title: Concepts on functional appliances' mode of action.
abstract: Several working hypotheses have been conceived to explain the mode of action of various functional appliances. A review of the different concepts is presented and these concepts are tested by means of data from basic scientific research. Furthermore, a general concept is postulated that could unite the working principles of several functional appliances. Finally, the clinical relevance of scientific research in this area is evaluated.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Carels
authors.forename: F P
authors.initials: FP
authors.lastname: van der Linden
mesh_terms: D000202:Activator Appliances; D006801:Humans; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000628:therapy*; D009968:Orthodontic Appliances, Removable; D013314:Stress, Mechanical