Functional Orthodontics

A functional orthodontic treatment, also called dental facial orthopaedics, aims to create a balance between all parts of the jaw and mouth and the rest of body.

By aligning the upper and lower jaws, functional orthodontics can improve the appearance of the patient by not only straightening their teeth, but also moving their jaws into the proper position, which also affects and supports the function of the head, neck and face muscles, and a stable jaw joint with good chewing function.

In turn, the imbalance can cause a variety of problems, such as a variety of chewing disorders, jaw joint issues, headaches, migraines, airway obstructions, sleep disturbances, TMJ Disorder, upper airway obstruction and poor facial profiles.

Orthodontics is the process of restoring the functions of the mouth.

Orthodontics For Children

By using methods such as, expanding the jaw to free up space for teeth, functional orthodontics can straighten teeth without having to pull crowded teeth.

With the use of an expansion appliance, it is possible to achieve good results by widening the upper and lower jaws and creating a more balanced profile. It is also possible to treat breathing problems and sleep apnea by applying non-extraction technique that uses expansion appliances.

The appliances are customizable and both removable and non-removable depending on the case, and they should remain in the mouth for a particular period of time. Although some patients have trouble with their appliance, the results are worthwhile.

What is The Difference?

Traditional Orthodontics

Functional Orthodontics

Early Treatment With Functional Orthodontics Is Designed To Prevent:

Healthy Jaw Joints

Many children with narrow jaws, deep overbites or receding lower jaws have unhealthy jaw joints which can cause:

About Bruxism

A common phenomenon in functional problems is grinding teeth or bruxism. Grinding teeth has been the subject of scientific research for years.

Bruxism can occur at night (sleep bruxism), and during the day. In the last 10 years, there has been a hypothesis that there is a clear link between sleep bruxism, sleep-related respiratory disorders, and jaw joint problems.

However, the chewing system is also an important factor in the management of emotional (stress) factors, in which clamps and grinding teeth significantly mitigate stress-induced psychosomatic disorders. Bruxism is therefore also a physiological event and of great importance in the medical and dental assessment of this problem. Damage of the teeth due to bruxism must be clearly distinguished from normal tooth wear.

The health and quality of the chewing system and therefore good chewing function play a crucial role in the stress management process.

Grinding teeth (Bruxism) can cause structural problems at the jaw joint, teeth, and support tissue, if the load of the pressure is immense and continues too long, and if the tooth contact where grinding takes place is unfavorable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do functional orthodontics only focus on aligning teeth?

No, functional orthodontics goes beyond just aligning teeth. It aims to correct both the teeth and the facial structures, addressing the root cause of dental misalignment. For instance, instead of extracting teeth to address crowding, functional orthodontics might focus on expanding the jaw to create more space.

Who can benefit from functional orthodontics?

Functional orthodontics is suitable for both children and adults. It’s designed to address the underlying causes of dental misalignment, making it a comprehensive solution for various age groups.

How does functional orthodontics differ from traditional orthodontics?

Traditional orthodontics primarily focuses on moving teeth, while functional orthodontics addresses the root cause of dental issues. For example, in a crowded mouth, traditional methods might involve tooth extraction, whereas functional orthodontics would look at expanding the jawbone.

Can functional orthodontics help with other dental issues besides misalignment?

Yes, functional orthodontics can address other dental-related problems. For instance, it can be used in sleep apnea treatment. Expanding the jaw can improve breathability during sleep, potentially alleviating sleep apnea symptoms.

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