These appliances are used for growth modification procedure that are aimed at intercepting and treating jaw discrepancies in Children aged 5 to 12 years. They use force generated by stretching of muscles, facial and or periodontium to alter skeletal and dental relationship.
Most orthodontic problems, particularly crowded teeth and an underdeveloped lower jaw, are caused by habits such as mouth breathing and tongue thrusting. If these habits are not corrected, treatment time and the necessity for retainers will be increased. These functional appliance will pave the correct way.
Functional appliance is a simple and effective way to correct skeletal and dental discrepancy. It can be worn and removed and activated by the patient or it may be fixed to teeth depending on the issue to be corrected.
Few types of appliances commonly used:
- Twin block
- Head Gear
- Facebow
- Chin cap
- Frankel appliance
- Expansion appliance
- Herbst
- Jasper Jumper
- Myobraces