Functional appliances: mode of action and clinical use.
Functional appliances are frequently used in the treatment of Class II division 1 malocclusions, either in isolation or, more commonly, before a course of fixed appliance therapy. Extensive speculation and investigation into the precise mode of action of these appliances has recently focused on their growth-restraining effect on the maxilla, their growth-enhancing effect on the mandible and dentoalveolar and soft tissue effects. The different types of functional appliances are described in this article, with emphasis placed on practitioners adopting a component approach to design. A checklist is provided to aid identification of the more common problems occurring during treatment.
Macey-Dare
L V
LV
Department of Orthodontics, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford.
Nixon
F
F
D006801:Humans; D008445:Maxillofacial Development; D020247:Myofunctional Therapy; D016382:Orthodontic Appliance Design; D017289:Orthodontic Appliances, Functional; D009972:Orthodontics, Interceptive / Q000295:instrumentation; D014078:Tooth Eruption