Functional Orthodontic Appliances

Functional Appliances are loose removable appliances designed to alter neuromuscular environment of orofacial region to improve occlusal development and/or craniofacial skeletal growth. A functional appliance harnesses natural forces which it transmits to teeth and alveolar bone in a predetermined direction. Functional appliances are appliances which act by either harnessing the muscular forces or by preventing aberrant muscular forces from acting on the dentition. They work on the principle of force application or force elimination. Functional Appliances are appliances which alter the posture of mandible, holding it open or closed and forward or backward. They can address severe skeletal problems in growing patients which otherwise would require surgical correction once growth is completed.