Bionator
A removable functional appliance worn day and night to reduce the discrepancy between the upper and lower jaws.
How it works
The bionator is a functional appliance designed to help reduce the discrepancy between the upper and lower jaws and teeth.
Wear
It is important that you wear your bionator all the time – day and night. There are a few activities that you will need to take it out for:
- Eating
- Cleaning
- Contact sports and swimming
Cleaning
When you brush your teeth you will also need to brush your bionator with your toothbrush and toothpaste. On a weekly basis it is advised that you soak the bionator in a cleaning solution such as Polident or similar.
What to expect
When you start wearing your bionator it will feel a little strange as you are not used to having an appliance in your mouth. There are a few things which you will notice over the first week or so that you will have to adjust to.
- Speaking will be awkward, as your mouth will feel full. However if you practise talking aloud you will adjust faster. Another helpful hint is to keep your teeth biting into the bionator while speaking.
- Your mouth will feel more watery as your body will produce more saliva. However this will settle down over a couple of days.
- Swallowing will feel strange but once again the more you practise the sooner you will adjust.
- At the beginning you may feel some discomfort as your muscles get used to functioning in their new position. Painkillers may be required, similar in strength to that you would take for a headache. This discomfort should only last for a few days, however, if it persists please make contact with the surgery.
Remember: more hours of wear equals better and faster results.