Functional Jaw Orthopedics
Prevention and treatment of jaw dysfunctions
Functional Jaw Orthopedics (FJO) is the speciality of Dentistry that deals with dysfunctions and disharmonies of the bones, muscles and functioning of the jaws alignment of the teeth.
OMF is an indispensable therapeutic option for promoting oral health, acting to prevent, intercept and treat disorders in the form and function of the masticatory system in children, adolescents and adults, taking advantage of the natural forces of growth and development, tooth eruption, jaw movements and others.
Unlike traditional orthodontics, the Functional Jaw Orthopaedics approach can involve the use of removable orthopaedic appliances that naturally and progressively stimulate bone growth and the correct position of the teeth, cancelling out undesirable functional interference during the growth and development of the masticatory system. These devices thus act directly on the neuromuscular system, creating new postural reflexes and functional, healthy jaw dynamics.
It is these functional stimuli that will determine the ideal form and function and the harmonious development of all orofacial structures. Offering a comprehensive approach, Functional Jaw Orthopaedics not only improves the aesthetics of the smile, but also promotes the general health of patients, preventing a range of problems related to sleep, masticatory, respiratory and postural function.
Benefits of Functional Jaw Orthopaedics for Oral Health
Improves chewing and digestive function
By correcting disharmonies in the bite, Functional Jaw Orthopaedics enables a significant improvement in masticatory function. When teeth and jaws are properly aligned, chewing becomes more efficient, with direct consequences for digestion. Proper chewing is essential for the health of the digestive system, preventing gastrointestinal problems and promoting the correct absorption of nutrients.
Prevention of Respiratory and Postural Problems
Functional Jaw Orthopaedics treatments can help correct respiratory problems such as mouth breathing. In addition to altering the physiognomy of the face, mouth breathing can lead to sleep problems such as obstructive sleep apnoea and negatively affect the body's oxygenation. In addition, an incorrect bite can influence posture, causing muscle tension and pain in the back, neck, head and shoulders. By correcting the position of the jaws, OFM contributes to healthier breathing and a balanced body posture.
Improved phonetic function
The correct position of the jaws and teeth directly influences phonetic function. Functional Jaw Orthopaedics can correct dysfunctions that affect the articulation of sounds, improving the clarity and quality of speech.
Harmonious Facial Development
Functional Jaw Orthopaedics helps with the symmetrical and harmonious development of facial structures, contributing to a more balanced facial aesthetic.
Benefits for Oral Health and General Well-Being
Functional Jaw Orthopaedics also has a positive impact on oral health. By promoting the correct alignment of teeth and jaws, the risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease is reduced, since well-aligned teeth are easier to clean. In addition, correcting maxillofacial disharmonies can improve patients' self-esteem and confidence, contributing to their emotional and social well-being.
Pathology Treatment
Crossbite
Crossbite occurs when the upper teeth do not align correctly with the lower teeth, resulting in a lateral or anterior-posterior misalignment. Functional Jaw Orthopaedics works to correct this misalignment, promoting better occlusion and preventing future problems of tooth wear and temporomandibular dysfunction.
Prognathism
This condition, commonly known as a ‘prominent chin’, occurs when the lower jaw protrudes beyond the upper jaw, creating a misaligned bite. Functional Jaw Orthopaedics can help redirect jaw growth in children and adolescents, correcting the relationship between the jaws and improving facial aesthetics.
Retrognathism
Mandibular retrognathism is the opposite of prognathism, where the lower jaw is retracted in relation to the maxilla. This condition can affect facial appearance and chewing function. Using functional appliances, Functional Jaw Orthopaedics can stimulate the growth of the lower jaw, promoting better facial harmony and proper occlusion.
Open Bite
Open bite is characterised by a lack of contact between the front teeth when the jaws are closed. This condition can be caused by habits such as thumb sucking or prolonged dummy use. Functional Jaw Orthopaedics can correct open bite using appliances that reposition the teeth and jaws, eliminating the need for more invasive interventions in the future.
Deep Bite
Overbite occurs when the upper teeth cover the lower teeth excessively. This problem can cause tooth wear and dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint. Functional Jaw Orthopaedics can be used to reduce overbite, promoting a more balanced alignment of the teeth and jaws.
Severe crowding
Severe crowding is characterised by the positioning of teeth in an overlapping manner or at unnatural angles due to a lack of space in the dental arch. By stimulating the correct growth of the jaws, OFM can help create enough space for the teeth, reducing or eliminating crowding.
Mouth breathing
Chronic mouth breathing can lead to a range of health problems, including sleep apnoea, postural problems and facial muscle imbalances. Functional Jaw Orthopaedics can help correct mouth breathing habits, promoting proper nasal breathing and improving general health.
Facial asymmetry
Problems with uneven jaw growth can lead to facial asymmetries, affecting not only appearance but also all oral functions. Functional Jaw Orthopaedics can correct these asymmetries through treatments that promote balanced growth of the facial bones.
Clinical Cases
Bilateral Crossbite
Open Bite
Anterior Crossbite
Unilateral Crossbite
Deep Bite
Prognathism
Retrognathism
Severe Crowding
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FAQ's
1. Who is Functional Jaw Orthopaedics for?
OFM is indicated for children, adolescents and even adults who have malocclusion and bite disharmonies, maxillofacial growth problems or temporomandibular joint dysfunctions.
2. What is the difference between Functional Jaw Orthopaedics and Orthodontics?
While traditional orthodontics focuses on correcting tooth alignment, usually using fixed braces, Functional Jaw Orthopaedics works on the growth and development of the jaws using removable braces, which encourage the body to correct itself naturally.
3. What signs should parents look out for?
There are certain signs of functional imbalances that can be detected early on. Seek professional advice if you notice that your child has warning signs such as: an indication of a bad bite; facial asymmetries; difficulty chewing harder foods or chewing with only one side of the mouth; deviations in the opening of the mouth; speech delays and difficulty pronouncing certain sounds; mouth breathing and apnoea or teeth grinding during sleep; complaints of neck or shoulder pain; changes in posture, such as bent shoulders or a forward head.
4. Are functional orthopaedic appliances uncomfortable?
Functional appliances are designed to be comfortable and adapt to the patient's day-to-day life. Initially, there may be some discomfort, but most patients adapt quickly.
5. How long does the treatment last?
The duration of treatment varies from patient to patient, depending on the complexity of the case and the individual response to treatment. A detailed assessment will allow us to estimate the most appropriate duration for each case.
6.What care is needed during treatment?
It is essential to follow the dentist's recommendations and use the appliances as indicated, maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular check-ups and follow-up appointments are also important for the success of the treatment.
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