Splint activator

The Schienenaktivator after Soulet -Besombes is a removable orthodontic appliance for correction of tooth and jaw deformities. It is a stylized activator ( functional orthodontic appliance ) which is manufactured in different unit sizes in mass production. Other terms include, without limitation Position Trainer and bite force and jaw shaper ( K3F ).

Design and operation

The device consists of a flexible material and is made of one piece. In the middle there is a tooth- row form tailored level, which is clothed with ramp-shaped walls. The rows of teeth of the upper and lower jaw according to bite into the intermediate spaces. However, no subjects are typically provided for the individual teeth; an exception is the Australian development Myobrace.

The device is passive between the upper and lower jaw, and exerts itself no force on the teeth. The patient bites together, they collide standing out of line teeth on the ramp walls and can be moved into the appropriate position according to the principle of the inclined plane, and by the distortion of the equipment over time. The thereby acting force is determined by the patient himself by the strength of his co- biting.

While wearing the lower jaw to the upper jaw is placed in Angle Class -1 position. This is, first, to get used to this attitude and secondly the patient to learn the correct swallowing pattern the jaw muscles. The teeth that do not reach the required level by the unit in this position will receive, as with a bite plate the opportunity to grow out.

Special models for the treatment of prognathism or Vorbisslagen differ from the standard version, mainly by the shape of the dental arch and reinforced or extended walls.

The device must be worn at night as well as at least an hour a day. During this hour Zubeißübungen should be performed. The device has the saying not to, therefore there must to be able to wear the device, may be able to breathe through the nose. In the first days nights can fall out of the mouth.

Wearing may not cause bruising, as these can lead to permanent tissue damage. If necessary, therefore, remove the device according to material.

History

The French orthodontist Prof. René Soulet and Prof. André Besombes have the early 1950s, their patients developed the fixed braces for the duration of the summer holidays and replaced by retainers of rubber to stabilize the results of treatment to resumption of fixed appliances. To their surprise, the teeth and jaw position not only had not deteriorated, but even improved. In the following, they developed the design further and called it Conformateur.

Dissemination

The Schienenaktivator is more of a rarity among the treatment devices. In recent times, however, is the trainer for Kids ( T4K ) by the Australian company Myofunctional Research increasingly used in the early treatment. However, a few doctor contact the Schienenaktivator to patients of all ages.