What is functional orthodontic?s should i ask my orthodontist about it?

Bone repositioning: Most people think of braces as just moving teeth. Most orthodontic problems are both skeletal(bone) and tooth position issues. Functional orthodontics is to reposition the lower or upper jaw by various techniques for both cosmetic and functional improvement of the patient.

Growth modification: Functional orthodontic appliances are used mostly in growing children to modify or change skeletal abnormalities. They are occasionally used in adults with limited skeletal changes. By all means ask your orthodontist to see if they believe a functional appliance might be a benefit to your treatment.

Functional orthodont: There really is not such thing as functional orthodontics! this is just a new age phrase to describe orthodontic treatment that uses certain jaw moving appliances to correct bites...Something that has been a part of regular orthodontic treatment for decades. Doctors who use this term are promoting there ability to do things that "traditional orthodontists can't do... Except there is no proof!

For Bone Base: Functional appliances reshape the bone base and are designed as being removable by you; and somewhat able to move when you open and close (thus designed to work while your mouth is functioning). Braces are designed to be not removable by you (fixed appliances) and are used to level, align, and rotate the actual tooth. Both types may be used for the same patient during treatment.

Orthopedic: Usually 'functional' means the appliance works while a patient's teeth come together (e.g. Chewing or biting). This utilizes the pressure created by chewing muscles in order to move teeth (orthodontics) or bones (dentofacial orthopedics) around the teeth. They come in all shapes and sizes, some look like small telescoping rods attached to teeth while others can be removable.

Growth: Functional orthodontics works best for growing patients, typically under the age of 18. It usually involves removable appliances, rather than fixed appliances.

Appliances: Orthodontist have used functional appliances for decades. This new term "functional orthodontics" is a term typically used by general dentists to make you think there is some better way to fix your teeth. It isn't. So yes, talk to your orthodontist about using a functional appliance, but don't beleive anyone who considers "functional orthodontics" a seperate field of treatment.

Absolutely: A fully qualified Orthodontic Specialist is conversant in functional jaw orthopedics, a treatment modality that is at best moderately successful for growing children, and ineffective (possibly even harmful) for non-growing adults. If it sounds too good to be true...

Orthodontic Modality: Functional Orthodontic is a type of the orthodontic treatment that optimizes the bite and arch development to reduce the need for permanent teeth extractions, and create a beautiful and functional smile.