functional braces & dentofacial orthopaedics

Twin Block removable functional brace

A ‘Functional Appliance’ is a term used for a type of brace which aims to correct a developing bite problem in a growing child or adolescent. Functional braces are designed to act by attempting to act upon the jaw bones themselves and redirect expression of facial growth (dento-facial orthopaedics) and by moving the teeth within their supporting jaw bones.

Functional braces are usually used to correct a “Class II” bite problem where the top teeth bite in front of the lower teeth. Functional braces may be either fixed or removable. The most commonly used functional brace in the United Kingdom is a Twin Block removable functional appliance.

Removable functional braces have the advantage over fixed functional braces that they can be removed for cleaning, sports and eating. Compliance is a key element of successful treatment and functional braces are to be worn full time during both day time and overnight for a period of several months. Fixed functional braces, which are attached to fixed braces bonded to the teeth and so cannot be removed, can be advantageous in situations where removable functional braces have not been well tolerated or compliance with full time wear of removable functional braces has been inadequate.

Treatment of class II bite problems with functional braces usually entails two phases of treatment. Phase 1 treatment is with use of a removable, or fixed, functional brace to correct the overall bite problem. Phase 2 treatment follows immediately thereafter with use of fixed braces, or clear aligners, to straighten the teeth and perfect the bite.

Before treatment