Functional Appliances in Orthodontics

A type of functional appliance that helps correct Class II malocclusions by continuously protracting the mandible, encouraging forward growth of the lower jaw.

An FDA-approved flexible functional appliance that uses springs to protract the mandible, allowing for comfortable movement in all directions.

A fixed functional appliance designed to advance the mandible by using stainless steel crowns and tubing, with elbows guiding forward movement.

Fixed Functional Appliances (FFAs) are orthodontic appliances that are permanently attached to the teeth, providing constant forces to guide jaw growth and correct malocclusions.

Functional appliances are used to correct malocclusions, especially Class II, by guiding jaw growth and improving the relationship between the upper and lower teeth.

Functional appliances are devices that aim to change the position of the jaw, usually by using gentle forces to encourage growth and development. They are customized to work with the muscles and tissues of the face.

A removable appliance that aims to change muscle balance and stimulate bone growth by stretching the periosteum.

A method of taking a mold of the patient's bite to create a custom-fit appliance.

Functional appliances work by applying gentle forces to the teeth and the base of the jaw bone, causing changes in the bones and tissues. The body then adapts to these changes, creating a better alignment of the teeth and jaw.

An appliance that influences the tongue and surrounding muscles to correct bite issues and promote proper growth.

Functional appliances provide controlled forces to the teeth and jaws that encourage bone growth and movement. These forces promote a better alignment of the teeth, improving the bite and overall dental health.

Proffit classifies functional appliances based on how they hold the jaw in place. This classification includes tooth-borne passive appliances that use soft tissue stretch, tooth-borne active appliances with springs and screws, and tissue-borne appliances that use soft tissue pressure.

The Andresen Activator is a removable appliance used to correct problems like an overbite by encouraging the lower jaw to move forward.

A removable appliance that encourages forward tongue placement and promotes jaw growth.

Vig's classification groups functional appliances based on how they affect muscle activity. This includes myotonic that uses muscle stretches, and myodynamic that stimulates muscle movement with a shorter opening of the jaw.

The age range when boys are typically experiencing a growth spurt.

Hunt's classification separates functional appliances based on how they are fixed to the teeth. This includes fixed appliances that are permanently attached, removable appliances that can be taken out, and semi-fixed appliances that have some parts that are permanently fixed and others that are removable.

A key principle of functional appliance therapy is that changes in how the jaw works will lead to changes in its shape and structure. The body will adapt to the new way the jaw functions, leading to a better alignment and growth.

The age range when girls typically experience a growth spurt.

Force application involves using gentle forces to encourage bone growth and movement. Force elimination involves removing forces that are causing problems with teeth or jaw alignment

These appliances are used to correct bite issues and help with the healthy growth of the jaw and teeth.

The ability of an appliance to control the movement of teeth, usually by using strong teeth for support.

The concept that tongue posture and surrounding muscle activity influence jaw growth and the shape of the teeth.