Fort Myers Orthodontic Functional Appliances
Encouraging proper jaw development for your child
Guiding your child’s dental development with functional appliances
Functional appliances can be used in conjunction with braces to encourage the full growth potential of the lower jaw. They can also be used to correct a bite.
At smiLee Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we understand the importance of early intervention for optimal dental development. Orthodontic functional appliances play a key role in guiding the growth of your child’s jaw and improving their bite alignment. Our team offers customized consultations to determine if functional appliances are the best treatment option for your child’s orthodontic needs.
Functional appliances at smiLee Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
When your child comes in for their appointment, we will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine if functional appliances are the right choice. Our process begins with a detailed consultation, which includes gathering records such as photos, x-rays, and digital scans of your child’s teeth and jaw.
Dr. Jenny, our board-certified orthodontist, will oversee every step of the treatment, ensuring precision and a personalized approach.
How functional appliances work
- Correcting Jaw Alignment: Functional appliances guide the lower jaw into a better position, improving the bite and overall jaw alignment.
- Customized for Comfort: Each appliance is custom-fitted to your child’s mouth to ensure maximum comfort and effectiveness.
- Supports Growth: Functional appliances help support the natural growth process, addressing bite issues early on and reducing the need for more complex treatments later.
- Used with Braces: Often, functional appliances work alongside braces to ensure proper alignment and function as your child’s teeth and jaw develop.
Benefits of functional appliances for kids
- Encourages Healthy Development: By guiding the jaw during growth, functional appliances help your child’s mouth develop properly, reducing future orthodontic concerns.
- Improves Bite Alignment: Functional appliances address bite issues such as overbite, underbite, or crossbite, ensuring a more balanced and functional bite.
- Tailored to Your Child: Every appliance is uniquely designed to meet the specific needs of your child’s jaw and dental structure.
- Pediatric-Friendly Environment: We make sure every visit is comfortable for your child, with a caring team and a welcoming atmosphere.
Functional Appliances FAQs
When is the best time for my child to start using functional appliances?
Functional appliances are most effective when used during a child’s growth phase, usually between the ages of 8 and 14. Our team will assess your child’s development to determine the ideal timing for treatment.
How long will my child need to wear a functional appliance?
The duration of treatment depends on your child’s specific needs, but orthodontic functional appliances are typically worn for several months to a year. We will discuss the timeline in detail during your consultation.
Will wearing a functional appliance be uncomfortable for my child?
Your child may feel some mild pressure as their jaw adjusts, but functional appliances are designed to be as comfortable as possible. Our team will provide tips for managing any initial discomfort and ensure your child feels supported throughout the process.
What should I expect after my child starts using a functional appliance?
It may take a few days for your child to adjust to wearing the appliance. We will provide clear instructions for care and maintenance, and regular follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments.
Schedule Your Child’s Visit with smiLee
We are currently accepting new patients and very excited to work with you and your child.
Contact Us
Questions about our care or want to schedule an appointment? Call (239) 329-6006 or fill out the form below!
Our Fort Myers Pediatric & Orthodontic Office
Hours:
Monday: 8:00am-5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am-5:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am-5:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am-5:00pm
Friday: 8:00am-5:00pm*
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
*We answer phone calls on Fridays from 8:00am-5:00pm and are open for appointments on some Fridays. Contact us for full Friday availability!
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