A dental appliance (10) for treating bruxism is disclosed. The appliance (10) may include upper and lower portions (12, 16). The upper portion (12) may comprise a first base (20a) and a first feature (22a). The first base (20a) may engage the upper teeth (14) of a patient. The first feature (22a) may secure to an anterior area of the first base (20a) and comprise a concave surface (28) forming a concavity (24). The lower portion (16) may comprise a second base (20b) and a second feature (22b). The second base (20b) may engage the lower teeth (18) of the patient. The second feature (22b) may secure to an anterior area of the second base (20b) and comprise a protrusion (26). As the patient bites down, the protrusion (26) may contact the concave surface (28) at a point of contact that is a sole or initial contact between the upper and lower portions (12, 16). Thus, the interaction of the protrusion (26) and concave surface (28) may control certain mandibular loadings and motions of the patient.
