Dentofacial Orthopaedics and functional appliance therapy

What is myofunctional orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics?

Dentofacial Orthopaedics is a segment of the orthodontic speciality concerned with the growth and development of the face and jaws. Myofunctional therapy is a treatment that modifies the musculature surrounding the jaws and teeth to correct orthodontic problems.

What is a functional appliance?

A functional appliance is a brace designed to alter and modify the jaws’ growth and the teeth’ position. There are many types of functional devices; the most common one that is used in Ireland and the UK is the Twin-Block appliance https://www.twinblocks.com

How does the twin-block appliance work?

The Twin Block works by positioning the lower jaw forward and pulling the upper teeth back to reduce severe dental protrusion that cannot be reduced with braces alone. Other functional appliance types correct underbites in young children by bringing the lower jaw back and the upper jaw forward.

Who can prescribe a functional appliance?

Ideally, you should see a specialist orthodontist if you think that you or your child require functional appliance therapy. This is a complex area in orthodontics that is beyond the knowledge and expertise of general dentists. I am particularly interested in this orthodontics field. I published two papers on Twin-Blocks and Class II malocclusions in the European Journal of Orthodontics and the Dental Update Journal.

https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/abs/10.12968/denu.2021.48.7.579

https://academic.oup.com/ejo/article/40/5/512/4781654

What is the success rate with the Twin-Block appliance?

With the Twin-Block appliance, the reported success rate is around 80-85%. The failure is mainly due to poor wearing compliance or the lack of innate favourable growth. If the treatment is unsuccessful, alternative options may involve using fixed functional appliances such as the Herbst appliance, dental extractions, temporary anchorage devices (TADs) or jaw surgery.