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Functional Appliances

Functional appliances can provide wonderful early orthodontic treatment options for young patients. The use of functional appliances may reduce, or even eliminate, the need for treatment later in their life.

Some benefits of early interceptive treatment are:

Reducing the risk of tooth crowding
Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
Preserving space for teeth that have yet to erupt
Eliminating crossbites, overbites and underbites
Managing thumb-sucking habits

Twin Block treatment

A Twin Block is one of the most commonly used functional appliances in orthodontics. It is a set of upper and lower removable plates that work together to correct jaw issues (malocclusions) such as underbites and overbites. The Twin Block is activated each time the wearer swallows, talks or bites. These actions exert a gentle pressure on the dental arches and help move the jaw and teeth into proper alignment. Below is a link to a short demonstration on how a Twin Block works.

Upper Removable Appliance (URA)

An upper removable appliance or 'URA' can be used to correct minor orthodontic issues such as crossbites, narrow arches and small movements of individual teeth. The URA is a plate that looks a bit like a traditional retainer. We can influence movements in the teeth and jaw by inserting small screws into the plate of the URA to create gentle pressure. Patients will be asked to wind the screws themselves to activate the movement of their teeth.
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The URA is designed so your child can wear it while eating, but it is recommended to take it out and clean it after each meal or snack. The URA should never be painful. There might be some slight discomfort after fitting or adjustments as your child’s mouth becomes accustomed to the appliance. While the device is removable, it is important to try to wear the URA 24 hours a day to ensure the proper results are achieved.

Carriere® 3D Motion Appliance

A Carriere® 3D Motion Appliance is a smooth, sleek, metal appliance that attaches to the upper canine tooth and permanent first molar on each side of the mouth. We will install an anchor to a tooth on both sides of the lower jaw, and link the Carriere® Appliance to the lower teeth using a rubber band.

We can use the Carriere® Motion Appliance to address misalignments in the back teeth. It can help prepare our patients for successful clear aligner or customised braces treatment. This 3D Motion Appliance will sit discreetly at the back of your mouth and should not impede speech. Best yet, wearing a Carriere® 3D Motion Appliance can reduce the amount of time you need to spend in braces or Invisalign® treatment.

Ready to get started?

Let’s get your early treatment underway to set you on the fast track to a straighter smile. If you are already using a functional appliance and have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our clinic so we can schedule you in for an appointment.

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Toowoomba Orthodontists

301 Margaret Street
Toowoomba
QLD 4350

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Orthodontic Specialists in Warwick

Unit 4 Victoria Chambers
107a Fitzroy St
Warwick
QLD 4370

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Orthodontic Specialists in Gatton

123 Spencer Street
Gatton
QLD 4343

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