Functional Braces

What are Functional Braces used for?

Functional braces are used for growing children to correct prominent or “goofy” teeth. By repositioning the jaw to a more forwards position the functional brace encourages jaw growth and an improvement in tooth position.

What types of Functional Braces are there?

There are many different types of functional braces, here at Wetherby Orthodontics we usually use Twinblocks. These are a specially designed two-part removable brace that works on the upper and lower teeth at the same time.

Can Functional Braces be removed?

As functional braces are a type of removable brace they can be removed from the mouth, however, the braces need to be worn full-time to gain the best results.

Functional braces in orthodontic treatment are usually followed by fixed braces to fully correct the teeth.

More information about Functional Braces

For more information on functional braces and for instructions on how best to care for your functional brace please visit our ‘Twinblock Functional Brace’ page in our Care for your brace section or download the Functional Appliances pdf from our downloads page.

Wetherby Orthodontics

Wetherby Orthodontics is located in Wetherby, North Yorkshire, conveniently serving Wetherby and the surrounding areas including Harrogate, York and Leeds. Orthodontics is a specialist branch of dentistry that covers the growth and development of the jaws and teeth, as well as correction of any problems, predominantly teeth straightening. Orthodontic treatment usually involves using various types of braces to correct tooth position to straighten teeth or modify jaw growth. We can show you various types of braces including fixed braces, functional braces and removable braces. We also cater for patients looking for clear and invisible braces such as lingual braces and Invisalign aligners. We will advise you step by step on all you need to know about getting braces and offer advice for the best braces for adults as well as the most suitable orthodontic treatment for children.

Getting Braces

Getting braces is a big decision and it’s important that you understand what is involved and are comfortable with the orthodontic treatment you are prescribed. We will listen to and try to cater for your individual needs. If you are concerned about your appearance, apprehensive about discomfort or worried about costs, do mention during your consultation, as these can be taken into account and together we can plan the best treatment to suit your orthodontic and lifestyle needs.

Orthodontic Treatments

General dental work may be required before any orthodontic treatment to ensure you are dentally fit. For younger patients we often (but not always) advise waiting until the adult teeth are through before carrying out orthodontic treatment. We are more than happy carry out initial examinations when patients still have a mixture of adult and baby teeth, as sometimes this can help to plan for future orthodontic treatment.