Which component of the Frenkel regulator is specifically linked to stimulating sagittal jaw growth?

• A. Vestibular arc
• B. Labial pelots
• C. Cheek shells
• D. Palatine arc

Answer: (B)

Fränkel’s regulator works by changing the balance of soft-tissue forces around the growing jaws. Sagittal (forward) growth is promoted when the perioral muscles are re-educated so the tongue can posture forward and the lips and cheeks stop exerting unfavorable pressures on the teeth. The labial pelots are small acrylic pellets placed on the inner labial surfaces of the anterior teeth. They provide specific contact points for the lips and perioral muscles, conditioning lip muscles and guiding tongue posture in a way that favors forward mandibular positioning and forward remodeling of the mandible in growing patients. The other components primarily influence vertical control, cheek tissue separation, and tongue space, rather than directly stimulating sagittal growth.