Functional orthodontic treatments are applied to solve the problems called 'Class II orthodontic disorders' in orthodontics. In this disorder, the upper jaw may be forward, the lower jaw may be backward, or a mixture of the two. In a part of Class II orthodontic disorders, especially called "Class II division 1 malocclusions", the upper front teeth are positioned well in front of the lower teeth (protruding). Many reasons such as genetic, racial and environmental factors play a role in the formation of Class II malocclusions.
The process of directing the growth of the jaws using various devices during the growth and development period is called functional jaw orthopedics. The devices used in this period are called "functional appliances". Functional appliances are devices that change the function and position of the lower jaw and direct the force of a certain muscle group to the bone through the teeth. In children with lower jaw development deficiency, the lower jaw is forced to be positioned forward with the use of functional appliances. The effects of functional stimulation on ensuring the normal relationship of the jaws with each other have been known for about a hundred years. Bone, dental and soft tissue changes that occur as a result of the functional treatment of Class II division 1 malocclusions are provided with different types of functional appliances. Although there are different types of these types of appliances, there are many similarities between them. In general, functional appliances used to correct class II malocclusion have a force component that will change the position of the mandible. According to research, the amount of this change in the lower jaw varies depending on whether the appliance is tissue- or tooth-supported.
While making the treatment plan, the patient's growth direction is determined and it is decided which appliance or appliances he will benefit from according to the treatment plan. Later, this decision is shared with the patient and his/her parents. As a result of the meeting held by the physician and the family, the type of functional appliance to be used is determined.
Functional appliances are divided into two types: mobile and fixed. Removable functional appliances are applied intraorally and/or extraorally. Movable function l appliancescan be put on and removed by the patient. Although they generally consist of two parts that are attached to the lower and upper jaw, there are also types that consist of one piece.
Functional appliances can be either glued to the teeth or movable. Functional appliances attached to the teeth cannot be removed by the patient. The appliances and the mouth should be cleaned well, and care should be taken not to break fixed oral appliances. Otherwise, the effects planned to be achieved with the treatment will not occur.
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