The Integration of Functional and Fixed Appliance Treatment

Abstract

This article describes a functional appliance system to correct Class II problems, which is clipped on to bands, cemented to the teeth. This appliance has several advantages, as the patient cannot remove it. It acts on the teeth and jaws for 24 hours each day, patient co-operation is not a problem, and as a result the treatment time is short. Any fixed appliance system can be added while the functional phase is being completed so allowing full integration of the two treatment systems.

Keywords:

• Class II Treatment
• Clip-on Fixed Functional Appliance
• Functional Appliance
• Twin Blocks

Acknowledgments

The author would like to thank Mr R. Cappelli, Senior Dental Technician at the University Dental Hospital of Manchester, for his help in designing and making the appliance, and Mr C. Atack for the photographic work.