In some instances, the tongue may be protruded within the hyperboloid of the therapeutic device. The orientation of the therapeutic device may be chosen by the individual and/or a clinician depending on personal preferences, sensory needs, motor needs, and/or desired therapeutic effect.

[0126] Nasal Flare: In some instances, the nostrils may be flared when the therapeutic device is being used for an oral facial exercise and/or other therapeutic exercise. This may activate the anatomy that opens the nose and may improve nasal patency. In these and other instances, a mirror may be used so an individual may watch and use their fingers to assist during the exercise. In some instances, this may be combined with smiling, raising eyebrows, kissing exercises, and/or vocalization exercises.

[0127] Jaw Exercises: In some instances, the oral facial exercises and/or other therapeutic exercise that may be performed with the therapeutic devices described throughout this disclosure may include jaw exercises. Chewing may encourage circulation, lymphatic flow, and/or drainage of the eustachian tubes, and the therapeutic devices described throughout this disclosure may be chewed on to obtain one or more of these benefits.

[0128] In some instances, the jaw exercises that may be performed with the therapeutic devices may improve jaw function, growth, stability, and/or symmetry. In some instances, the therapeutic devices described throughout the disclosure may be chewed. For instance, the therapeutic device may be chewed according to different movements and/or intensities. For example, the therapeutic device may be chewed side-to-side laterally, front to back protrusively, and/or in circular motions such as with rotary chew. The bounce and rebound of the therapeutic device may help with lubrication of the temporomandibular joints, may help to absorb shock, and/or may decrease stiffness and swelling.

[0129] In some instances, the therapeutic device may be held horizontally between the front teeth with the mouth in a relaxed open position, the lower jaw may then be protruded forward to a final position, at the final position the individual may bite down on the therapeutic device and slide the lower jaw back to the initial position. The individual may then relax and repeat the exercise.

[0130] In some instances, the therapeutic device may be held longitudinally (from the front of the mouth to the back like a drinking straw) between the front teeth in a relaxed open position, the lower jaw may be moved laterally or sideways to a final position, at the final position the individual may bite down on the therapeutic device, and slide the lower jaw back to the initial position. The individual may then relax and repeat the exercise.

[0131] In some instances, the therapeutic device may be positioned with the back of the molar, which may be used to bite the tubular section and/or hyperboloid, and the individual may allow the tubular section and/or hyperboloid to slowly rebound. This may allow the jaw muscles to be variably contracted and relaxed, which may stretch the jaw muscle. This exercise may be varied by shorter bites followed by longer stretches until the TMJ is more open.

[0132] In some instances, the tubular section and/or the hyperboloid may be bitten unilaterally. For example, an individual may bite the tubular section and/or the hyperboloid on a side that is more prevalent to pain and/or inflammation. This exercise may also help with unilateral imbalances of the head, neck, jaw, and/or teeth. Improving the balance and/or function of the jaw and/or bite may also improve balance and/or function in the cervical spine (e.g., the upper cervical spine) or vice versa. In some instances, the individual may adjust how hard they are biting on the tubular section and/or the hyperboloid depending on the amount of resistance the desired.

[0133] Tongue Exercises: In some instances, the oral facial exercises and/or other therapeutic exercises that may be performed with the therapeutic devices described throughout this disclosure may include tongue exercises. For example, the therapeutic device may be used as a tongue guide and/or to provide resistance to the tongue. For instance, the therapeutic device may be used to add resistance against various movements of the tongue.

[0134] As another example, the therapeutic device may be mobilized against the left and/or right sides of the tongue as sensory stimulation and/or resistance. In some instances, the therapeutic may be lightly dragged along the sides of the tongue from the back of the tongue to the tip of the tongue or vice versa and the gag reflex may be used as a stopping point. This exercise may help develop oral pressure management.

[0135] In some instances, the therapeutic device may be used to influence tongue shape. For example, the tongue may be used to locate any portion of the therapeutic device such as the textured sections and/or the apertures with the individual narrowing their tongue to do so. This exercise may help influence tongue tone and functions such as narrowing and/or protrusion which may improve genioglossus function and/or influence airway patency.

[0136] In some instances, the individual may trace shapes on the therapeutic device using their tongue. In some instances, the individual may widen their tongue along the therapeutic device. In some instances, lingual cupping may be influenced by pressing and/or dragging the therapeutic device along the middle of the tongue to encourage the tongue to cup and wrap around the therapeutic device.

[0137] In some instances, the therapeutic device may be used to direct tongue movements such as side to side, diagonally, and/or up and down. In some instances, if one side of the tongue is weaker, the individual may use the textured sections to rub along the weaker side to stimulate that portion of the tongue to contract and/or activate.

[0138] In some instances, the user may move the tongue in and out of the mouth and use the therapeutic device to add resistance. In some instances, the user may balance the therapeutic device on their tongue. In some instances, the user may rub the textured sections of the therapeutic device along their tongue to stimulate and encourage the tongue to move.

[0139] In some instances, the therapeutic device may be bitten down upon while the user swallows. This exercise may train the user to swallow with soft lips while allowing the tongue to do most of the work, which may encourage more efficient swallowing.

[0140] In some instances, the apertures of the therapeutic device may be used for tongue exercises. For example, the tongue may be moved in and out of the apertures of the therapeutic device. As another example, the tongue may be placed within the aperture of the hyperboloid, the ridges may guide the tongue into the aperture and grip the tongue, and the therapeutic device may be rotated to stretch and/or strengthen the rotational aspects and/or the components of the tongue.

[0141] In some instances, the tongue exercises described above may allow for the tracking and identification of apraxia in tongue movements. In some instances, any of the above exercises may be performed with smiling to target muscles such as the stylopharyngeus, which may improve breathing, sleep, decrease pharyngeal collapsibility, and/or help move tonsils out of the airway.

[0142] Lips, Frenum, Cheeks, and/or Buccal Exercises: In some instances, the oral facial and/or other therapeutic exercises that may be performed with the therapeutic devices described throughout this disclosure may include lip, frenum, cheeks, and/or buccal exercises. In some embodiments, an individual may hold the therapeutic device between their teeth horizontally with the lips sealed around the lower section, the jaw in a neutral position, and the tongue resting up above the lower section along the palate with the tip forward behind the front teeth in the area of the incisive papilla with the middle and back of the tongue resting lightly or gently suctioned up along the palate. This exercise may be performed to develop nasal breathing and/or lip seal. In these and other instances, the exercises may be performed while doing daily activities such as watching television, listening to music, among other activities.

[0143] In some of these exercises or other exercises, a pad of the finger may be placed under the chin near the back but not touching the throat to add pressure to assist in bringing the jaw, lips, and/or tongue into a balanced posture. This pressure may be held for between 5-10 seconds. The pressure may slowly increase to help suction the tongue along the roof or palate, which may help keep the jaw in the neutral position and stabilize the airway.

[0144] In some instances, the individual may puff their cheeks out and/or fill their mouths with liquid, and the therapeutic device may be tapped against the cheeks to test the strength of the hold and/or to encourage the individual to hold pressure with the air or liquid in their mouth.

[0145] In some instances, the therapeutic device may be held between the lips or teeth during swallowing to train the lips to relax during swallowing movements.

[0146] In some instances, the therapeutic device may be held between the lips or teeth, and an individual may walk while balancing an object (e.g., a coin) on the therapeutic device. The object may be replaced with heavier objects as the individual develops jaw strength. This exercise may be performed with quiet and calm nasal breathing to inhibit movement of the object. This exercise may help with whole body posture and/or may help encourage healthy jaw posture by coordinating with movement.

[0147] In some instances, the face may be lightly touched with the therapeutic device around the lips to assess whether the head turns and the mouth opens in infants. This exercise may be used to stimulate and/or develop the rooting reflex in infants, which may improve infant feeding.

[0148] In some instances, the therapeutic device may be used in conjunction with liquids to encourage swallowing and/or in conjunction with objects to encourage suction. For example, the individual may place their lips around one of ends with an aperture of the therapeutic device and suck liquids through the therapeutic device and/or suck air through the therapeutic device to hold an object. As another example, the individual may suck air through the therapeutic device to hold an object (e.g., a piece of paper) and walk from one end of the room to another while holding the paper.

[0149] In some instances, the individual may blow air through the therapeutic device. For example, the individual may place their lips around either end of the therapeutic device and blow air into a cup with liquid to make bubbles. As another example, the therapeutic device may be used to blow an object across a surface.

[0150] In some instances, the individual may pucker their lips over the therapeutic device (e.g., the tubular section) and hold the pucker. In these and other instances, the individual may suck the therapeutic device.

[0151] In some instances, the tubular section may be wedged between mucosa and gums or gingiva of the upper or lower lip or the cheek to stretch the lips and/or cheeks. In some instances, the tubular section may be held in place for a longer passive stretch and/or the textured sections may be used to help roll and/or lengthen the tissue.

[0152] In some instances, the tubular section may be used to roll the upper lip toward the nose to encourage lengthening, eversion, and/or flanging of the lip. In some instances, the upper lip may be used to hold the tubular section in place lengthwise.

[0153] Myofunctional Exercises: In some instances, the oral facial exercises and/or other therapeutic exercises that may be performed with the therapeutic devices described throughout this disclosure may include myofunctional exercises. For example, craniofacial muscles may be toned and trained through the various oral facial exercises that may be performed with the therapeutic device.

[0154] As an example, biting down or closing the jaw on the therapeutic device may allow for shortening of a muscle or tissue while controlling the release of the bite may influence lengthening of the muscle or tissue. Moreover, the therapeutic device may be used to vary the resistance against these muscle contractions, which may allow for strengthening of the facial muscles. The therapeutic device may be used for variable time intervals to help develop long twitch muscle fibers, which may help build endurance, particularly in those who tend toward a slouched and/or open mouth and/or low tongue posture.

[0155] In some instances, some muscles may be contracted during an exercise while others may be relaxed. For example, contract-relax variations of an oral facial exercise may be used to relax one muscle like the suboccipital muscles at the base of the skull that may extend the neck and open the mouth and contracting against muscles that do the opposite such as those that close the lips, jaws and/or mouth and encourage neck flexion.

[0156] In some instances, the therapeutic devices may encourage proprioceptive and neuromuscular facilitation in oral facial exercises by stimulating the proprioceptors in muscle and fascia and stimulating neuromuscular pathways, which may be associated with particular movements. As an example, diagonal movement patterns during oral facial exercises may encourage proprioceptive and neuromuscular facilitation. In some instances, reciprocal inhibition techniques may be performed using the therapeutic device, which may include causing a muscle on one side of a joint to relax when the opposing muscle contracts. For example, when contracting the jaw muscles to move the mandible to the right, the opposing muscles may relax to allow the motion to occur.

[0157] Cranial, Mandibular and Orofacial Myofunctional Exercises: In some instances, the oral facial exercises and/or other therapeutic exercises that may be performed with the therapeutic devices described throughout this disclosure may include cranial, mandibular, and/or orofacial myofunctional exercises. For example, the therapeutic devices may be used to improve function and/or muscular strength of facial muscles, mouth muscles, and the tongue, may improve the resting posture of the tongue and lips, and/or may develop correct swallowing and/or chewing patterns, and/or may decrease parafunction and/or dysfunctional habits.

[0158] For example, dysfunctional habits may include lip biting, clenching, thumb or finger sucking, pacifier use, open mouth and low tongue posture, among other dysfunctional habits. The therapeutic device may be used as a substitute to these dysfunctional habits to allow the individual to focus on these habits and/or to help reduce these parafunctions.

[0159] In some instances, the therapeutic device may be used to address tongue tie, which is when the lingual frenum connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is restricted. In these instances, the therapeutic device may be used to roll under and lift and/or lengthen the tongue. The therapeutic device may also be used to encourage the tongue to stay up along the palate which may help lengthen the lingual frenulum. For example, the therapeutic device may be held between the teeth while elevating and lengthening the tongue up over the therapeutic device along the palate.

[0160] In some instances, myofunctional exercises and/or oral myofunctional exercises may help with oral dysfunction, which may help make orthodontic treatment more successful. In some instances, myofunctional exercises and/or oral myofunctional exercises may decrease the need for orthodontic interventions by lessening chronic oral motor dysfunction which has been associated with malocclusion (D'Onofrio L, 2019) Sensory Neuro Exercises: In some instances, the oral facial exercises and/or other therapeutic exercises that may be performed with the therapeutic devices described throughout this disclosure may include sensory neuro exercises. In these and other embodiments, oral facial exercises may be performed in conjunction with integrative sensory stimulation or nervous system regulation. In some instances, the therapeutic devices may allow for both a similar and varied sensory experience when oral facial exercises are performed. For example, one surface of the therapeutic device may include one or more textures while another surface may be smooth.

[0161] In some instances, the therapeutic device may provide sensory input to the head, neck, face, jaw, lips, mouth, and/or hands that are holding the therapeutic device. In these and other instances, the therapeutic device may engage receptors in the soft tissues with different types of touch. For example, the touches that may be provided with the therapeutic device may include light touch (e.g., gentle brush on the soft tissues), discriminative touch (e.g., precise identification of an object's texture and location), pressure touch, vibration applied to the therapeutic device while used intraorally or on the soft tissues, stretch (e.g., feeling of soft tissues or muscle being pulled by the therapeutic device), texture detection, and/or differentiation between food and/or non-food in the channels of the therapeutic device.

[0162] In some instances, a visual example of an exercise may be provided for the individual to emulate using the therapeutic device. For instance, an individual may use a picture of a dog biting a bone to have the individual emulate the picture with the therapeutic device. Another example is performing visual exercises like tracking with the device. These exercises may create stability of the mandible and/or lower cranium while the eye muscles pull on the associated ocular structures.

[0163] In these and other instances, the individual or the clinical professional may select a smooth or textured surface of the device (e.g., with projecting features for various sensory input or guidance) to encourage movement in different directions like tongue lateralization and protrusion. In these and other instances, short, thin, projections (e.g., bristles) may be used to stimulate the sides of the tongue and/or various cranial nerves or sensations in the mouth, palate, face, among other craniofacial features.

[0164] In these and other instances, the size, sequence, and/or organization of the one or more textured sections of the therapeutic device may provide sensory input and may attract, and/or guide the tongue, which can shape to the textured sections.

[0165] In these and other instances, the therapeutic device may be constructed of various materials, colors, shapes, and/or likenesses to increase appeal to the individual and/or increase engagement with the device. For example, visual senses may be activated with color, smell may be activated by dipping the therapeutic device with odorous media such as garlic or lemon, and/or taste senses may be activated by applying flavor to the therapeutic device and/or applying foods such as spreads and/or fruit leather to the therapeutic device.

[0166] In some instances, various sensory inputs may be engaged by applying pressure with the therapeutic device to various parts of the face, mouth, neck, and/or jaw. In some instances, the therapeutic device may be cooled, frozen, and/or heated to activate temperature senses.

[0167] In these and other instances, stereognosis may be activated through the user attempting to identify numbers, shapes, and/or textures on the therapeutic device using the sense of touch alone and without the aid of vision.

[0168] In some instances, proprioceptors may be engaged by the user holding the therapeutic device between the front teeth, such as moving the end of the therapeutic device up or down relative to the horizontal bite line, and having the user identify in which direction the therapeutic device was mobilized.

[0169] In some instances, the therapeutic device may be used to touch or trace different patterns on the face, in the mouth, and/or on the tongue while the user's eyes are closed, and the user may identify what and where was touched and/or may attempt to trace the same pattern.

[0170] In some instances, the therapeutic device may be used with and/or without food and/or flavors and the individual may identify the different food and/or flavors used on the therapeutic device and/or when the therapeutic device does not have food associated with the therapeutic device.

[0171] In some instances, the therapeutic device may be used while the individual performs rhythmic bouncing (e.g., to a beat), which may engage the vestibular system and central pattern generators, stimulate and/or integrate reflexes, increase parasympathetic activity, and/or stimulate cranial nerves and/or neuroplasticity. For example, the individual may perform physical exercise such as bouncing on a physio ball to the beat of a song while using the therapeutic device which may increase neuroplasticity, which may be significant in brain rehabilitation (Kumar J, et al. 2023)

[0172] Speech Exercises: In some instances, the oral facial exercises and/or other therapeutic exercises that may be performed with the therapeutic devices described throughout this disclosure may include speech exercises. For example, the individual may hold the therapeutic device below the jaw to cue stabilization and/or may hold the therapeutic device (e.g., the tubular section or the hyperboloid) between the teeth in varying intensities while doing speech exercises where the jaw should be stable such as saying the vowel oo followed by ee.

[0173] As another example, the therapeutic device may improve the ability to vocalize sounds by holding the therapeutic device in front of the lips as a target for the lips to move towards while saying sounds like ch and sh.

[0174] As mentioned previously, the therapeutic devices may be used directly and/or indirectly to influence the tongue and oropharyngeal anatomy and/or neuroplasticity. For example, the therapeutic device may be held along the back of the palate to encourage posterior tongue suction or elevation.

[0175] Teeth Occlusion Exercises: In some instances, the oral facial exercises and/or other therapeutic exercises that may be performed with the therapeutic devices described throughout this disclosure may include exercises corresponding to teeth occlusion. In these and other instances, the therapeutic device may be used in various configurations depending on the user and/or clinician's therapeutic goals. For example, the therapeutic device may be held horizontally in the teeth, longitudinally in the teeth, and/or multiple therapeutic devices may be used (e.g., two therapeutic devices may be used front to back along the molars). These exercises may be performed at rest and/or in conjunction with activity or exercise where clenching may be more likely to occur.

[0176] In some instances, the therapeutic device may be chewed until saliva begins to accumulate. In these and other instances, humming while chewing may accelerate the accumulation of saliva by activating parasympathetics. Chewing the therapeutic device may improve dental health, saliva production, and/or engage dental structures such as the periodontal ligament.

[0177] In some instances, the therapeutic device may be used to encourage forward movement of the jaw. For example, individuals with retrusive jaws, may grasp an end of the therapeutic device with their front teeth, which may encourage the retrusive jaw to move forward toward a neutral position to meet the upper jaw. Performing activities in the neutral position may encourage forward growth and movement of the retrusive jaw.

[0178] In some instances, the therapeutic device may be used to develop phasic bite in infants by stimulating or rubbing the back molars to help activate and/or integrate the phasic bite reflex. In these and other instances, unilateral bite exercises may be performed by placing the therapeutic device along the molars on one side. In some instances, diagonal, circular, and/or rotary chewing may be performed on the therapeutic device. In some instances, bilateral chewing may be performed using the therapeutic device.

[0179] Posture Exercises: In some instances, the oral facial exercises and/or other therapeutic exercises that may be performed with the therapeutic devices described throughout this disclosure may include posture exercises. For example, the oral facial exercises described throughout the disclosure may be performed simultaneously with various posture exercises. For instance, the posture of the individual may be modified while performing exercises with the therapeutic device in order to develop lip seal, increase space and/or increase function.

[0180] As an example of a posture exercise, the individual may stand the distance of their foot away from the wall lean and lean their spine up against the wall. This may be performed while using the therapeutic device to perform other exercises, and the clinician may obtain ne or more measurements while the exercise is being performed. For example, the distance of the apex of the curve in the cervical and/or lumbar spine from the wall may be measured, and/or, with arms raised against the wall, the distance of the wrists from the wall may be measured, among other measurements.

[0181] As another example, the individual's back may be placed against the wall with the feet placed one foot length away from the wall and shoulder width apart. This position may be maintained while performing an oral facial exercise with the therapeutic device. In some instances, the individual may raise their arms (e.g., like goal posts) during this exercise.

[0182] In some instances, the individual may perform squats with the therapeutic device in their mouth. In some instances, the individual may perform a plank and/or push up against a surface such as the wall or floor while using the therapeutic device.

[0183] In some instances, the individual may be in a supine position, and the clinician may modify the posture of their back while the individual uses the therapeutic device. For example, the individual may suck on the therapeutic device to maintain lip seal during the posture exercise. In these and other instances, the individual may be placed on their side.

[0184] In some instances, the individual may be in a four-point position (e.g., on hands and knees) while the therapeutic device is being used. In these and other instances, the therapeutic device may be used orally to perform various exercises. In some instances, the individual may be in a plank position while the therapeutic device is being used. In some instances, the individual may be in a prone position and/or on a wedge while the therapeutic device is being used. In some instances, the individual may be lying on their side while the therapeutic device is being used. In some instances, the individual may be sitting on and/or laying on a physio ball while the therapeutic device is being used.

[0185] Measurement, Assessment, and Testing: As described previously, the therapeutic devices may be used to for assessment, measurement, and testing in addition to being used therapeutically to train, tone, and/or treat what the devices are assessing, testing, and/or measuring.

[0186] The therapeutic devices may be used to assess nasal breathing by an individual holding the therapeutic device with their lips sealed around the device. This may be performed as an alternative to taping, which may not be safe and/or may not be comfortable. For example, the individual is free to open their mouth at any time if they begin to feel uncomfortable. Moreover, this assessment may be performed while the individual is wearing a pulse oximeter so vitals may be evaluated during assessment. The individual may also be asked to provide subjective hand signals or other signals to allow the practitioner to evaluate whether to continue the assessment.

[0187] In some instances, such as described previously, the therapeutic devices may be used to determine various cranial, cervical, and/or orofacial characteristics. For example, interdental widths such as inter-canine width and/or inter-molar width may be measured using the therapeutic device (e.g., the measurement scale of the therapeutic device). As another example, oral space may be calculated based on measurements of sagittal or anterior-posterior depth. For instance, measuring the distance from the back of the molars or oral cavity to the front incisor teeth may be used in determining the oral space of the mouth cavity. Moreover, tongue width, height, and/or length may be measured, and these measurements may be compared against the determination of the oral space to assess whether the tongue has adequate space in the oral cavity.

[0188] Another cranial, cervical, and/or orofacial characteristic that may be measured may be the vertical thirds of the face including the forehead third of the face from the top of the forehead to about the eyebrows, the midface third of the face from about the eyebrows to about the base of the nose, and the lower face third of the face from about the base of the nose to the base of the chin.

[0189] Other cranial, cervical, and/or orofacial characteristics that may be measured include indicator line measurements, ocular measurements such as interpupillary distance, hyoid-to-mentum of chin distance, and/or other facial measurements involving the eyes, nose, ear, eyebrows, lips, hairline, trichion, lateral canthus, and/or other facial features. For instance, the size of the nostril opening, the nasal width, and/or other nasal measurements may be determined using the therapeutic device.

[0190] As another example, cranial, cervical, and/or orofacial characteristics corresponding to the lips may be measured such as philtrum length, inter-labial gap, incisor show, vermillion, cheilion, and/or other craniofacial characteristics corresponding to the lips.

[0191] As an additional example, cranial, cervical, and/or orofacial characteristics corresponding to the jaw may be measured such as the vertical opening of the jaw based on the distance between the upper and lower incisors, the jaw and tongue range of motion, lateral jaw movement, protrusive/retrusive jaw movement, rotary jaw movement, and/or other craniofacial characteristics corresponding to the jaw. In some instances, jaw and/or tongue range of motion may be determined with or without tongue range of motion ratios such as TRMR-TIP, which includes measuring how far the tongue tip can reach to the incisive papilla while the mouth is open, or TRMR-LPS, which includes measuring how far the tongue can elevate and suction to the palate with the mouth open.

[0192] As a further example, craniofacial characteristics corresponding to the teeth may be measured such as open bite, inter-molar, inter-canine (upper and/or lower), indicator line, lower incisor to upper incisor depth (e.g., for protrusive class 3 or retrusive class 2 bites), among other craniofacial characteristics that may correspond to the teeth.

[0193] As another example, Chvostek's signa twitch that occurs when the facial nerve is tapped in front of the earmay be evaluated using the therapeutic device by tapping the therapeutic device at the location which would initiate the sign. This sign may be used as a clinical indicator of low calcium levels in the blood.

[0194] As another example, the masseteric reflex (e.g., jaw jerk) or other craniofacial reflexes may be elicited using the therapeutic device. For example, the hyperboloid of the therapeutic device may be used similarly to a reflex hammer and may elicit the masseteric reflex by tapping the chin or lower jaw.

[0195] The various features illustrated in the drawings may be, but are not necessarily, drawn to scale. The illustrations may be views of one or more portions of a particular apparatus (e.g., device, system, etc.) or method, and the illustrations may be idealized representations that are employed to describe various embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, the dimensions of the various features may be shown, or may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. In addition, some of the drawings may be simplified for clarity. Thus, the drawings may not depict all the components of a given apparatus (e.g., device) or all operations of a particular method.

[0196] Terms used in the present disclosure and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as open terms (e.g., the term including should be interpreted as including, but not limited to, the term having should be interpreted as having at least, the term includes should be interpreted as includes, but is not limited to, among others).

[0197] Relative terms used in the present disclosure and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as falling within manufacturing tolerances and/or within scope reasonably understood by a person of skill in the art. For example, if two components are identified as being the same size, there may be variations consistent with manufacturing variances. Terms describing approximately, similar, substantially, or other terms designating similarity may convey within ten percent of the comparative value. For example, two components that are approximately the same size would be understood to be of a size within ten percent of each other.

[0198] Additionally, if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases at least one and one or more to introduce claim recitations.

[0199] In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of two recitations, without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to at least one of A, B, and C, etc. or one or more of A, B, and C, etc. is used, in general such a construction is intended to include A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together, etc.

[0200] Further, any disjunctive word or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase A or B should be understood to include the possibilities of A or B or A and B. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles a or an limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases one or more or at least one and indefinite articles such as a or an (e.g., a and/or an should be interpreted to mean at least one or one or more); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations.

[0201] Additionally, the use of the terms first, second, third, etc., are not necessarily used herein to connote a specific order or number of elements. Generally, the terms first, second, third, etc., are used to distinguish between different elements as generic identifiers. Absence a showing that the terms first, second, third, etc., connote a specific order, these terms should not be understood to connote a specific order. Furthermore, absence a showing that the terms first, second, third, etc., connote a specific number of elements, these terms should not be understood to connote a specific number of elements. For example, a first widget may be described as having a first side and a second widget may be described as having a second side. The use of the term second side with respect to the second widget may be to distinguish such side of the second widget from the first side of the first widget and not to connote that the second widget has two sides.

[0202] All examples and conditional language recited in the present disclosure are intended for pedagogical objects to aid the reader in understanding the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it should be understood that the various changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.