Correct Bite Problem and Stick Out Teeth with Functional Braces

functional braces

Functional braces, also called twin block braces are a special kind of brace worn for the teeth that stick out and bite correction. These braces are usually used for the ones who are still growing as they encourage jaw to grow into their desired bite position.

Benefits of functional braces

Functional braces are made of two removable plastic pieces which fit easily to the top and the bottom sets of your teeth for straightening and correcting bite. Here are some benefits of choosing such braces:

  • Correct extreme bite issues – If you have gapped, crooked or teeth that stick out, overbite or receding jaws, then functional braces can help in correcting them. These can be of great benefit for young patients as they encourage jaw to develop towards the bite position. 
  • Easy to remove – You can brush teeth without thinking about cause damage to the braces and struggling to reach difficult areas.
  • Wearing functional appliance brace: means you can functional properly while straighten your teeth. But you need to clean your braces when you remove them. Make sure you do not damage braces while cleaning them. You can take braces out at the time of eating to prevent any chances of damaging them when enjoying hard and chewy foods. The last thing is to fix an emergency dentist appointment and the thought that your teeth will shift to their desired position. 
  • Improve dental health – Obviously, you do not want red or swollen gums which happens due to widely spaced or overcrowded teeth. When this takes place, the food might get lodged in between and behind the teeth, leading to the formation of plaque and decay. You will then have to clean mouth from the dentist. When your teeth straighten by wearing functional braces, your ability to brush all mouth areas will improve. 

How long you need to wear functional braces

Functional braces comprise of two plastic removable braces and they are worn on the lower and upper teeth simultaneously. They enable you to function properly when you are wearing them. This is one of the most effective treatments for the correction of receding gums or excess overjet. You can remove the braces at the time of cleaning and then wear them again. You need to wear this functional appliance for the specified number of hours, as suggested by the orthodontist and ensure you follow functional orthodontic treatment plan properly. 

How often you need to wear functional appliance

The functional appliance has a crucial role in aligning and shaping your bite, dental arch and jaw. So, you need to wear this appliance daily and take necessary steps to keep it clean and functional. Unless the orthodontist suggests, you need to take out the appliance only while:

  • Eating
  • Swimming
  • Playing contact sports

You can even remove functional appliances orthodontics if the activity in which you are taking part might cause injury to yourself or your appliance.

Eating with a functional appliance

Based on the treatment to perform, you will have to keep functional appliance inserted while eating. Talk to your dentist and know about the exact details of your treatment plan along with functional braces cost to fit within your affordability.

Sensitivity problem

Your functional appliance uses pressure to shift and reshape bones and teeth. There might be minimal discomfort but when our body adjusts with this treatment, the discomfort will go away. Orthodontic wax might be applied over wired portions to lessen the discomfort on your cheeks. If the appliance causes extreme pain, contact your dentist immediately. Make sure you do not change, adjust, or remove anything on your own.

Clean your appliance

It is important to maintain good oral hygiene while undergoing the treatment with functional appliance. Even after installing the appliance, there can be more space for the bacteria and germs to accumulate. So, brush teeth and clean the appliance after you take each meal. Use toothpastes which are made for the sensitive teeth and use anti-bacterial soap for cleaning the appliance. Try to soak appliance in a denture or orthodontic appliance cleaning solution to get rid of odors, buildup, or bacteria. 

Foods to avoid

Unlike the block braces, certain foods might cause damage to the functional appliance and postpone your treatment process. Some foods to avoid include: 

  • Acidic foods: Lemon, tomato, grapefruit, etc.
  • Chocolate dissolves quickly which make it an acceptable treat for moments when you have an unrelenting craving for something sweet.
  • Chewy and sticky foods: pretzels, gum, bagels, taffy, licorice, etc.
  • Hard foods such as hard breads, carrots, corn, apple, ice, etc.
  • Sugary food items: candies, cookies, cakes, etc.

Thus, functional orthodontic appliances can be a popular way of decreasing the prominence of the top teeth in growing adolescents. These powerful braces are worn by the people who have stick out teeth and their changes might be dramatic when the treatment can be performed at the right time 1A Orthodontics, London.