Function regulator
The function regulator is a removable functional orthodontic device according to Rolf Fränkel , which is used to treat growth and position anomalies in both jaws .
Extensive plastic surfaces in the cheek and lip area (oral vestibule) put the muscles under targeted tension, especially during activity. The tension in the soft tissues exerts a pull on the mucous membrane and the periosteum below. This stimulates bone growth in a targeted manner.
Fränkel has developed different devices to treat the various malpositions. With the function regulators of types 1 and 2, problems with lower jaw rests are primarily addressed.
Type 3 is intended for the treatment of progeny . Above all, this stimulates bone growth in the upper jaw or in the midface.
Function regulators achieve a physiological effect. Since this is based on natural growth, the duration of treatment with function regulators is usually longer than with purely mechanical devices. However, the effect on the skull bones creates far less tension in the bony structures. This ensures the long-term stability of the results. When started early (around 6 to 7 years of age), the devices are mostly accepted by patients, as speaking is only slightly influenced. With the function regulator used, accompanying speech therapy is also possible.
Professor Fränkel has resisted the designation "Fränkel devices" because the term function controller describes the mode of operation of these devices more accurately.
Literature / sources
- Laudation on the 90th birthday of Prof. Dr. Dr. hc Rolf Fränkel in "Advances in Orthodontics", Urban & Vogel Munich 1998; 59: 61-2 (No. 2)
- “On the death of Professor Fränkel”, Swiss monthly Dental Medicine 11/2001
