What are functional appliances?
Functional appliances are braces that are designed to efficiently correct abnormal bites. From the Twin Block appliance to palate expanders, they range in various forms designed to improve the alignment of your jaws.
Functional appliance FAQs
At Aberdeen Orthodontics, our team has the expertise to work with a variety of leading-edge appliances and technology to ensure a highly effective treatment for our patients. Functional appliances are one of the many treatment options we have mastered throughout our practice.
Here are the answers to commonly asked questions about functional appliances to help guide you in your treatment journey.
Do functional appliances hurt?
You may experience slight discomfort at the start of treatment and this is normal. It might take a few days for you to adjust to wearing your appliance. If you feel too much discomfort, you may take over-the-counter pain relievers until it subsides in a few days.
Can I eat normally while wearing functional appliances?
Functional appliances come in both removable and fixed variations. Whichever you are wearing, it is important to be careful with the food that you eat to ensure proper care for your teeth and not to delay treatment progress.
Here are some foods we recommend avoiding to take extra care of your teeth:
- Bubble gum and chewing gum (you may have sugar-free chewing gum)
- Diet drinks and fruit juice (we want to avoid acidic content)
- Chewy sweets such as toffee, boiled sweets or any sweets that are sticky and hard to chew
- Hard foods must be eaten with care and cut into smaller pieces such as meat, crusty bread, apples, etc.
How can I properly care for my teeth during treatment?
Here are some best practises to take proper care for both your teeth and functional appliances:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Gently brush your appliance as with fluoride toothpaste. (Be careful not to bend the wires.)
- Use fluoride mouthwash after brushing your teeth at night. For your appliance (if it is removable) you may clean them with effervescent cleansing tablets.
- Always make sure your appliance is clean to avoid permanent staining of your teeth.
Do you have more questions on functional appliances?
We’re happy to help you with any questions on functional appliances and proper orthodontic care during treatment. Feel free to contact our team today at Aberdeen Orthodontics.
