it has been surprisingly found that a mouth guard appliance can achieve multi - tasking by not only providing protection to the oral cavity , jaw joint , and enhancing the teeth clenching reflex mechanism ( tcrm ) but also can brighten and whiten teeth at the same time . in accordance with the present invention , the exercise whitener device combines the utilities of an intra - oral impact appliance , ( i . e ., the stress , anxiety , grinding attenuation and impact absorption intra - oral appliances ) with the teeth whitening or teeth bleaching trays system . the present invention allows the user to engage in the activities of exercise , rapid acceleration devices , physical therapy , sports , military maneuvers , sleep apnea reduction , and the like while bleaching or whitening the teeth effectively at the same time . the exercise whitener will also enhance the physical attributes of the tcrm , producing the notable increase in strength , energy and endurance with the reduction of pain and stress of exercise during use . it will allow the user to get more physical benefits out of exercise in the least amount of time . the application of this invention is a great motivator for exercise in disease management , obesity , physical therapy , strength training , health , fitness , and wellness . this teeth whitening and strength enhancing intra - oral appliance can also be used for the physical science and impact of sports . this invention achieves the aesthetics of a brighter , whiter smile with the appeal of a stronger , more fit and healthier body . with the anterior opening , the repositioning of the lower jaw and the increase in the size or volume of glottis airway space , this appliance will reduce snoring in a large user population while whitening the teeth . this enhances interpersonal relationships with the significant other by reducing sleep apnea , promotes more restful sleep , and builds self - confidence with a brighter whiter smile . it has been found that the exerciser , jaw - joint protective and teeth whitening device composed of two different types of materials for different purposes can be used by a wearer to provide protection not only to the oral cavity but also to the vital cranial triad ( vct ) and component structures and provide teeth whitening during wear . the vct broadens the defined structural component of what is commonly known as the temporomandibular joint . the invention supports the mandible and condyle in a relatively fixed position thereby stabilizing the lower jaw and vct during head contact , exercise , physical therapy , teeth grinding and sleep apnea activities and / or to permit the components of any vct disorders to be realigned reducing load forces to the jaw joint during head contact and / or physical activities or bodily jarring forces during selective teeth whitening procedures . this device is simple in structure and fitting components but it is strong in purpose for achieving the maximum protection for the delicate bones and structures of the base of the skull , the jaw joint and oral cavity and providing the bleaching cavity for discretionary teeth whitening activities . the simple exerciser , jaw - joint protective and teeth whitening device of the present invention can be simply adapted to a wearer &# 39 ; s mouth perfectly in situ by the wearer heating the device in water and then placing it in his / her mouth and biting down on the device so as to make an impression of the occlusal surfaces of the teeth in the occlusal impact surface of the dental arches and molding the dental surface of the labial and buccal walls of the device to create the custom fitted gel cavity which will set up in a few seconds . the present invention has integrated base of the double arches forming upper and lower bite channels of the exercise whitener , which are composed of upper and lower labial and buccal walls and upper and lower lingual walls , ( see fig5 ). the labial and buccal walls are the beacons of this invention . the outside surfaces of the labial and buccal walls will be in contact with the lips and cheeks . the inside surface of the labial and buccal walls will contact and cover the front surface of the teeth and parts of the gums ( gingiva ), ( see fig1 ). for the ease of fitting during the boil and bite custom fitting process only , the custom fitting bleaching strips are used ( see fig5 ). the custom fitting bleaching strips are made from a material that is more stable and less responsive in heat than the labial and buccal flange ( wall ) material . in the design of the boil and bite fitting of the appliance , the placement of the custom fitting bleaching strips is essential . the custom fitting bleaching strips are seated between the inside surface of the upper and lower labial and buccal walls of the device and the facial or outside surface of the teeth , ( see fig5 ). this insures the formation of the bleaching cavity or negative impression , ( see fig6 ), on the inside surface of the upper and lower labial and buccal walls during the fitting process . after the fitting procedure the custom fitting bleaching strips are discarded ( see fig1 & amp ; 11 ). the bleaching cavity , formed on the inside surface of the upper and lower labial and buccal walls , holds and retains the whitening agent against the front or labial and buccal surfaces of the teeth to maximize the whitening proficiency during use . in another embodiment , the user may also opt to mold the custom fitting bleaching strips directly for one or more teeth to provide a more detailed or specific whitening pattern . in this embodiment , buccal pads are placed directly onto each of the user &# 39 ; s teeth that are to be bleached prior to the boiling and biting of the device . this embodiment enables the user to either focus in on a single tooth or as many teeth as desired for treatment up to the user &# 39 ; s entire mouth . these fitting procedure embodiments have created a custom fitted mouth guard appliance in combination with custom fitted bleaching or whitening trays . the whitening agent can be in the form of a strip , paste , gel , or solution and can come in different strengths and flavors . the whitening agents may be used discretionarily with the exercise whitener device . in order to understand and appreciate the structural features and benefits of the exerciser , jaw - joint protective and teeth whitening device of the present invention , a brief review of the anatomy for which the device protects and functions will be described . fig2 shows the functionally protected position of the vct complex and the bleaching gel cavity against labial and buccal surfaces of the teeth with the device in place . the area of the mouth affected by the bleaching gel cavity of the device is the facial surfaces of the mandibular and maxillary teeth . the areas of the head , protected by the device are the oral cavity or mouth that is composed of the teeth that sit in a rigidly fixed upper jaw 2 and a moveable lower jaw 1 which is movably connected to the cranium at the temporomandibular joint ( tmj ). the joint is defined by two primary bones , the mandibular bone 1 , which articulates with the temporal bone as a ball ( condyle 2 ) and socket ( glenoid fossa 3 ) joint . referring to either side of the human head , the temporal bone houses the very thin and delicate glenoid fossa 3 ( laying on the bone of this fossa is the temporal lobe of the brain ) which is the socket of the temporomandibular joint . the articular eminence 5 forms the anterior component of the fossa . positioned between the condyle 2 , the most posterior ball - like structure of the mandible , and the fossa 3 is the soft tissue of the meniscus ( cartilage or disc ) of the tmj . the auditory meatus 6 , temporal tympanic bones 7 a , b , c , and post glenoid process 8 are also shown . the post glenoid process 8 and the anterior superior surface of the temporal tympanic bones 7 a , b , c unite at 9 . housed in the temporal tympanic bones 7 a , b , c are the auditory and balance mechanisms , among other vital structures . medially and inferiorly to the medial surface of the condyle 2 is the inferior surface of the petrous temporal bone porting a complex of cranial nerves trunks as they exit from the base of the brain and housing the internal carotid artery which is the primary supply of blood to the brain . in the case of internal derangement including of teeth clenching , facial tension and the repetitive body pounding of physical exercise , fitness , strength , and physical training , rehabilitation , sleep apnea , teeth grinding , and sports related injuries of the vct , the aberrant forces from these events tap , abruptly slam or damagingly compress the condyle against the delicate structures of the vct . these load forces will produce radiographically discernible fractures associated with concussions and structural changes of the delicate bones and contusions , compressions , or herniations of the soft tissue of the vct . thus , it should come as no surprise that athletes and persons suffering from vct injuries or changes often present cognitive symptoms reflecting neurologic and circulatory deficit . these cognitive symptoms may include migraine - like headache , earache , facial pain , bloodshot eyes , exercise induced headaches , photosensitivity , muscle weakness , pain and numbness of extremities , vomiting , vertigo , impaired speech , raspy voices , and decrease in hearing abilities among other clinical symptoms . in conjunction with the aforementioned structures , the mandibular and maxillary dentition and gingiva , as well as , the tongue , lips , and other oral structures must be protected during exercise , physical rehabilitation , sports activities , military maneuvers , and during external vibration activities ( such as air hammer drilling , rotary air craft vibration , etc ). in accordance with the present invention , the device ( fig5 and 6 ) employs a design to prevent and overcome dental and jaw - joint problems typically as a result of contact sports while motivating participators to engage in these activities with teeth whitening enhancement . the device is composed of a reinforced anterior dental region and bilateral posterior dental regions where the maxillary and mandibular teeth are functionally seated having labial border 10 , lingual border 15 , buccal border 11 , articular rim 12 , lingual lock 13 and bleaching cavities 17 a and b . the upper and lower bleaching strips 17 a and b create the bleaching cavities 17 a and b . the exerciser , jaw - joint protective teeth whitener repositions the lower jaw and condyle in a downward and forward position relative to the normal or centric position of the condyle 2 ( see fig2 ). in other words , the lower jaw is extended in a prognathic position . this device also establishes an occlusal offset that positions the incisal surfaces of the mandibular incisel teeth downward and forward in relationship to the maxillary incisal teeth . this device also establishes an occlusal lock that creates a relationship between the upper and lower teeth in such a way as to minimize lateral , adverse , and relative movement during contact . in other words , the device maximizes jaw stability and locks the lower jaw in an extended position . the downward and forward position of the lower jaw in conjunction with the device creates the anterior functional freeway space 14 and force attenuation space 1 of the jaw joint . this device also establishes a well - defined indentation or cavity 17 a and b in the dental surface of the maxillary and mandibular labial and buccal walls of the device to provide an effective cavity to hold and retain whitening agents for the efficient teeth whitening procedures of the maxillary and mandibular dentition . a palatal portion commonly found in conventional mouthpieces normally ending just before the soft palate of the mouth is absent from this jaw - joint protective device because of the engineered design for strength in the mandibular and maxillary posterior bite components of this device ; moreover , it would impair articulated speech and in many cases elicited a gag reflex . the labial - buccal borders 10 and 11 are present and positioned in the mucco - buccal fold of the mouth avoiding impingement of the labial frenum and posterior muscle attachments . the adjustable labial knotch 18 enables the wearer to place the labial flange high into the labial fold of the mouth without cutting or damaging the labial frenum while maintaining the integrity of the bleaching strip 16 and the newly formed bleaching cavity 17 . fig4 , the top plain view , shows that the lingual surface is reinforced by the articular rim 12 behind the maxillary anterior teeth from canine to canine likewise , the labial - buccal maxillary flange is reinforced by the bleaching strip 19 . fig5 , the rear view , shows in accordance with the present invention , the custom fitting bleaching strips 16 a and b are composed of an independent and separate hard elastomeric material that conforms to the u - shaped articulated mandibular and maxillary components of the device . the bleaching strips 16 a and b of this invention are not easily affected by heat and are used only for the custom fitting procedure and are then removed and discarded . the rigid elastomeric material bleaching strips 16 a and b run primarily the length of the inside or dental surface of the maxillary and mandibular labial and buccal walls but are shorter and narrower than the length and height of the maxillary and mandibular labial and buccal walls . the bleaching strip components are seated from the base of the maxillary channel between the inside surface or dental surface of the labial and buccal walls and the labial and buccal ( facial ) surfaces of the maxillary teeth . in the lower jaw , the bleaching strip component is seated from the base of the mandibular channel between the inside surface or dental surface of the labial and buccal walls and the labial and buccal ( facial ) surface of the mandibular teeth . the bleaching strip components also may be altered for the specific fit of one or more teeth to create the bleaching cavity for a specific bleaching pattern as needed . in this embodiment , pads are placed directly onto each of the teeth that is to be bleached . these pads are also made of a rigid material that will not harm the tooth or teeth that is strong enough to make the desired impression in the device as needed . when the buccal pads are placed directly onto the facial surface of the tooth / teeth just prior to the boil and bite fitting , these pads or pad will produce an indentation on the tooth or teeth surface of anterior and buccal flanges of the device , shown in fig6 . these indentations are the sites for the placement of the whitening medium . when the device is placed in the mouth with the mandible placed in the functionally protruded position , the mandibular and maxillary units being integrated into one unit protects the oral cavity and positions the condyle of the vct into a protective and exaggerated position that also enhances the function of the tcrm . the engineered mandibular jaw placement is governed by the device , the kinesiological functional physiology , the condyle - fossa physiology , the force attenuation space , and the functional free - way space . fig1 . and 2 show the comparison of the design of the exerciser , jaw - joint protective teeth whitener device in the mouth in fig2 is such that the upper and lower dental arches are held in a spaced - apart position of desired dimensions with an airway 14 ( or saliva orifice ) so that the participant wearing the device can readily breathe or expectorate or talk , depending on the activity . this functional airway space 14 is in the anterior sextant component of the mouth that is composed of an oversized space that can be extended from premolar to premolar or canine to canine . the anterior free - way space 14 also can be used as a means to grasp the device , which enables the jaw - joint protective appliance to be removed from an injured or unconscious participant . in fig2 , number 1 shows the force attenuation space that is the acquired safety margin in the jaw joint space gained by the design of the device when properly placed in the mouth and the mandibular and maxillary bleaching cavities 19 a and b are formed during the fitting procedures . fig5 shows the lingual view of the maxillary arch that has a thicker , tapered , depressed portion in the anterior region that defines an articulating rim 12 which aids in the production of speech and gives support to the lingual surface of the anterior teeth . this articulating rim 12 combined with the anterior free way air space 14 enables the wearer to speak , to breathe actively and passively through the mouth while wearing the jaw - joint protective and whitening appliance . the down and forward positioning of the mandible physiologically increases the volume of the glottis airway space . this enhances the oxygen exchange with the lungs . with this improved functional airway space 14 , if the participant should become unconscious , a patent airway is always maintained . the present invention also relates to a method of fitting in situ by the wearer of the above - mentioned jaw - joint protective and whitening device ( fig7 - 14 ). either the user or someone assisting him ( or her ), for instance in the case of a minor child , can heat the device in hot water to a temperature greater than body temperature but less than or equal to 100 ° c . to soften certain portions of the device , as engineered , and immediately placing it in the wearer &# 39 ; s mouth ( see fig7 ). the wearer with the custom fitting bleaching strip in place , then bites down on the base of the device ( fig8 ) so as to make teeth impressions in the base and applies suction and pressure with , e . g ., the tongue , fingers , lips , oral musculature , to create a good firm fit . the wearer also applies suction and pressure with the use of fingers , lips , oral musculature , to create a good firm fit of the labial and buccal flanges against the custom fitting bleaching strips . then the device is removed from the mouth and cooled down ( fig9 ) whereby the device hardens to a rigid form . the cooling step only takes a few seconds . after cooling , the custom fitting bleaching strips are removed and discarded ( fig1 and 11 ). the whitening agent is then placed in the bleaching channels of the device ( fig1 ) and the device is then placed back in the mouth ( fig1 ) with the user &# 39 ; s head in a tilted down position so as not to disturb the whitening agent this device can be used just as a teeth whitener or brightener appliance during a physical activity , sleep , or just relaxing . fig1 shows the jaw joint stabilizing and whitening device in place with bleaching strips removed and whitening agent placed in the bleaching canals and condyle displaced down and forward away from the glenoid fossa creating a safety margin against lower jaw impact concussions . in the device , the reinforced anterior and posterior dental regions of the maxillary and mandibular components are composed of a resilient thermoplastic material for dissipation and absorption of shock imposed upon the wearer &# 39 ; s head during sporting or exercising activities . in the portions of the device where the teeth surfaces are in direct contact with the device , the device is made of thermoplastic material that softens when heated in water above body temperature and rigidly stiffens when cooled so that the device can be perfectly fitted in situ . the remainder of the device is made of a rigid elastomeric material that maintains its rigidity when heated in water above body temperature . this device and the custom fitting bleaching strip are mass - produced in various sizes to fit different prospective users such as men , women , and children . the normal sizes are large , medium , or small . the device can be produced , for example , by injection molding or machine stamping techniques that are well known in the art . the occlusal bite channel and wall material of the device are normally made of a thermoplastic material such as ethylene vinyl acetate that can withstand pressure , is easily molded , and is inert to the mouth chemistry of the person wearing it . this thermoplastic material must be able to soften when heated above body temperature but below or equal to 100 ° c . and yet to harden again when it is cooled down outside of the user &# 39 ; s mouth for molding to the impression of the wearer &# 39 ; s mouth . natural rubber can also be used for producing the jaw - joint protector and whitener device of the present invention which rubber must be heavy duty , non - toxic , and inert , which would be well known to a person in this art . the resilient material that is used as the primary foundation for the framework and shape for the reinforced anterior dental region in the maxillary and mandibular components and posterior component bilaterally and the custom fitting bleaching strips , would normally be prepared from a different material from that of the rest of the device that serves the function of strength for protection . the material is normally a thermoplastic material such as an elastomer . an example of this elastomer is a kraton material . natural rubber can also be used for producing these resilient portions of the jaw - joint protector of the present invention which rubber must be heavy duty , non - toxic , and inert and stable to the heating temperature of this device , which would be well known to a person in this art . other materials for the device that meet the specifications of the american dental association for intra - oral use would be known to a person in the art . many advantages of the exerciser , jaw - joint protective , teeth whitener device of the present invention exist over the conventional mouth guards . the present invention absorbs shock , traumatic vibrations and impacts to the head forces , displaces the condyle in a downward and forward position creating the force attenuation space dissipating and absorbing these load forces previously directed to the vct , protects maxillary and mandibular dentition while whitening the teeth . the adjustable labial knotch prevents injuries of the attached labial freneum while allowing the labial flange to seat higher into the labial fold of the mouth for greater fitting and labial adaptation and greater definition of the bleaching cavity allowing for greater retention of the whitening agent . the exerciser , jaw - joint protective , teeth whitener device also eliminates compression of the disc and condyle - fossa space of the tmj with trauma to the head , provides greater stability against traumatic displacement of the lower jaw onto the delicate bones in the head , decreases trauma to the anterior components of the tongue , decreases the incidence of lip injuries “ the teeth through the lip syndrome ”, and enhances the clenching mechanism while allowing the participant to functionally breath through the mouth . the continued wearing of this device of the present invention promotes healing of an injured condyle - fossa complex and other facial structures while the participant actively engages in sports , exercise , physical therapy , traumatic vibration force induced environments , sleep or at rest . since articulated speech can be performed and nutrients passed through the air way space when the device is being worn by a person and is comfortable in the mouth , it is conceivable that this device can be used in arch stabilization and repair of other facial and jaw fractures ; therefore , users of the device can use the device as a medical appliance . in other words , the exerciser , jaw - joint protective , teeth whitener device of the present invention facilitates remodeling and repair of injured condyle - fossa relationship , vct components and other facial bones . this device also increases functional physical output and strength of the athlete by repositioning the condyle away from the injured structures in the vct ; this is another incentive why it can be worn either while a wearer is actively participating in a sport or just performing normal everyday activities or being at rest . this device can also be used to increase palatal airflow patterns during sleep and thereby reduce snoring . the wearing of this device will also mitigate the adverse forces associated with clenching and grinding of the teeth during sleep . while the invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments , it should be understood that the invention should not be limited thereto and that many variations and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention .
a jaw - joint protective device is provided for whitening and brightening a wearer &# 39 ; s teeth while protecting the teeth , tongue , lips , jaw , and other delicate structures of the vital cranial triad from injury and / or for supporting the condyle of the temporomandibular joint in a relatively fixed position thereby stabilizing the jaw and the vct during head contact activity , exercise , physical rehabilitation , c - force acceleration , teeth grinding disorders and sleep apnea and or permit the components of a vct disorder to be realigned for proper healing . this device is an over - the - counter purchased , boil and bite device for whitening at least one tooth while protecting the jaw - joint , providing maxillary and mandibular teeth seats for protection of the mouth and / or healing of the vct . this invention provides a device for customized fitting that is purchased over - the - counter that is versatile for protecting not only the mouth but also a larger area , the vital cranial triad which includes the tmj , while at the same time allows for audible speech , reduces sleep disorders of snoring , grinding and clenching of teeth with additional benefits .