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What are functional orthodontic appliances?
The differences to active plates
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Functional orthodontic appliances - also called Bite Fixers or FO Appliances - differ fundamentally in their
functional concept from normal and active plate appliances.
Active appliances employ external forces to straighten the teeth. They may use springs, screws, elastic bands or
activated wire elements to apply the all-important constant pressure needed to straighten the teeth.
FO appliances achieve changes in the positions of the teeth and jaw by using the body's own natural forces, which
changes the functional patterns of the muscular system, also called the functional effect.
These appliances are more or less stiff appliances made of plastic and wire elements.
They usually do not have elements that anchor them to the teeth.
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How do functional orthodontic appliances work?
Functional orthodontic appliances lie loosely in the mouth. During every movement of the mouth - a thousand times
a day and while sleeping at night - they cause the muscles to perform true gymnastics, which keeps the entire muscular
system of the mouth in constant motion thus training the muscles.
FO appliances use, for example, the energy generated by closing the mouth or biting to move the teeth and jaw. They
cleverly transform the vertical forces of these actions into horizontal forces, for example the so-called
construction bite, that steadily moves a receding lower jaw further forward.
FO appliances do not need to employ active forces. They use the body's own natural forces of the muscles and soft parts.
To be able to utilize these forces, we orthodontists have to disrupt the balance that has settled into the mouth
region - i.e., redirect existing forces. One example of an FO appliance that does this is the traditional activator.
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Uses for functional orthodontic appliances
There are certain specific orthodontic problems for which functional orthodontic appliances are particularly
well suited:
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Receding lower jaw (underbite) |
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The lower jaw is shortened and too far back. This is also called
a "receding chin". |
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Protruding lower jaw (overbite) |
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The lower jaw is elongated. The chin and lower lip protrude beyond the upper jaw and lip. The front
teeth of the lower jaw often bite in front of the teeth of the upper jaw. |
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Closing an open bite |
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On open bite is where some teeth of the upper and lower dental arches do not come into contact when biting.
There is then a gap between the upper and lower teeth.
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Bite elevation |
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If the lower face is too low, the bite is elevated to achieve a normal position. Growth of the side teeth
is promoted.
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Correcting functional disorders of the tongue or lips |
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These include:
• when the lips are always getting bitten,
• when the lower lip is constantly
behind the forward-tilting upper front teeth,
• incorrect tongue position or incorrect swallowing pattern.
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Overview of various functional orthodontic appliances
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Functional orthodontic appliances use
biological forces to control
growth and bite development.
The activator
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Fränkel's Type II
function corrector
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Upper part of a forward thrust double plate appliance.
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A new functional balance...
Successful treatment creates a new functional balance of the muscular system and soft parts of the mouth.
The constantly self-regulating functional forces that don't rely on actively acting elements make it impossible
for the appliance to damage the roots of the teeth or the periodontal apparatus.
In other words, as soon as the force becomes too great, the patient automatically and unconsciously relaxes
the muscles to reduce the force.
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What you must bear in mind:
A functional orthodontic appliance can only work effectively when it is worn for at least 15 hours every day!
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We are always at your service to answer
any further questions you may have:
+ 49 (0)9 41 54 218
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Orthodontic Practice in Regensburg Dr. Kathrin Falkenstein
Modern Orthodontics · Lingual Treatment · Gentle Orthodontics
Invisible Braces · Analysis of the Temporomandibular Joint · Microimplants
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