Treatment with functional appliances Flashcards

1
Q

what are functional appliance?

A

> Variety of appliances which alter the sagittal and vertical position of the mandible (A-P position) (when worn by the patient)

> This repositioning generates muscular forces which result in orthodontic and possible orthopaedic changes

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2
Q

what are the 5 main functional appliances used and who developed them?

A
  1. Monobloc = Pierre Robin
  2. Activator = Andresen
  3. Bionator = Balters
  4. Functional Regulator = Frankel
  5. Clark Twin Block = Clark (most widely used)
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3
Q

what are the classifications of functional appliances

A

> Fixed functional appliances (common in some countries but not here)

> Removable functional appliances (most commonly used)

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4
Q

what are the most established fixed functional appliances?

A
  1. Herbst appliance
  2. “Fixed Twin Block”
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5
Q

what is a Herbst appliance?

A

> piston mechanism each side

> attached to fixed appliance (so functional and fixed at the same time)

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6
Q

what are the positives of a Herbst appliance?

A

> less cooperation required

> more effective??

> use simultaneously with FA

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7
Q

what are the negatives of a Herbst appliance?

A

> complex design

> time consuming to fit

> more frequent breakages

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8
Q

what are examples of removable appliances?

A

> Twin Block (Clark)

> Andresen activator (Andresen)

> MOA (medium open activator)

> Bionator (Balters)

> Dynamax (Bass)

> Functional regulator (Frankel)

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9
Q

what are the theoretical advantages of functional appliances?

A

> improve facial aesthetics

> correct dental relationship

> reduce the need for extractions

> reduce the time needed for fixed appliance therapy

> reduce chairside time

> reduce incidence of trauma

> reduce need for headgear

> removable = facilitates plaque control

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10
Q

what are the proven advantages of a functional appliance?

A

> do produce a clinically significant correction in the A-P dental relationship

> do provide efficient anchorage reinforcement prior to FA treatment

> allows for FT wear – thereby more effective than HG at correcting molar relationship

> can be used during mixed dentition phase

> can attach auxiliaries / expand upper arch etc

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11
Q

what are the disadvantages of a functional appliance?

A

> cannot produce detailed tooth movement

> do not produce a clinically significant effect on skeletal bases

> can cause excessive proclination of lower incisors

> may cause AOB in patients with increased LAFH / minimal OB

> demand high level of patient cooperation

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12
Q

what is the advantage of a twin block over other functional appliance?

A

> well tolerated (2 piece design)

> full-time wear possible

> eating possible (in theory)

> versatile appliance
eg. elastics / sectional FA

> expansion of upper arch possible

> can add headgear

> can add fixed appliance

> possible to secure CTB to FA

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13
Q

how do functional appliances work?

A

> The subject of varying opinion, but forces arising from the facial soft tissues are undoubtedly the source of the main tooth movements

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14
Q

what are the mode of actions of functional appliances?

A

> orthodontic effect - dentoalveolar

> orthopaedic effect - jaw growth ?

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15
Q

what are the dentoalveolar changes we see during functional appliances when trying to achieve a class 1 occlusion?

A

> Upper arch
- retroclination of upper incisors
- distal movement of upper molars

> Lower arch
- mesial movement of lower teeth, including lower incisors
- vertical movement of lower posterior teeth

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16
Q

what are the orthopaedic changes observed during tx with functional appliances?

A

> (Controversial…conflicting results (& opinions!!))

> maxilla
- 1-2mm of long term restriction in growth possible
- may more long lasting than mandibular change

> mandible
- 1-2mm of extra short term growth possible
evidence for long-term gain is limited

> recent RCTs would seem to support such changes

17
Q

what are the indications for functional appliances?

A

> Mild, uncrowded Class II with well aligned teeth
- uncommon in Western Europe

> As first phase in more severe Class II’s, with second phase of FA

> Anchorage reinforcement in Class II cases
- prior to FA Tx

> Interceptive treatment
- early Tx to reduce very large OJ
- questionable use in certain countries (stiff private competition)

18
Q

what are the limitation and contraindications of functional appliance tx?

A

> poor cooperation

> non-growing PTs

> timing of treatment (age 12)

> individual tooth movements…difficult

> high angle cases

> variability of response

19
Q

what factors dictate when we can start treatment with a functional appliance?

A

> dental factors
- erupted permanent teeth (first premolar erupted)
- trauma risk

> psychological factors
- O’Brien et al 2003

> growth
- difficult to predict
- may not make much difference in any case

20
Q

what are some characteristics to look at to judge the timing of treatment based on growth?

A

> AGE
CHANGES OF HEIGHT

> Hand-wrist radiographs

> Hormone levels

> Secondary sex characteristics

21
Q

what continue to grow for longer the mandible or the maxilla?

A

> the mandible continue to grow until around 19

> the maxilla continue to grow until around 17

> the mandible has larger growth spike also in this pubescent years

> eg. class 3s will worsen

22
Q

what are some characteristics to look at to judge the timing of treatment based on dental factors?

A

> can start functional treatment in mixed dentition phase
- await eruption of 1st premolars

> time start of functional phase to allow progression straight into FAs
- avoid temptation to start functional Tx too early (don’t start until 11)
- avoid significant pause between 2 stages

> aim in general to start functional treatment at 11/12 years of age

23
Q

what are the stages for a functional appliance?

A
  1. Assessment
    - treatment planning
    - consent
  2. Imps & bite / laboratory prescription
  3. Fit appliance
    - take baseline measurements
  4. Review visits
    - review measurements
  5. Retention
    - night time wear
    - plan fixed appliances
24
Q

why do we take bite registration for a functional appliance?

A

> Estimate amount of sagittal advancement of mandible needed
- as a rule of thumb this is edge to edge unless the patient has a really deep overly
- ensure the dental centrelines are coincident

25
Q

how do you take a bite registration for a functional appliance?

A

> Select and try in ProJet jig
- Colour coded
- Insert with single slot to lower
- Demonstrate to patient

> Soften wax into horseshoe shape
- Wax bite should be 2-3mm thicker than planned vertical opening
- Carefully apply to ProJet jig

> The softened wax bite and jig are placed against the upper teeth
- Patient is asked to bite into desired position
- Ask patient to hold face mirror while recording bite

> Wax bite removed from the mouth
- Allow wax bite to cool / cool under running water

> The cooled wax bite is tried in again
- Critical to ensure accurate fit against upper & lower teeth
- If necessary soften and carefully any errors
Consider retaking if not correct

26
Q

what is the prescription for the upper functional appliance?

A

> clasp 4s and 6s

> split baseplate and screw

> labial bow?

> acrylic blocks

27
Q

what is the prescription for a lower functional appliance?

A

> lower incisor capping or ball clasps

> clasp lower 4s +/- 6s

> acrylic blocks

28
Q

when are review appointments for functional appliances?

A

> every 6 weeks

29
Q

what assessments are carried out at review appoints for functional appliances?

A

> asses cooperation
- speech
- handling / ease swallowing / hypersalivation
- talk to parent

> measure overjet

> record molar relationship

> adjust clasps as necessary

> check / start expansion

> update patient / parent on progress
- Study models

30
Q

what advice do you give instructions for patient for a functional appliances?

A

> parent present

> full-time wear essential

> remove appliance for
- eating / cleaning / rough sports / swimming

> use box
- TLC

> OHI
- appliance and dentition

> written instructions
- to back up verbal instructions

31
Q

what are the key points of retention post treatment?

A

> to assess stability of the result

> over-correct (instead of 2mm go to 0mm)

> night-time wear (initially full time wear)

> review closely

> explain rational carefully to PT and parent (get over the finish line and then some)