In younger, still developing patients, functional appliances can be used to balance the jaws better, achieve good facial muscle function and create natural facial proportions.
Excessive protrusion of the upper front teeth and/or an underdeveloped lower jaw are by far the two most common orthodontic problem. These patients usually exhibit a convex facial profile with a recessed chin. In most cases, this problem has genetic origin. The appearance and function of the teeth are impacted by this type of bite.
In order for the patient to close their mouth when wearing the functional appliance, they must push their bottom jaw forward and that will help to improve the way in which molar teeth bite together, or even improve the facial profile so that the jaws look more aligned with each other when looking at the face in profile.
Functional appliances are believed to be most successful prior to or during the growth spurt. This typically occurs between the ages of 10 to 14. Treatment would normally take 12 months and the results will depend on the co-operation and commitment as well as the individual inherent growth potential of each patient.
Functional appliances can sometimes be used alone to correct an orthodontic problem, but are often required in combination with fixed appliances to align and level the teeth. Functional appliances only work in growing children hence they are not an option when treating adults.
Invisalign® with Mandibular Advancement
Invisalign® treatment with mandibular advancement is meant for teens presenting with setback lower jaw. The special precision wings feature are integrated into the Invisalign aligners and they posture the jaw forward while aligning the teeth simultaneously.
This would mean that correction of the bite and alignment of the teeth can happen simultaneously and need for fixed appliance treatment at the end of functional therapy is eliminated.
Thumb Sucking
Thumb sucking can have a detrimental affect on children’s teeth. Over time the top teeth can be pulled forward and the bottom teeth pushed back.
Tongue Thrusting
Tongue thrusting is the persistence of an infantile swallow pattern during late childhood. It is the motion of pushing your tongue forward, against the back of the teeth or between the top and bottom teeth, when swallowing, speaking or relaxing. This may have severe impact on the development of the permanent teeth, as well as the alignment of the jaw bones, and facial appearance. It can be caused by thumb sucking, prolonged use of dummy, narrow upper jaw, tongue tie, enlarged tonsils and allergies.