For decades, it was believed that the best way to correct crooked teeth was by removing teeth and then applying braces to straighten the remaining ones. In that time, doctors have realized that this could have tremendously negative consequences to those patients later in their life. Also, it can negatively affect how their jaw develops.

Unfortunately, many parents and patients are unaware of these long term consequences.
The presumption is that traditional braces are the only option, and until recently in North America, it was.

There’s a definitive difference between traditional orthodontic treatments and the less intrusive functional appliances when correcting crooked teeth.
For example, Smiles by Hanna is a great solution on fixing triangular spaces between teeth.

To learn more about this modern alternative and solution for braces that’s been used for over 50 years in Europe, we spoke with Dr. Ameen, who’s done hundreds of these installations, and is the owner of several Orthodontic practices, including Tomken Dental. He completed a two year residency in London, Ontario under the innovative Dr. Rondeau, after obtaining a post graduate diploma in dental surgery MFDS from Glasgow, Scotland.

What happens to the patient when having traditional braces applied?

Many teenagers we see have crooked teeth…and several orthodontists wait until the permanent teeth are grown to apply braces.
To correct crooked teeth, a gap has to be created in the mouth. In order to move and align teeth, you have to have and create space.
With braces, the permanent teeth have to be removed and then the remaining teeth have to be aligned.
The teeth removed are the pre-molars, which are the teeth after the canine teeth.
It’s incredibly invasive, intrusive and has a high risk of posing future dental issues as the patient ages.

What happens to the patient when having functional appliances applied?

With functional appliances, we don’t remove teeth.
Instead, we are expanding the arches of the jaw to create the gap that the teeth need to be straightened, previously primarily done via extraction.
When we start with younger patients, the jaw is still shifting and moving and can optimize the solution.
It corrects the bone by making enough room in the jaw by expanding it rather than removing teeth and shrinking the jaw.

Does one provide better results than the other?

They both achieve the same goals of straightening crooked teeth.
However, keep in mind the path taken to get there is very different, and one poses a high risk for potential future health issues.

What’s the issue with putting braces on?

Braces, while the go-to method for decades, involves removing multiple teeth to create the space needed to straighten the other teeth. It involves the cutting of the jaw as well and the shape and size of the jaw remains the same.
Simply put, if you’re able to keep all your own teeth, you probably should.

Aside from straight teeth, what other benefits do Functional Appliances provide?

A fully expanded jaw arch with all your own teeth increased the size of the nasal airway. With this, comes improved breathing, a drastic reduction in snoring, with some patients no longer snoring at all.
With that reduced strain on the body, patients have an increased chance at a better quality of sleep.
Additionally, patients that used to grind their teeth no longer do so with the increase in jaw arch.
The tongue comes forward, opening the airway and helping with all of the aforementioned issues.
An expanded jaw also eliminates a protruded jaw by aligning and bringing it forward to match with the upper jaw.
And in many cases, the patients self-esteem increases.

How are Functional Appliances maintained after being installed?

The patient is given a special key that enables them to adjust the Functional Appliance by approximately 0.25 millimetres per week or 2 millimetres per month.
This is done from three to six months, depending on the patient’s condition.
Afterward for approximately three months, it’s done for retention and maintenance.

Is there an age limit to have Functional Appliances installed?

While the majority of patients have this done at a young age, Dr. Ameen has put in Functional Appliances in patients in their 60’s.

Can this be used for a misaligned jaw?

Absolutely.
If your upper or lower jaw is protruding and not aligned, Functional Appliances, paired with Aligners, can non-invasively correct the issue.  The jaw is expanded horizontally and brought forward by a special expansion appliance.

What misconceptions are there about using Functional Appliances?

Having to wait until your permanent teeth are grown to have any type of corrective procedure.
While that’s true with braces, it’s absolutely not the case here. Remember, there’s no removal of teeth with Functional Appliances – only adjusting the current space to accommodate what you’ve already got.

In the orthodontics world, there are dental problems and skeletal problems, which many incorrectly intertwine.

We strive to educate parents and patients through showing success stories from several years of real world experience.

To connect with Dr. Ameen and his team, please visit tomkendental.com

Dr. Ameen operates four orthodontic clinics in Ontario and is giving seminars on Functional Appliances to industry colleagues throughout 2020.