Functional appliances are utilized in growing patients to promote jaw growth in all dimensions. Appliances such as an expander, Herbst, or twin block may be recommended as part of your child’s treatment. When used at the proper time, it can help establish a more balanced facial profile and decrease the chance of more invasive procedures when the patient is done growing. Since functional appliances are most effective while a child is still growing, we strongly recommend your child has an orthodontic evaluation by the age of seven.
If we see your child and they are not ready yet to begin treatment or they will not need an early intervention, we place them into our Growth Guidance Program. This is a complimentary program that allows us to monitor the growth and development of your child’s teeth and jaws to begin treatment at exactly the right time. Call us to schedule your free initial orthodontic exam to see if your child could benefit from one of these appliances.