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A functional appliance is a specially designed removable brace that works on the upper and lower teeth at the same time, using your facial and jaw muscles to improve the way the teeth bite together. These braces are particularly appropriate for patients whose profile requires improvement. In certain cases they can be used to avoid the need for teeth to be extracted.
How much do I need to wear the brace?
The number of hours per day that you are expected to wear the brace will be explained to you. For treatment to work it is important that you follow these instructions. With the correct number of hours of wear you may find the improvement in the position of your teeth can be quite dramatic.
Will it be painful?
It is likely to be sore for about 3-5days each time the brace is adjusted. If necessary, painkillers such as the ones you would normally take for a headache may help (please read the instructions on the packet). If there is an obvious area of soreness as a result of the brace, phone us for an appointment as soon as is reasonably possible. If possible, do not stop wearing the brace or else you will have to go through the 3-5days of discomfort all over again when you start wearing it once more.
How else might it affect me?
Initially your speech may be altered. This is only temporary and usually returns to normal within a couple of days. Practice speaking with the brace in place e.g. read out aloud at home, as this will help get your speech back to normal.
You may find yourself swallowing more once you have had your brace fitted. Once again this is only temporary and is due to an increased amount of saliva being produced in response to having something in your mouth.
Can I eat normally?
You may not be able to eat with your functional appliance in place. You will be advised about this. If you have been told to take it out for eating, make sure it’s placed in a tough plastic box for safekeeping. A suitable box will be recommended to you. For your orthodontic treatment to work well and in the shortest possible time it is important you take care of your teeth and brace. In order to prevent damage to both, you should avoid the following:
- Avoid eating toffees, boiled sweets, chewing gum, chocolate bars etc.
- Avoid drinking fizzy drinks (including diet drinks) and excessive amounts of fruit juice.
- Avoid eating hard or sticky foods which might damage the brace such as crunchy apples.
- Avoid biting your nails and chewing pens / pencils.
What about tooth brushing?
In order to avoid causing damage to your teeth and/or gums, it is important that your brace and teeth are kept clean. It is advisable to clean your teeth after each meal. Take the brace out to clean your teeth. You should also gently brush the brace, taking care not to damage the wires. A daily fluoride mouth rinse should also be used last thing at night to further protect the teeth.
Failure to keep your teeth and brace clean will lead to permanent scarring of your teeth.
Can I remove the brace?
The brace should only be removed for cleaning, whilst playing contact sports and for swimming, unless you are otherwise advised. When it is not in your mouth it should be in its protective box. Do not play with the brace by flicking it in and out as this will weaken the brace and result in it breaking.
How often will I need appointment?
You will need regular appointments during treatment for the brace to be adjusted. On average we will need to see you every 10-12 weeks depending on what type of brace you are wearing and also at what stage of treatment you are in.
Do I still need to see my regular dentist?
It is important that you continue to see your dentist for regular checkups throughout your orthodontic treatment. Your dentist will still need to monitor the health of your mouth and teeth.
What if I play contact sports?
You should wear a gum shield instead of your functional appliance when you play contact sports. This will also be the case if you enjoy riding a bicycle, roller-skating or skateboarding. When not in your mouth the brace should be in a protective box.
What do I do if my brace breaks?
Phone us for an appointment as soon as is reasonably possible. Do not wait for your next routine appointment as the breakage may slow your treatment, or may result in damage to your teeth. If you repeatedly break your brace, treatment may be stopped. |
