For decades, traditional mandibular advancement devices and TMJ appliances have been used to manage TMJ disorders, sleep issues, and airway problems. While these devices, including flat plane splints — which have been around for over a century — can offer temporary relief, they often act more like a band-aid, relieving symptoms without addressing the underlying cause of jaw and cranial misalignment.
The open-loop cricket (OLC) appliance takes a different approach. Instead of simply masking discomfort, it addresses the root causes of TMJ issues, airway restrictions, tongue position problems, and neurological symptoms that can result from cranial bone displacement.
Understanding the Cranial System
The human skull is a complex structure made up of 29 bones: 8 cranial bones, 14 facial bones, and 7 additional bones, including the inner ear and hyoid. These bones aren’t static; they naturally move, influenced by their sutures and the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which nourishes and oxygenates the brain and spinal cord. Even small misalignments can affect facial symmetry, jaw function, airway health, posture, and neurological function.
Several factors, from birth trauma, C-sections, and diet to lack of breastfeeding, can influence cranial bone positioning. These subtle shifts can lead to facial asymmetry and impact overall health. Because many traditional dental treatments focus solely on the teeth and jaw, they can miss the connection between the cranial bones, jaw, and the rest of the body.
Why the Open Loop Cricket Is Different
The OLC appliance is designed to work with your body’s natural anatomy, not against it. Unlike traditional mechanical expanders or splints, the OLC:
- Aligns the craniocervical junction
- Decompresses and unwinds cranial strain patterns
- Supports normal facial growth and development
- Addresses the underlying causes of malocclusion
- Realigns the TMJ and improves neurological function
The OLC works in three dimensions, supporting proper tongue position, stable bite, and improved airway function. Each time the teeth come together — thousands of times each day — the appliance helps “unlock” the skeletal chain, allowing the cranial bones to move naturally and reducing strain throughout the system.
How the OLC Supports Overall Health
By restoring motion and function to the craniofacial system, the OLC:
- Encourages proper facial symmetry
- Enhances neurological function
- Improves airway space and tongue mobility
- Promotes better posture
- Supports long-term TMJ health
The OLC’s biocompatible and flexible design works with the body’s natural rhythms. Unlike traditional expanders that mechanically widen the palate in just two dimensions, the OLC supports three-dimensional cranial and dental development, reducing strain and promoting natural growth.
Restoring Function, Not Just Treating Symptoms
The goal of the open-loop cricket is simple: remove obstacles, restore motion, and help the body function at its best. By addressing the root causes of TMJ disorders, malocclusion, airway restrictions, and cranial asymmetry, the OLC helps the body heal itself and achieve lasting stability.If you struggle with TMJ pain, sleep issues, or cranial misalignment, the open-loop cricket provides a holistic, innovative solution. It goes beyond temporary relief, working to restore true craniofacial and systemic health so you can enjoy better function, comfort, and overall well-being.
If you struggle with TMJ pain, sleep issues, or cranial misalignment, the open-loop cricket provides a holistic, innovative solution. It goes beyond temporary relief, working to restore true craniofacial and systemic health so you can enjoy better function, comfort, and overall well-being.
