Functional Appliances

A functional appliance is a removable brace that works on the upper and lower teeth at the same time. This is usually used to treat an underdeveloped lower jaw; the appliance postures a patient’s lower jaw into a forward position on closing their mouth, correcting the malocclusion and aiding the lower jaw growth. The most common used appliance is called the Twin Block.

Although Twin Blocks are quite chunky, they produce great results if they are worn as prescribed by your Orthodontist. It is usually worn all the time except when eating, playing sports, playing wind instruments, swimming or for cleaning the appliance. Speech can be affected when wearing twin blocks and we do recommend practising speaking with the brace in by reading out loud at home. Your speech should return to normal within a few days.

The treatment time can vary according to how prominent the front teeth are but most treatment is completed in 9 to 12 months with good patient co-operation. It may also include an expansion screw to widen the upper or lower arch. Most patients progress onto the fixed metal appliance after this or are provided with retainers.