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What is functional orthodontics and what are its advantages and features?

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Functional orthodontics is a method of correcting jaw abnormalities in children and teenagers, which by affecting the jaw muscles and bones, solves problems such as the front or back of the jaw and irregular bite without pulling teeth.

This method of dental orthodontics has two types: fixed (more precise but more expensive and requiring high hygiene) and mobile (more convenient and cheaper but dependent on the patient's cooperation) and usually gives the best results between 6 and 14 years of age. Its advantages include prevention of surgery and improvement of facial shape and breathing, and its disadvantages are long treatment duration, high cost and dependence on regular use of the device.

What is functional orthodontics

?

Functional orthodontics is one of the newest orthodontic methods that can be used to solve the problems and abnormalities of the upper jaw and lower teeth. Mostly, this method is used for children and teenagers so that the jaws are formed without deformity and irregularity at the age of growth. Functional devices usually affect the muscles and bone structure of the upper and lower jaw and change and correct its position. In this case, without the need for tooth extraction, enough space is created for the teeth and even some problems such as sleep apnea and breathing problems are solved.

Types of functional orthodontics

Functional orthodontics is divided into two types, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages, and each of which can be used for certain people. In the following, we will examine each of them and compare them and which of them is better for whom.

Fixed functional orthodontics

As its name suggests, functional orthodontics is permanently placed on the teeth and cannot be removed from the teeth until the treatment period is over. This model cannot be easily adjusted or replaced by the patient himself, and he needs an orthodontist to do it. In the beginning, it might be a little hard to get used to it; But you can easily eat or talk with it. Of course, you should know that in this type, because it is fixed and cannot be removed from the mouth, it is very important to observe oral and dental hygiene and clean it using special brushes for the orthodontic device.

Movable functional orthodontics

This device is made of plastic and the patient can take it out of his mouth while eating or cleaning his teeth. The cost of functional removable orthodontics is lower than fixed and is more popular among patients, and the patient must use it in the designated hours to get the full result. This model is mostly used for younger people who need frequent adjustment.

Is fixed functional orthodontics better or mobile?

It is impossible to say exactly which model is better, because each model is used for certain people; But according to the comparison table below, you can choose the best model. Of course, you must be careful that the orthodontist must finally approve the model.

Feature Fixed functional orthodontics Movable functional orthodontics Separability by the patient does not have (fixed) yes (movable and removable) Need for patient cooperation Low (requires less cooperation) High (depending on the amount of use by the patient) The degree of therapeutic effect More and more accurate, especially in extreme cases Less than fixed, dependent on patient cooperation Comfort and compatibility with the mouth It may be uncomfortable at first It is more convenient and adjustable Care and health Needs high precision in hygiene Easier to clean Cost Usually more Usually less Suitable for ages Any age, especially complex cases Mostly for children and mild cases Adjustment and changes during treatment It is done by a specialist It can be adjusted by the patient or specialist

Types of functional orthodontic devices

Special devices are used for functional orthodontics, the most important of which are the following.

Herbst appliance (fixed functional orthodontics)

This device is permanently installed on the molars of the upper jaw and moves it forward with gentle pressure on the lower jaw. This device is mostly used for severe dental overbite (the teeth of the upper jaw protrude from the teeth of the lower jaw) and undergrowth of the lower jaw.

Mara device

This device is also fixed and it is used to guide the lower jaw forward and align it with the upper jaw. Especially when the upper jaw protrudes more than the lower jaw.

Activator device

This device is mobile, and its different types include H activator, V activator and hyrax device, whose main task is to align the upper and lower jaw simultaneously.

Biotinor (functional lower and upper jaw device)

This device is mobile, which is used to move the lower jaw forward, and it is made of plastic. One side of this device is placed behind the upper jaw teeth and the other side moves the lower jaw teeth forward.

Twin block

This device works similar to Biotinor; But the difference is that it uses two parts to move the jaws so that the mouth and teeth are more comfortable. This device is mostly used to treat overjet or the horizontal distance between the front teeth of the upper and lower jaw and the growth of the lower jaw.

Frankel's mobile functional device

This device is used to open space for permanent teeth in the upper and lower jaw. This device has different types, each of which solves different jaw abnormalities.

The best suitable age for functional orthodontics

What age is functional orthodontics suitable for? It is a general question and it should be determined according to the patient's conditions and his age, which we will explain in detail below.

Suitable age for functional orthodontics for children

If children's lower jaw is protruding, the best age is between 7 and 8 years old, for the lower jaw to be backward, it varies between 6 and 14 years old, and for some people between 8 and 12 years old, based on the child's genetics. Orthodontics in children is more of a prevention method than a treatment method.

The right age for functional orthodontics for teenagers

For teenagers whose jaw growth has not yet stopped and there is a possibility of changing its structure, the best age is between 9 and 14 years old, and teenagers must have the necessary cooperation for the treatment to be successful.

The suitable age for functional orthodontics for adults

In general, orthodontics or various methods of restoring and reconstructing teeth and jaws in adults is a little more difficult and time-consuming, because the growth of the jaws has stopped, and the problems of abnormal teeth and jaws must be corrected using complementary methods.

Functional orthodontics candidate

Functional orthodontics is not suitable for every person and an orthodontist must diagnose and confirm whether you are a suitable candidate for functional orthodontics or not. Below is the list of people who can and cannot use this method.

For whom is functional orthodontics suitable?

• Children aged 6 to 14 years are growing their jaws
• Children with back or forward jaw problems
• Adults with mild to moderate jaw abnormalities
• People who need to correct the position of the jaw, not only fix the teeth
• People who can have regular cooperation with the doctor

For whom functional orthodontics is not suitable?

• People who only need teeth movement
• Extremely complex or severe jaw abnormalities
• Adults for whom jaw changes are limited
• Those who cannot use devices regularly
• Patients worried about the appearance of a smooth profile and narrow smile after treatment

Advantages and disadvantages of functional orthodontics

Benefits of functional orthodontics Disadvantages of functional orthodontics Improving the function of jaw and facial muscles Requires regular cooperation and correct use by the patient Correction of dental bite inconsistency problems Long treatment period Prevention of complex jaw surgeries Limiting the consumption of hard foods Improving the space between the jaws The need to replace and adjust the device frequently Fixing Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Function Disorders Difficulty in speech and pronunciation at the beginning of treatment Prevent tooth extraction in children Generally not suitable for adults Improving breathing problems and reducing snoring Relatively high cost Reducing pain and chronic problems of the jaw joint and jaw muscles Treatment success depends on patient cooperation Correction of facial growth and balance in children Needs frequent visits to the doctor

Duration and length of functional orthodontic treatment

Usually, according to the severity of the jaw deformity and the patient's condition, the length of treatment using a functional device may last between 9 and 18 months. Of course, this period is different for each patient, and also if the teeth are abnormal and irregular, between 9 and 18 months will be added to this period, because the problems of abnormal teeth must be solved with fixed orthodontics.

How long does functional orthodontics take?

Usually between 9 and 18 months, and if you have dental abnormalities and use fixed orthodontics, this time doubles.

How many hours should functional orthodontics be used during the day?

According to the recommendation of the orthodontist, a person should use the devices for 16 to 20 hours during the day for the orthodontic treatment to have its full effect.

How to take care of functional orthodontics

In order not to suffer from problems such as infection or accumulation of bacteria in the mouth and teeth when using functional devices, it is better to observe your oral and dental hygiene properly and regularly.

• Pay close attention to oral and dental hygiene to prevent the accumulation of plaque and tooth infection.
• If there is pain or unusual changes in the device, consult a dentist.
• Regular visit to the orthodontist is necessary to check the condition of the device and teeth.

How to clean the mobile functional orthodontic device

• Be sure to remove the device from your mouth when brushing your teeth.
• Wash the device with cold water every time after eating.
• Clean the device with a soft toothbrush and special toothpaste.
• Be sure to place the device in a disinfectant solution once a week with the orthodontist's advice.
• If the device is not in use, keep it inside the protective box.
• Avoid eating hard or sticky foods.

How to clean fixed functional orthodontic device

• Be sure to carefully and gently clean around the wires and the device with dental floss and a toothbrush.
• To access the parts that you cannot reach easily, use dental floss and a special toothbrush.
• You can also use special brushes to clean unreachable spaces.
• Because the device is fixed, be sure to clean it carefully on a daily basis.

The cost of functional orthodontics in 1404

The cost of functional orthodontics in 1404 starts from about 36 million tomans. Also, the replacement of a broken functional license plate is 6.5 million tomans and the cost of adding a fixed functional device is about 9 million tomans. This cost may vary based on the clinic, device type, and treatment conditions.

The difference between functional orthodontics and other orthodontic methods

Feature Functional orthodontics Fixed orthodontics Movable orthodontics The goal of treatment Correcting the position of the jaws and improving the function of the jaw and facial muscles, changing the structure of the jaw bone Straightening and aligning the teeth in the current jaw structure Mild to moderate dental correction and stabilization of fixed orthodontic treatment Device Includes fixed or removable plaque or device that affects the jaws and teeth Fixed bracket and wire on the teeth Movable plates Portability Removable removable plate, fixed plate not removable by the patient Unremovable by the patient Removable by the patient Appropriate age Children and adolescents who are in the growth period Mostly for teenagers and adults Usually for minor corrections and stabilization Effects on jaw structure Correction of bone abnormalities and jaw growth Focus only on the position of the teeth More correction of the teeth, less impact on the jaw Patient comfort Movable plaque is easier, fixed plaque may cause discomfort Discomfort in the first days, need careful care More convenience and the possibility of removing while eating The need for patient care and cooperation Higher, especially on moving plates Usually, regular visits and checkups are required Very dependent on patient cooperation Duration of treatment Can be longer, need close follow-up The length of treatment depends on the type of problem Usually for shorter stages and stabilization main application Treatment of jaw problems and bite site (bite) Treatment of teeth placement problems Cases of partial correction and stabilization of treatment

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it hurt to use functional orthodontics?

In the initial period of installation, there may be three to five days of sensitivity or slight discomfort, which can usually be controlled with simple pain relievers. In general, it does not have severe pain and the discomfort will decrease as you get used to it.

Does functional braces change the shape of the face?

Yes, this type of orthodontics, in addition to correcting the teeth, changes the shape of the face and profile by changing the position of the jaws. Its effect is more evident in children and teenagers who are still growing.

Is it possible to eat with a functional device in the mouth?

First, it is better to eat soft foods and avoid eating hard and sticky foods. Usually, the device is removed from the mouth while eating and is used again after that.

Can functional orthodontics be used for children?

Yes, the best age of use is between 7 and 12 years, when the growth of the jaws is still active and the treatment can be more effective.

Can functional orthodontics be used for adults?

Yes, it can be used; But the impact on the skeletal structure in adults is less and it is usually used for partial corrections or together with other methods.

آیا درمان با بریس فانکشنال همیشه موثر است؟

Complete success is not 100% and depends on the patient's cooperation in regular use of the device and treatment conditions. If used correctly, the results will usually be satisfactory.

Is functional orthodontics different in boys and girls?

Yes, it is recommended to start treatment in girls usually earlier (about 9 to 10 years) and a little later in boys (about 12 to 13 years), due to the difference in puberty.

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