What Is the TheraBite System?
What does the TheraBite System consist of?
What Is the TheraBite System?
The TheraBite® Jaw Motion Rehabilitation System™ is a portable system specifically designed to treat trismus and mandibular hypomobility. The system utilizes repetitive passive motion and stretching to restore mobility and flexibility of the jaw musculature, associated joints, and connective tissues.
The TheraBite system is the only device available which provides patients with anatomically correct jaw motion. It also helps reduce patients’ anxiety by allowing them to control the rate and length of each stretch.
While conventional therapies offer mostly stretching to increase jaw opening, the TheraBite system provides BOTH anatomically correct stretching AND passive motion for effective jaw rehabilitation therapy. By integrating motion with stretching, the TheraBite system not only helps to increase jaw opening, but also to strengthen weakened jaw muscles and mobilize joints vital to reduce inflammation and pain.
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In short, the TheraBite system helps to:
- increase jaw opening
- develop muscle strength vital for chewing
- mobilize joints (TMJ)
- reduce inflammation and pain
The TheraBite system is not limited by the need to fabricate castings of the individual’s teeth. The stretch itself is comfortable as the opening force is spread over many teeth and protected by specially designed foams, and which can be customized for edentulous (toothless) patients, without the need for castings or impressions.
The TheraBite system is clinically proven to be far more effective than exercises and tongue depressors. Since it is hand-operated, the TheraBite system avoids the cost and complexity of continuous passive motion (CPM) devices. Jaw rehabilitation exercise is effective when it takes place every day on a continual basis. The TheraBite system offers a home rehabilitation program that encourages continuity and compliance, hence allowing patients to reap the full beneficial value of motion wherever they are. The TheraBite system has been used successfully by thousands of individuals suffering from trismus. In countries such as the United States (Medicare) and Germany, the TheraBite system is approved for reimbursement. Reimbursement and insurance status varies from state to state and country to country.
The TheraBite® Jaw Motion Rehabilitation System™ is available in adult and pediatric versions. The pediatric version has smaller mouthpieces attached to the Jaw Mobilizer and can be used by children up to 8 or 9 years of age. By age 10, a person usually achieves the adult opening range.
What Does the TheraBite System Consist of?
Bite Pads
The self-adhesive Bite Pads spread the force across the teeth and can be trimmed or stacked for customized protection. Three versions of Bite Pads are available: adult, pediatric, and edentulous. The standard TheraBite system comes with 4 Bite Pads (adult or pediatric). Additional Bite Pads and edentulous Bite Pads can be ordered separately.
Range
of Motion
Scales
The disposable Range of Motion Scale allows patients and their clinicians to measure the precise jaw opening and monitor progress. The TheraBite system comes with 30 disposable Range of Motion Scales for both vertical and lateral jaw measurements.
Carrying Bag
The durable nylon Carrying Bag keeps the TheraBite system and accessories together.
Patient Progress Log
The daily and monthly Patient Progress Log enables users and their clinicians to monitor progress. The graphic design offers visual feedback of patient progress.
Fine Adjustment Knob
The Fine Adjustment Knob can be tightened at any position to maintain a static stretch. It can also be used to regulate opening speed and distance.
Hand-Aid
The Hand-Aid assists the patient in maintaining constant opening (static stretch) during stretching or strengthening programs.
Mouthpieces
Curved Mouthpieces spread the stretch force across many teeth.
Curved Track
The patented curved track causes the mouthpiece to rotate as it descends, encouraging natural mandibular motion.
Range Setting Arm
The position of the Range Setting Arm can be adjusted between 25 mm and 45 mm and is used to determine the maximum opening appropriate to each stage of rehabilitation.
The use of the TheraBite system should follow the guidance of a clinician familiar with the underlying dysfunction. The TheraBite system has been successfully tested in clinical trials, covering limitations of jaw motion postsurgery and postradiation, TMJ disorders, and traumas. Recent studies have indicated efficacy for the treatment of nonsurgical TMJ conditions and orofacial pain. Please see Clinical Evidence for specific conditions for which this device is indicated. Please see the Treatment Instructions for a variety of ways to use the device.
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The TheraBite System