The Bimler appliance is a brace for adjusting the bite particularly in cases of retrusion of the lower jaw. It was first introduced by H.P. Bimler in 1949. The Bimler appliance is a kind of skeletonized Activator that has a lot of wire elements along with all the disadvantages of a removable brace (bad acceptance and poor cooperation from patients, a high failure rate and limited effectiveness). Another disadvantage of skeletonized activators like the Bimler is that they often need to be repaired.
Similar to other functional orthodontic appliances the Bimler appliance effects simple tooth movement, while any long-term effects on the growth of the jaws cannot be expected. This bite former has been propagated by Bimler during the active phase of functional orthodontics in the fifties and sixties of the last century. With numerous publications and presentations Bimler promoted it internationally. He spread his concept in many countries, English-and Spanish-speaking countries among others, and temporarily had some influence on orthodontics. The Bimler appliance might be of historical interest, but is considered as obsolete nowadays and shouldn’t be used for treatment.
The Bimler appliance
The Bimler appliance in the mouth