Device for providing a measured vertical dimension of occlusion

Abstract

Devices and methods for treating respiratory problems of a subject, such as those related to sleep apnea, are presented herein. An implementation of a device may be configured to provide a measured vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) and/or mandibular advancement in a subject. Methods for treating a subject through the use of the device may include systematically increasing and/or decreasing the measured VDO provided by the device.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device configured to provide a measured vertical dimension of occlusion in a subject, the device comprising:
 an oral appliance having a portion including a cavity configured to receive and/or engage teeth of the subject, the portion further including a contact surface opposite the cavity; and   a tab configured to removably engage with the portion of the oral appliance at a mounting area of the contact surface which spans a length of one or two teeth.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the mounting area of the contact surface spans the length of one or more of a single molar, two molars, a molar and a premolar, or two premolars. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a mounting component configured to facilitate the removable engagement of the tab to the mounting area of the contact surface. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the mounting component comprises adhesive. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the mounting component comprises a mechanical fastener. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the tab has a thickness in a range of 0.1 to 10 millimeters. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the tab has a thickness in a range of 0.5 to 3 millimeters. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the tab has a thickness of 1 millimeter. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a second portion of the oral appliance;   a connector, the connector comprising a first end configured to attach to the portion of the oral appliance, and a second end configured to attach to the second potion of the oral appliance; and   wherein tab is configured to removably engage the portion of the oral appliance between respective contact surfaces of the portion and the second portion, the tab being formed with a thickness that provides a predetermined displacement of the portion from the second portion.   
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the tab further comprises:
 a first surface;   a second surface opposite the first surface; and   a side edge communicating between the first surface and the second surface, the side edge traversing a periphery of the tab defining an outline of the tab.   
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the outline of the tab forms a rounded rectangle shape.