The bionator is a functional orthodontic appliance developed in the 1940s by Prof. Dr. Dr. Balters. Like all functional orthodontic appliances, it works when growth is still present, i.e., in children and adolescents. Dysgnathia (maldevelopment of the teeth, jaws and/or masticatory system) that has occurred due to malfunction of the orofacial muscles (masticatory muscles, lips, tongue, cheeks) can be treated with the help of the bionator using the body’s own forces.
Nevertheless, the bionator is also used in adults, but for the treatment of dysfunctions such as grinding or clenching.
There are three types of the bionator:
- Basic device – for the treatment of distal occlusion (mandibular recession).
- Shielding device – for frontal open bite.
- Reversal device – for the treatment of mesial bite (lower jaw is too far forward).
A further development of the device was made by Ascher, a student of Balter. He added to the device two retaining mandrels in the upper jaw in the area of the first molars and a plastic cover for the lower front teeth.
Indications (areas of application)
- Mandibular retrognathia (mandibular recession).
- Habits (harmful habits in which jaw deformities may occur), parafunctions (“harmful” accessory functions) – e.g., tongue dysfunctions.
- Forced bite
- Habitual mouth breathing
The procedure
The bionator is a removable, passive device. It lies loosely in the mouth and does not exert any forces itself. The goal is to normalize the functional patterns of the orofacial musculature and allow undisturbed jaw growth. The bionator exerts its effect whenever the patient swallows or speaks, or even when the teeth are clenched.
To make the bionator, a construction bite is taken. For this purpose, the two jaws are placed in the position that will later be achieved with the help of the bionator.
The appliance should be worn for about 16 hours a day. It can therefore be taken out during school hours or sports.
Targeted tooth movements are not possible with the bionator.
The appliance is placed in both the upper and lower jaws, although it is still only one appliance. That is, the upper and lower jaws are connected by the bionator. Such appliances are also called monobloc or bimaxillary appliances. It consists only of a plastic body, a lip-cheek bow and a tongue bar.
In the course of therapy, natural jaw growth should be promoted. Holistic orthodontics believes that by normalizing the function of the orofacial muscles, positive effects occur throughout the body. These include improved nasal breathing by training lip closure, relieving tension in the head and neck, and improving posture.
Furthermore, the bionator is also used after the completion of orthodontic treatment to stabilize the therapeutic result.
Benefits
The bionator uses the body’s own forces to gently correct malocclusions caused by dysfunctions of the orofacial musculature.
