Removable Functional Devices

Functional devices
It's worth knowing
Care

FUNCTIONAL DEVICES

In order to achieve the best results, orthodontic treatment sometimes requires special devices. One of them is functional device. These are orthodontic devices for correcting irregular occlusions, pushing the lower jaw forward and thereby creating the most possibly correct jaw position.

PRINCIPLE OF FUNCTIONAL DEVICES OPERATION

Functional device helps the patient to hold the lower jaw in the right position, so it adjusts the direction of jaw growth.

The best time to get help with functional device is around twelfth – fourteenth year of life. It is during this period that intensive growth has taken place, so that the growth of the lower jaw can be directed in the right direction to achieve the best results.

WEARING DURATION OF FUNCTIONAL DEVICES

Functional devices are divided into removable and non-removable. Removable devices are worn for about 12 to 18 months until the required lower jaw position is reached. Meanwhile, the use of non-removable devices is usually around 8 to 12 months, as they are worn for 24 hours a day.

In terms of removable functional devices, the following are the most commonly used in our clinic:

ANDRESENO device

TWIN-BLOCK device

DEVICE WEARING

In order to achieve the best results, it is recommended to wear the device for 16-18 hours a day. Each patient should be aware that treatment is less effective when the device is worn shorter.

WORTH KNOWING:

Wearing the device for the first few days may cause teeth sensitivity. This period is adaptive, so these feelings are perfectly normal. After about a week, the sensitivity disappears.
As the functional device gradually stretches the muscles, a little pain can be felt, however that also passes after about a week.
The device should be removed when eating or drinking.
The device also needs to be removed when speaking as it prevents the free movement of the lower jaw and hinders articulation.
This treatment will require regular visits to your orthodontist. He or she will evaluate the course of treatment and activate the device if necessary.
Dental care is normal, but you only need to know that before you clean your teeth, you should remove the device.

CARE OF FUNCIONAL DEVICES

The appliance should be washed in the morning and evening and after each meal;
The device is cleaned with a hard brush and a small amount of toothpaste;
Disinfectant dissolving tablets for a functional device maintenance may be used;
When removed from the mouth, the device must be stored in a special protective box.

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