Functional appliances are generally only available to children up to the age of about 14 as they are most effective during active stages of growth. These are used to harness the growth of the jaws and improve way the upper and lower teeth meet. They work by positioning the lower jaw in a forward posture which stretches the muscles of the face and helps to correct protruding teeth. In some cases, these appliances encourage favorable growth and help to improve the facial profile.

These appliances are mostly removable but should be worn as near to full-time as possible. The most popular functional appliances used in our clinic are called Andresen activator. Although these braces can be quite chunky, if they are worn well, they can produce great results.