Abstract
The Pressure Regulating Oral Appliance is an oral appliance which is designed to reduce reflux. The device prevents the buildup of negative pressure within the oral cavity that can create a vacuum promoting reflux of stomach content through the LES.
Claims
1. The device described herein maintains airflow into and out of the mouth preventing the formation of negative pressure inside the oral cavity.
2. The device eliminates the formation of negative pressure within the oral cavity by allowing airflow into the mouth, thereby ameliorating vacume induced flow through the LES.
3. The functional elements of the device which provide air flow into the oral cavity can be incorporated into an oral device along with the elements designed to address other issues such as Temporomandibular Joint Disorders or Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a superior view of one implementation of the Pressure Regulating Oral Appliance. It includes a soft mouth insert, item 10, with an additional structure for air flow. Item 12 provides an air passage which projects outward so as to prevent blockage of air flow by the lips. Item 14 is a tubular passage through the device to allow airflow. Overall, the design provides an appliance which fits the mouth comfortably between the lips and teeth. The device maintains position while allowing free airflow into and out of the mouth around separations in the teeth. Sustained airflow prevents the development of a vacuum within the oral cavity.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a superior view of one alternate implementation of the Pressure Regulating Oral Appliance. It includes a somewhat typical mouth guard structure, Item 10, with two additional elements. Item 12 provides an air passage which projects outward so as to prevent blockage of air flow by the lips. Item 16 serves to extend the air conduit back over the top of the tongue so that air flow is not blocked by the teeth or tongue. Overall, the design provides an appliance which fits the mouth comfortably and maintains position while allowing free airflow into and out of the mouth at all times. Sustained airflow prevents the development of a vacuum within the oral cavity.
[0015] address other issues such as Temporomandibular Joint Disorders or Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
