Functional Appliance

Photo of a functional appliance

Functional appliances use the muscle action from speaking, eating, and swallowing to create forces that move teeth and align the jaws. Some functional appliances are removable, and others are bonded to the teeth. A functional appliance may fit between the upper and lower teeth or may span across the mouth between the molars, pressing the bone outward.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerKathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerWilliam F. Hohlt, DDS - Orthodontics
Last RevisedJanuary 11, 2011
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: January 11, 2011
Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
William F. Hohlt, DDS - Orthodontics

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