Functional Appliances

This is a type of removable brace that works both the upper and lower jaw at the same time.

Every treatment is unique to the patient and their needs, whilst you may have friends that have had a functional appliance, this does not mean it is what you require and vice versa.

 

 

RME (rapid palatal expansion)
A partial metal retainer that rests on the roof of your mouth and is attached to one or more of the back teeth. This is worn to increase the width of the upper jaw. It does this gradually with the help of a key, your specialist will advise you how many turns of the key and how often. This helps to create space for teeth and support in creating a more comfortable bite (how your teeth meet when you close your mouth).

Quad Helix
A partial metal retainer that rests on the roof of your mouth and is attached to one or more of the back teeth. It is often used with fixed braces to slowly and gradually widen a patients jaw using spring loaded design. The appliance helps to expand the upper jaw to create space and a wider palate for a more even bite (how your teeth meet when you close your mouth).

TPA (Transpalatal Arches)
A small metal retainer that is secured to upper molars. It uses a spring loaded wire to control the movement of the larger back teeth. It can be used with fixed braces to stabilise the position of these teeth during movement of the other teeth.

Twin Block
A upper and lower removable brace that is used to correct a small lower jaw. Made with a combination of acrylic plastic and metal wires, they use angled blocks that rest at the mid and back of the teeth to encourage the lower jaw into a more forward position. This helps to guide jaw growth and improve the bite (how your teeth come together). This is a type of removable brace that works both the upper and lower jaw at the same time.
By undertaking this treatment at a young age, we can bring the jaw into a healthy position by taking advantage of biological growth and use natural muscle pressure to aid the process. We can bring a weak lower jaw forward by up to 10mm which can avoid extraction of permanent teeth and possible jaw surgeries later in life.

An example can be seen at the top of this page.

 

Activator
Usually used to help correct difficulties with under, over and cross bites. They are made from acrylic and metal wires as a way of supporting both the teeth and the surrounding structures. It is a removable brace so patient participation and consistency is key to getting the best outcomes.