Functional Appliances

Question 1

Aims of functional appliances?

Answer 1

• To correct AP occlusion
• Most effective during growth
• Utilise the force generated by the masticatory and facial muscles

Question 2

What are the effects of a functional appliance used to treat a class II malocclusion?

Answer 2

• dentoalveolar - upper teeth moved posteriorly and lower teeth moved anteriorly
• maxillary growth - limit forward growth?
• mandibular growth - encourage growth?
• glenoid fossa - remodelling of the fossa more anteriorly?

Question 3

Most effective use of functional appliances?

Answer 3

• Most effective in class II div 1 on moderate to severe skeletal relationships in growing children
• Not commonly used for Class II div 2 as not usually severe class II
• Class III could be treated with FA but further mandibular growth may cause relapse

Question 4

Examples of functional appliances?

Answer 4

1. Twin block - posture mandible forward

2. Andresen appliance and bionator are earlier single acrylic block appliances