Two-stage intra-oral protective system

Claim 1

A two-stage intra-oral therapeutic and protective device comprising a first stage adapted for securement within the mandibular arch of the mouth comprising a bilateral posterior bite table having posterior occusal bite plates supported with lingual flanges joined together by a lingual bar where the bite table has means for securing it to posterior teeth wherein the rigidity of the first stage prevents all adverse posterior movement of the condyle from impinging upon previously damaged areas of temporomandibular joint, and a second stage independent of the first stage comprising integrated maxillary and mandibular components where the components are adapted for securement within the full maxillary and mandibular arches of the mouth with stage one in place, the maxillary component comprising a reinforced anterior dental region, a bilateral posterior dental region, palate, labial flange, and buccal flange, and the mandibular component comprising a bilateral posterior dental region, a reinforced anterior dental region with a labial flange, and functional passages in the anterior of the integrated components, whereby the first and second stages fit congenially together in the mouth in working relationship for protecting the upper and lower teeth and holding the temporomandibular joint in its functional position.