Functional braces are primarily used in younger patients to correct severe bite issues, particularly overbites, by influencing jaw growth and muscle function.
Based on the provided information, here's a breakdown of their main uses:
Key Applications of Functional Braces
Functional braces serve a specific purpose in orthodontic treatment, especially during a patient's growth phase.
- Correcting Extreme Overbites: They are commonly recommended for younger individuals who are suffering from an extreme overbite (a condition where the upper front teeth significantly overlap the lower front teeth).
- Guiding Jaw Growth: A key function highlighted in the reference is that they allow the jaw to grow into the perfect position. This means they leverage the natural growth process occurring in younger patients to correct skeletal discrepancies.
- Adapting to Facial and Jaw Muscles: Functional braces work by adapting to the muscles in your face and jaw. This interaction helps guide the development and alignment of the jaws and teeth, correcting the bite over time.
How Functional Braces Work
Unlike traditional braces that primarily focus on moving teeth, functional braces influence the position and growth of the jaws themselves. By encouraging or restricting the movement of the lower jaw in relation to the upper jaw, they help establish a more harmonious bite relationship. This muscle adaptation is crucial for long-term stability of the bite correction.
Who Benefits Most?
As indicated, these braces are typically recommended for younger patients who are still growing. The presence of significant growth potential is often necessary for functional braces to effectively guide jaw development.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Patient | Younger individuals (typically while still growing) |
| Primary Issue | Extreme overbite |
| Mechanism | Guides jaw growth, adapts to face/jaw muscles |
| Outcome | Allows jaw to grow into perfect position, corrects the bite |
In essence, functional braces utilize the body's natural growth mechanisms and muscle activity to correct underlying jaw alignment issues that contribute to severe bite problems like overbites.
