Title: The importance of functional appliance therapy

Biography:

Golmoradizadeh Ali is a faculty member from The University of Hormozgan in Iran and committee member of various international research and dental organizations. He finished his degree in Dental Medicine from Centro Escolar University, Manila in 2013 and finished three years of orthodontic residency from the University of the Philippines, Manila. He also plays an active role as an editor in the Journal of Evaluation of Medical and Dental Sciences. Dr. Ali has presented and participated in various seminars globally as an invited guest speaker and continues to do so till this day.

Abstract

Functional appliance therapy is one of the most important fragments in orthodontics. It is essential for the treatment of patients with skeletal or dental malocclusions.  A number of functional appliances have been developed, since the time of the “activator” developed by Andresen which offer definite advantages in growth modification to correct skeletal malocclusions. However Removable functional appliances have several disadvantages, as a result, fixed functional appliances are replacing removable functional appliances, which can be attached/adapted to the fixed orthodontic appliances thus reducing treatment duration at the same time achieving orthopedic changes, followed by orthodontic changes. In this review study, we would introduce appraise the different types of the functional appliances, and continue with different categories such as fixed or removable and the best time for starting of each appliance as well as the clinical approach and home care. Sufficient knowledge of functional appliances with dental professionals can aid in saving patients from more intrusive and cumbersome corrective treatment modalities in the future. Knowledge in this specific matter from the beginning may be the only preventive measure to alleviate dental malocclusions from an early age and ultimately save patients from lessened self-confidence.  In conclusion, sufficient and appropriate knowledge of functional appliance therapy is necessary for dental practitioners who are exposed to young patients in order prevent any future problems in functional aesthetics, skeletal formation, and stable occlusion.