Functional Orthodontics

Functional orthodontics is an orthopedic treatment applied during the child’s growth development period and aims to direct the growth of the jaw bones.
For example, in cases where the lower jaw is behind, accelerating the growth of the lower jaw and enabling it to catch up with the upper jaw is a functional orthodontic orthodontic treatment.

The age of the child is very important in functional orthodontics.
This orthodontic treatment cannot be applied after growth and development is complete.

During the growth and development period, various orthodontic appliances are used to direct the growth of the jaws.
The orthodontic appliances used are called “functional appliances”.

Orthodontic treatment plan is very important in patients who will be directed for growth and development.
In the first stage of treatment planning, the patient’s growth direction is determined and the functional appliances to be used in orthodontic treatment are decided.
The patient’s cooperation and motivation is an important criterion in the selection of these functional appliances.
For this reason, the orthodontist, the patient and the patient’s parents should discuss in detail and decide together which functional appliance will be used.

Functional orthodontic appliances can be either removable appliances or fixed orthodontic appliances.
Removable functional appliances are available in intraoral or extraoral variants.

Removable Functional Appliance Treatment

The success of removable orthodontic treatments depends on patient compliance.
The orthodontic and orthopedic effect is seen during the time the patient uses the appliance.
It is very important to use removable functional appliances in accordance with the advice of your orthodontist.

The biggest advantage of removable braces over fixed ones is the ease of brushing and cleaning the appliance.

Removable orthodontic appliances should be stored well when not in use and should not be lost.

Fixed Functional Appliance Treatment

The application of fixed functional appliances is through the mouth.
Since they are fixed devices, they cannot be removed by the patient.
Being fixed is a great advantage, especially in cases where patient cooperation is difficult to achieve.

Fixed functional appliances should be well cleaned.
It is very important to brush the teeth longer and more effectively.
It is very important to follow the rules specified by your orthodontist so that the fixed functional appliances are not deformed.
Otherwise, the effects planned to be achieved with the treatment will not be realized.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should my child wear a functional appliance?

Your orthodontist will tell you how much the appliance should be used during the day.
Using the appliance for the appropriate period of time is very important for the effectiveness of the treatment.

Is there pain when using a functional appliance?

In all orthodontic treatments, it is quite normal to have pain for the first few days after the follow-up appointments.
Some patients do not feel any pain at all.
Most of the time these pains go away spontaneously without the need to take painkillers.
Patients with a low pain threshold should not take painkillers (read the package leaflet before use).
In case of persistent or unexpected pain, you should contact the clinic.

Is there a difference in speech when using a functional appliance?

Some functional appliances can make a difference in speech and swallowing.
It is quite normal for the child to find this situation strange and not want to wear the appliance.
In this case, the attitude of the patient’s parents is very important.
The orthodontist and the patient’s parents should explain to the child in parallel that this situation is temporary and that it is a treatment that needs to be done for his/her own health.

At home, activities such as reading aloud and singing will speed up the return of speech.

Is it possible to eat and drink with the removable functional appliance in the mouth?

Absolutely no food should be eaten while using removable functional appliances.
The appliance may break and deform.
It is not recommended to drink beverages (except water) with the appliance.
Foci of decay may form between the appliance and the teeth.

How should removable functional appliances be stored?

After removing the appliances from the mouth, they should be cleaned and stored in the plastic box given by your orthodontist.
There is a high possibility of loss of the appliance if it is kept in a box.
It should never be left unboxed and wrapped in a napkin.

What should be considered when using removable functional appliances?

Your orthodontist will warn you about certain foods such as hard and sticky foods.
You should avoid foods such as sweets, sugary gum and chocolate.
Acidic drinks, including diet drinks, and fruit juices containing excessive amounts of sugar should be avoided.

How to brush your teeth when using fixed functional appliances?

Unless your orthodontist advises otherwise, you should brush your teeth 3 times a day using fluorine-containing toothpastes.
Carrying a toothbrush and toothpaste during the day makes it easier to maintain oral hygiene.
Along with the teeth, the fixed orthodontic appliance should be thoroughly brushed and gargling is necessary.

How to clean removable functional appliances?

It is necessary to brush the orthodontic appliance gently so as not to damage the wires.
You can take a denture cleaning tablet (such as Corega) from the pharmacy once a week.
It is very important to pay attention to cleanliness in order to prevent tooth discoloration and decay.

How long do functional appliance treatments last?

The duration of treatment in orthodontics is related to the condition of the orthodontic and orthopedic problem.
Treatment with such functional appliances usually lasts 6-18 months.

Is reinforcement therapy applied after functional appliance treatments?

Your orthodontist may ask you to use the functional appliance only at night.
Your doctor will give you detailed information about this.

What is the session frequency of functional appliance treatments?

The session intervals of orthodontic treatments vary between 4-8 weeks.
Your orthodontist will tell you at which intervals your sessions will take place.
Regular attendance to appointments is important for the effectiveness of orthodontic treatment and the total duration of treatment.

Can functional appliances be used during physical activities?

Removable extraoral appliances are not suitable for use during physical activities.
For intraoral appliances, you should consult your orthodontist.
In some cases, it may be necessary to use protective appliances.
You should also use these protectors while cycling, skateboarding or rollerblading.
When the appliance is not in the mouth, it should be kept in a box.

What to do if the orthodontic appliance breaks?

You should call our clinic and make an appointment as soon as possible.
The routine appointment date should not be waited in order not to interrupt the treatment and prevent damage to the teeth.