The (half) open Activator

What is the (half) open activator?

The (half) open activator, also known as a block brace, is specifically designed to stimulate the growth of your lower jaw. This ensures that your jaws fit together better, helping you use your mouth, teeth, and molars more efficiently. Additionally, the activator prevents your lower lip from getting caught between your front teeth. An added benefit is that this treatment can slightly alter the shape of your face.

How does the activator work?

The activator strengthens the muscles attached to your lower jaw. In the beginning, you may feel some muscle soreness, but this is normal. As the muscles become stronger, they help keep your lower jaw in the correct position. Once the muscles are strong enough, the lower jaw can begin to grow through bone formation at the jaw joint. It's important to know that the activator is only effective if you wear it almost 24 hours a day.

When are you allowed to take out the activator?

The activator strengthens the muscles attached to your lower jaw. In the beginning, you may feel some muscle soreness, but this is normal. As the muscles become stronger, they help keep your lower jaw in the correct position. Once the muscles are strong enough, the lower jaw can begin to grow through bone formation at the jaw joint. It's important to know that the activator is only effective if you wear it almost 24 hours a day.

What if the activator falls out of your mouth?

It is possible that the activator will fall out of your mouth while you sleep. This usually happens less as you get used to the brace.

You may experience the following in the first few days:

🦷 Increased saliva production:

This usually lasts no more than two days. Just try to swallow your saliva instead of slurping it.

🦷 Difficulty speaking or lisping:

This feeling can last for four days but will decrease as the muscles adjust.

🦷 Pain in the chewing muscles:

This may take a few weeks, but it will go away on its own.

The more consistently you wear your activator, the faster any discomfort will go away. At first, the brace might have some sharp edges that can cause small sores in your mouth. These usually heal within two days. If they don’t, please get in touch with us so we can adjust the brace for you.

Activator maintenance

To keep the activator in good condition, it is important to clean it properly:

→ Brush the brace at least three times a week using toothpaste or soap and a separate toothbrush.

→ If plaque builds up on the brace, you can clean it with a denture cleaning tablet no more than once a month.

→ Cleaning vinegar can be used more frequently to clean the brace. Always rinse the brace thoroughly after cleaning.

With these tips and good wearing discipline, the activator will help improve your jaw growth and bite, resulting in both functional and aesthetic improvement!

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