Some problems that orthodontists are trained to deal with involve correcting jaw disharmonies using dentofacial orthopaedics. In growing patients, functional appliances can be used to put the jaws in balance, achieve good facial muscle function and create natural facial proportions. Functional appliances are available in many forms with different names. Activators, monoblocs, bionators, and Frankels are only a few of those available. It is essential that orthodontic screening be done at an early age4 (7 or 8 years) to ensure that it is not too late to use functional appliances. These appliances can be designed to not only move teeth but also correct the alignment of the jaws which hold the teeth. The most common objective is to correct an underdeveloped lower jaw.

Functional appliances can sometimes be used alone to correct a problem but often correct treatment can only be provided by a combined approach using functional appliances as well as "Fixed" appliances. An orthodontist is properly trained to diagnose your problem correctly and recommend the right treatment.

Some points to follow, when you are wearing a functional appliance.