Oral telescoping orthosis: an aid to functional rehabilitation of quadriplegic patients.

The possibility of periodontal disease, chipping of various teeth, or extrusion from use of a mouthstick is minimized with a mouthpiece that covers the complete dentition. Even the simplest of these devices permits increased function for the quadriplegic patient. A case is reported of a young man for whom the oral telescoping orthosis was fitted with a mouthpiece that covered the complete dentition. Damage to the hard or soft tissue structures has not been apparent in eight years of use. Furthermore, the functional capability of the patient has been enhanced. The oral telescoping orthosis is recommended for motivated quadriplegic patients who retain sufficient control of the head and oral and pharyngeal muscles.