Functional Appliances

Functional Appliances

Functional appliances are removable devices used during active growth to guide how the upper and lower jaws develop relative to one another. By encouraging or restraining growth at the right time, these appliances can help correct bite discrepancies before more involved treatment becomes necessary. They are most often considered for younger patients who are still growing, when skeletal issues are easier to influence.

What Functional Appliances Address

• Overbite patterns — when the lower jaw sits noticeably behind the upper jaw.
• Underbite patterns — when the lower jaw grows ahead of the upper jaw.
• Narrow jaw development — limited space that may contribute to crowded arches later on.

Planning Your Treatment

Because functional appliance treatment depends on accurate growth assessment, planning typically draws on more than a visual check. Cephalometric imaging provides a side-profile skeletal view to evaluate jaw relationships, while digital panoramic X-rays map root positions and jaw structure. 3D treatment planning can help preview how the jaws and arches may shift as an appliance does its work, so the approach can be adjusted as growth progresses.

Who You'll See

Dr. Kristine M. Hyon, DMD, MS, completed orthodontic residency and earned a Master of Science in Oral Biology, and treats growing patients at the Northvale office in English, Spanish, or Korean.

This content is for general information only and isn't dental or medical advice. Talk with a qualified provider about your own situation. If you have a medical emergency, call 911.