What is a Functional Appliance?
An orthodontic functional appliance is either a removable plate or a fixed appliance that aims to correct the relationship between the upper and lower jaws. Often a patient will have their lower or upper jaws set too far forward or too far back. The aim of a functional appliance is ‘move’ the desired jaw back/forward into its correct position, thus ending with a more stable upper and lower jaw relationship. Occasionally we combine functional orthodontic therapy with orthopaedic expansion.
What Types of Functional Appliances are there?
There are two main types of Functional Appliance categories – Fixed (glued-in) or removable.
Removable appliances include the classic Twin Block appliance and Clear Aligners (Angel Aligner A6 Mandibular Advancement Therapy).
*Please note that we do NOT offer Fixed Functional Therapy.
What is the process of placing a Functional Appliance?
- The initial appointment to place separators (rubber rings) between your back teeth (for fixed appliances only).
- Approximately 1 week later, we will take 3D scans or moulds of your teeth (please note: appointment 1 & 2 may be done together).
- Your next appointment will be fitting of the appliance. The appliance is designed specifically to your jaws, and you will be shown how to activate the appliance.
- You will attend regular appointments to monitor the appliance and progress of your jaw relationship.
What is the process of inserting a Functional Appliance?
1) If a fixed appliance is made (eg. Herbst or Forsus appliance) – this is will glued to your back molars. It may be activate once every few weeks to push the jaw forward as required.
2) If the appliance is a removable plate – it is as simple as placing the appliance in your mouth and clicking it into place. Please note that this appliance needs to be worn all day and night (and during meals). It should only be removed for cleaning. Failure to wear the appliance during the require times will result in slower treatment.
How does the Functional Appliance work?
Most functional appliances are designed to speed up the growth of the lower jaw. This is done by forcing the lower jaw to be positioned further forward into the proper relationship, allowing the jaw joint to grow and remodel into this new position. Severe cases may need the lower jaw to be position further forward slowly over a period of time. Once the correct relationship has been established, this position is held for a few months to allow the muscles to adapt to this new position (up to 6 months).
How long do I have to wear the appliance?
The appliance will be worn at all times for a period of approximately 6 – 12 months. This period may vary depending on your tailored treatment plan, and progression of treatment
once the functional appliance has been fitted. The appliance only works when it is worn, and if removed – treatment progress may be lost. Wearing a removable appliance whilst eating results in the movement of your jaw up to 13x faster!
Will I need any further treatment?
After treatment with a functional appliance, it is very likely that you will need to have further treatment such as braces to straighten your teeth. Treatment such as braces may also commence whilst you are still wearing your functional appliance. Each case is different, and your dentist will inform you of your tailored treatment plan.
Our philosophy
Orthodontics is not just simply about straightening teeth. Here at Dental at Keys we aim to create a beautiful full smiles. We pay particular attention to the curvature, width and height of the smile. All of these aspects involve a lot more work than just straight teeth. The last thing we want for you is to have a flat straight smile (ie. Denture smile).
We also pay great attention to the profile of your face. Not only should your smile be full, but your facial profile should match it is as well. There is no point in extracting teeth in a patient who already has a sunken profile. Similarly, patients with lips that are too full should not have this worsen. This is why we say we treat the face, and not just the teeth.
