Understanding Functional Appliances For Improved Function

Dr. Brock Rondeau of Rondeau Seminars is dedicated to helping dentists from all over

the world better their practices through online courses and continuing education seminars. As many patients suffer from various types of malocclusion, Dr. Rondeau offers valuable information on various functional appliances that are available to help reposition a patient's mouth to offer improved functionality through speaking and eating. The available functional appliances include: Twin Block, Hyrax, Sagittal, MARA, Tandem, Rick-A-Nator and Schwarz, among others. By contacting Rondeau Seminars, dentists can expand their experience and knowledge of important orthodontic treatments for an improved mouth.

Hyrax

A maxillary-banded hyrax appliance is one of the most popular fixed arch expansion appliances for mixed and permanent dentition. Since this appliance is fixed, cooperation is guaranteed. This appliance consists of a midline hyrax screw, first molar bands, and mesial rests on the first primary molars or first bicuspids. These mesial rests must be secured with flowable composite for added retention. Twice a week, the hyrax is slowly adjusted to expand the mouth. After the desired amount of expansion is completed, the appliance will be left in the mouth for an additional six months to secure the position and to avoid relapse.

The next type of hyrax appliance is the maxillary-banded hyrax with crib. This appliance is the most popular fixed appliance that is mainly used in mixed dentition to help develop the upper arch to normal width as well as to use a fixed crib to stop thumb sucking or thumb habit. The use of a fixed appliance is successful in correcting habits at night, when the patient is asleep. Just like the maxillary-banded hyrax, the hyrax with crib is adjusted slowly twice a week. The crib will be left in the mouth for approximately five months in order to correct the tongue or thumb habit. After the five months have been completed, the crib will be removed, but the appliance will be left in for about six months after the last adjustment of the hyrax screw to prevent relapse.

The Sagittal Appliance

The anterior sagittal appliance is an upper removable orthodontic appliance that is used in the mixed or permanent dentition to correct anterior crossbites. The bite may be opened either with occlusal pads on the appliance or with composite buildups on the lower posterior teeth. The primary function of the anterior sagittal is to move the upper incisors forward to correct the anterior crossbite. Similar to other appliances, the anterior sagittal is adjusted twice a week to avoid discomfort for the patient. Early orthodontic treatment can correct early Class III malocclusions and prevent more serious and more costly procedures later on. Children should be treated early in order to avoid orthognathic surgery when they are teenagers.

Additionally, the posterior sagittal appliance is similar to the anterior sagittal appliance. However the posterior sagittal is used on the upper or lower arches primarily to distalize the molars. This is an ideal appliance for when there is an arch length discrepancy and the first molar has drifted mesially and possible blocked out a bicuspid or cuspid. Adjusted twice a week, the posterior sagittal appliance can make space for the cuspids and bicuspids, preventing the need for the extraction of permanent teeth.

Twin Block Functional Appliance

The Twin Block functional appliance consists of two bite blocks, upper and lower, which interlock at 70 degrees. This appliance was designed so the mandible can be held in a protrusive position, and is ideal in cases with large overjets when the mandible is recessive. The Twin Block appliance is comfortable to wear, as a patient rarely has problems with speaking or eating while wearing it. It can also be used in combination with vertical elastics to correct deep overbites.

Contact Dr. Rondeau of Rondeau Seminars-The leader in dental continuing education-for more information on functional appliances and available courses to expand your dental expertise.

by: Gen Wright

POST COMMENT

Kitchen Advice How To Choose The Right Appliances To Suit Your Needs The Benefits Of Owning A Dishwasher Store The Number Of Your 0800 Appliance Repairs Company So T Conscientiously Choosing An Appliance Repair Northridge Professional What To Expect From Sub-zero Appliances Buy Superior Lpg Hosepipes For Your Gas-based Appliances Choose The Appliance Parts Suitable For Your Appliance Get Your Appliance Repair In Los Angeles Secured Mail Management With Email Archiving Appliance Mail Archive Appliance A Closer View Catering Appliances Make Your Restaurant More Profitable Where Can One Turn To When Needing Appliance Rentals, Furniture Rentals.? Save Money On Your Kitchen Appliances Save Money When Youre Shopping For Kitchen Appliances