Bionator
Pronunciation: BYE-oh-nay-tor
A removable functional appliance designed to redirect mandibular growth and modify muscle function, primarily used in growing Class II patients.
Full Definition
The Bionator is a removable myofunctional appliance developed by Wilhelm Balters, designed to position the mandible forward and alter the perioral and masticatory muscle environment to encourage favorable dentofacial growth. It is most commonly indicated for Class II skeletal and dental relationships in growing patients and works by capitalizing on neuromuscular adaptation. Unlike the Herbst appliance, the Bionator is tooth-borne and patient-compliance dependent. Editors must capitalize 'Bionator' as a proper appliance name and should not conflate it with other functional appliances such as the Activator or Twin Block, despite similar modes of action. It is sometimes spelled 'Bionator' or described as a 'Balters Bionator' in the literature.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize 'Bionator' as it is a proper appliance name. Clarify compliance dependency when distinguishing from fixed functional appliances.
In Context
- "A Bionator was delivered to the patient with instructions to wear it for at least 18 hours per day." — Clinical progress note
- "The article listed the Bionator under fixed functional appliances, which is incorrect; an editor's note was inserted." — Journal copyediting