Straighten Smiles by Guiding Growth with Functional Orthodontics
What is Functional Orthodontic Treatment?
Functional orthodontic treatment takes a more holistic view of the oral cavity and face. Rather than just looking at the position of the teeth, functional orthodontics examines the relationship between the teeth, jaws, tongue, lips, and airway. The goal is to guide the growth of the facial bones to allow the teeth to naturally fall into proper alignment. This approach addresses underlying issues like airway problems or jaw discrepancies that may be contributing to malocclusion.
Traditional functional braces merely move the teeth into proper position. Functional appliances, on the other hand, use light forces to mold the growing bones of a child's face. This helps properly align the jaws and allow enough room for all the teeth. Functional orthodontic treatment leads to a balanced facial profile, healthy airway, proper jaw alignment, and straight teeth.
Functional Appliances Used in Treatment
There are several types of functional appliances we may use here at 1A Orthodontics:
Functional Appliance Braces
These fixed braces apply light pressure to the teeth and jaws to gently guide growth. Examples include Forsus appliances or Jasper Jumpers worn in conjunction with traditional braces.
Removable Functional Appliances
These removable plastic oral appliances are worn to reposition the jaw. Types include Twin Block, Bionator, Frankel, and Herbst appliances. Patients wear them a prescribed amount of time each day and night.
Oral Myofunctional Appliances
These devices help train the tongue and lips to properly rest against the teeth. This helps guide erupting teeth into proper alignment. Myobrace and ALF appliances are examples.
Specific Functional Appliances We Use
Functional orthodontics utilizes several types of oral appliances to guide jaw growth and teeth alignment. Here at 1A Orthodontics, we commonly use the following effective Functional Appliances Orthodontics:
Twin blocks feature upper and lower removable plastic plates that glide the jaw forward to stimulate growth. Patients wear these appliances for 12-14 hours per day, including while sleeping. The twin blocks reposition the mandible forwards into an ideal position. This prompts the temporomandibular joints and muscles to adapt and grow.
Frankel appliances use a wire mechanism to guide the lower jaw into an ideal position. This wire framework attaches to upper and lower teeth via metal bands. Patients initially wear the appliance for 2-4 hours per day. Wearing time is gradually increased over 6-8 months until reaching up to 12-14 hours daily. The Frankel appliance uses light forces to prompt targeted growth changes over time.
Herbst appliances have a telescopic mechanism that holds the jaw in a protruded position. These fixed appliances are attached to upper molars and lower molars using metal bands. Adjustable metal rods connect the upper and lower parts to constantly maintain the mandible in the optimal protrusive posture. This constant forward positioning stimulates jaw growth.
MARA appliances also protrude the jaw using a screw mechanism to reposition the mandible forward. Patients wear this removable plastic appliance for 10-14 hours per day, including while sleeping. The MARA holds the lower jaw in the ideal position using gentle constant pressure from the screw expansion component. This guides proportional jaw growth.
EZBite correctors help redirect jaw growth by setting the mandible forward. These appliances use elastics worn inside the mouth to maintain a forward protrusion of the lower jaw throughout the day. The patient changes to a new set of elastics each month as treatment progresses. The continuous light forces influence optimal jaw positioning.
Benefits of Functional Orthodontic Treatment
Some key benefits of functional orthodontic treatment include:
Addresses underlying jaw discrepancies for complete realignment
Guides facial bone growth to make space for straightened teeth
Lowers the risk of impacted teeth and the need for extraction
Corrects poor oral habits that contribute to malocclusion
Creates a balanced facial profile and smile
Reduces risk of relapse after treatment
Improves airflow for enhanced breathing
Explain how functional appliances stimulate bone growth in the jaw, which expands narrow palates or corrects overjet. This bone development mirrors natural growth patterns.
Note that functional orthodontic treatment may reduce the need for or duration of jaw surgery in some cases.
Explain that functional appliances can help guide erupting permanent teeth into more favorable positions.
Mention the improved facial aesthetics, including a more proportional side profile and balanced facial features.
Functional appliances can stimulate underdeveloped maxillas to grow, expanding narrow, constricted upper jaws. This creates space to align crowded front teeth.
They redirect the eruption path of permanent teeth so they emerge properly positioned, minimizing rotation or crowding.
They prompt key growth sites in the mid-face, which enhances facial symmetry and aesthetics. This leads to more proportional facial features.
When started early enough, they can reduce the need for extraction of permanent teeth in crowded cases.
They prompt the tongue to rest in the proper position against the palate, which further guides normal development.
Treatment times are often shorter as well, since the appliances take advantage of the child's natural growth patterns.
The cost of functional orthodontic treatment is comparable to traditional functional braces cost. Since functional appliances address the underlying causes of misalignment, rather than just the symptom of crooked teeth, they provide complete correction and better value in the long-run.
At 1A Orthodontics, we provide personalized treatment plans and flexible payment options. We accept most dental insurances and offer zero-percent financing plans.
Functional orthodontic treatment takes a broader approach to realignment by guiding facial growth and oral habits. This method straightens teeth while enhancing facial aesthetics, breathing, and long-term dental health. The devices are comfortable to wear and treat malocclusion at its source. Emphasize that early intervention with functional appliances produces optimal results during childhood growth spurts.
Suggest readers schedule a risk-free initial consultation to learn more and get a professional recommendation. To learn more about functional orthodontics and whether it's right for your child's needs, schedule a dentist consultation with 1A Orthodontics in Wandsworth, London today.