Which statement about activators is NOT true?

Which statement about activators is NOT true?

• A. They are made of plastic
• B. They cover the teeth of both arches and the palate
• C. They are easy for the patient to wear
• D. They can open the bite 3-4 mm

Answer: (C)

Activators are removable functional appliances used to correct Class II malocclusions by encouraging the mandible to posture forward. They’re made of acrylic plastic and typically have components that cover the palate and engage the teeth of both arches, creating an anterior bite relationship that holds the jaw forward. This design not only guides jaw position but also increases the vertical dimension between the arches, often resulting in an anterior bite opening of about 3–4 mm depending on adjustment and patient anatomy. The key point is that while they are removable, they’re not especially easy for patients to wear routinely: they’re bulky, can interfere with speech, and may cause initial mucosal discomfort as the patient adapts.

Activators are removable functional appliances used to correct Class II malocclusions by encouraging the mandible to posture forward. They’re made of acrylic plastic and typically have components that cover the palate and engage the teeth of both arches, creating an anterior bite relationship that holds the jaw forward. This design not only guides jaw position but also increases the vertical dimension between the arches, often resulting in an anterior bite opening of about 3–4 mm depending on adjustment and patient anatomy. The key point is that while they are removable, they’re not especially easy for patients to wear routinely: they’re bulky, can interfere with speech, and may cause initial mucosal discomfort as the patient adapts.