abstract |
This invention describes a thin, aesthetically improved polymeric removable bite-positioning appliance comprising two members. A first member is constructed for a patient's maxillary dental set and a second member is constructed for a patient's mandibular dental set. Both members have tooth-receiving surfaces comprising a plurality of tooth receiving cavities intended to receive the patient's teeth. Preferably, wedges descend past the occlusal plane of the maxillary appliance and are formed on both the patient's left and right hand side. Protrusions or wedges that do not extend past the occlusal plane of the mandibular appliance are formed on the patient's left and right hand side. The abutment of the wedges maintains the patient's lower jaw mesially in a more corrected bite position and prevents the patient from closing their mouth in the original, uncorrected bite position. |