|
Functional appliances are usually fitted to reduce the prominence of upper incisors and to improve the way the teeth bite together.
Removable functional appliances are the most popular. Two removable appliances, one over the top teeth and one over the bottom teeth, alter the bite of the teeth by holding the lower jaw forwards. These braces may be in one piece (eg Medium opening activator) or in two separate parts (eg Twin Blocks).
Functional appliances should be worn on a full-time basis, day and night, for about 9 months. They must be removed for cleaning, swimming and contact sports. After this initial treatment period they are usually worn at night times for about a year.
Further orthodontic treatment with fixed braces may be needed after functional appliance treatment. In these cases headgear may be needed at night times and the total course of treatment may last 30 months.
Fixed functional appliances are sometimes used with fixed braces (eg Herbst appliance) to move the lower teeth forwards.
|
