Bionator
Reduced-volume Activator with minimal palatal acrylic and coffin spring. Lightweight, suitable for daytime wear.
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Send Your Case →What Is It?
The Bionator, designed by Wilhelm Balters in 1954, is a reduced-volume modification of the Andresen Activator. By minimizing palatal acrylic and replacing the bulky plate with a palatal coffin spring, it is lighter and more comfortable — allowing daytime wear.
Components
• Acrylic Body — Minimal palatal extension (8-12mm from gingival margin) • Coffin Spring — 1.2mm SS omega-shaped wire across the palate • Labial Bow — 0.9mm (active) or 0.8mm (passive) SS wire • Lingual Pads — Acrylic extensions guiding mandible forward
How It Works
Postures mandible forward 4-6mm with 3-4mm vertical opening. Minimal acrylic reduces bulk for daytime wear. Coffin spring provides cross-arch stabilization while allowing slight transverse expansion. Labial bow can be active (0.9mm) to retract incisors or passive (0.8mm) for retention.
Digital Workflow
1. Receive scans + construction bite (4-6mm advancement) 2. 3D-print working models 3. Bend coffin spring (1.2mm) and labial bow (0.9/0.8mm) 4. Wax minimal acrylic body — 8-12mm gingival extension only 5. Flask and process 6. QC: Mandibular posturing, passive fit, minimal bulk
Manufacturing Standard
• Acrylic: Heat-cured PMMA (ISO 20795-1), minimal volume • Coffin Spring: 1.2mm ASTM F899 SS, omega-shaped • Labial Bow: 0.9mm (active) or 0.8mm (passive) SS • Gingival extension: 8-12mm upper, 5-12mm lower • QC: Passive fit, coffin spring clearance (1mm), edge smoothness