Bionator = Phase I Retainer

Your Bionator has been specially designed to maintain the orthopedic movements and orthodontic positions of your teeth and bones that we have achieved so far in Phase I. The Bionator will also guide your new teeth as they come in. Most importantly, it will center and develop healthy TM Joints in preparation for Phase II...and...may eliminate the need for a Herbst appliance.
To be correctly worn, the Bionator must be placed properly and the teeth must be closed into it. This is best accomplished when it is worn for a few weeks during the evening hours with the teeth clenched (talking like a ventriloquist) when you first get it. The body and the brain get use to the notion that the patient wants this appliance to stay in place. The brain does not send the hand to remove it when it is done. Certain teeth may feel pressure and become sore for a few days — this is normal. After the next visit, if you have been faithful, you will be directed to wear your Bionator only at night when you are sleeping.
The biggest advantage to the patient is that no retainer needs to be worn during the day when the Bionator is prescribed. Another advantage is that it is less likely to get lost when only worn in the house!
As we grow and mature, everything undergoes change. Some minor shifting and settling of our teeth is expected. Proper Bionator wear will keep these changes to a minimum.