Functional appliances in orthodontics are devices used to help fix problems with the position of the jaws, rather than just moving the teeth. They are most often used in children and teens, while their jaws are still growing. These appliances work by gently guiding the jaw to grow in a better position, helping improve the bite (how the top and bottom teeth meet).
- -What they do: Functional appliances help correct jaw problems, like when the upper teeth stick out too much (overbite) or when the lower jaw is too far back. They help the jaws grow into a better position.
- How they work: These devices use the natural movements of the mouth (like speaking, eating, or even breathing) to encourage proper growth of the jaw.
- When they’re used: They are typically used in growing children because their jaws are still developing, making it easier to guide the jaw to grow correctly.
Types of Functional Appliances:
1. Removable appliances: These are devices that can be taken out by the patient, like the Twin Block appliance. They are worn most of the day and work by holding the lower jaw in a forward position to correct the bite.
2. Fixed appliances: These are devices that are attached to the teeth and can’t be removed by the patient, like the Herbst appliance. They work 24/7 to encourage the jaw to grow forward or stop it from growing too much.
Why Functional Appliances Are Important:
- They prevent bigger problems from developing by guiding jaw growth early.
- They can improve both how the face looks and how the teeth fit together.
- They can make future orthodontic treatments (like braces) more effective and shorter.
In short, functional appliances are orthodontic tools that guide the growth of the jaws in young patients, helping to fix bite issues before they become bigger problems.onal excellence.