Functional Appliances in West Hills

Functional appliances in West Hills are orthodontic devices that use a growing child's own jaw development to correct the bite. Rather than only moving teeth, they gently reposition or guide the jaws, which is especially useful for bite problems that come from the way the jaws are growing.

Common functional appliances

• Herbst appliance: encourages the lower jaw to grow forward, often used for a significant overbite.
• Twin block: a removable two-piece appliance that repositions the jaw to improve the bite.
• Other growth guides chosen to fit your child's specific needs.

Why timing is everything

Functional appliances work by harnessing growth, so they are most effective during the pre-teen and early teen years. Used at the right stage, they can reduce or even avoid the need for more involved treatment later, including in some cases jaw surgery.

What to expect

Your child wears the appliance as directed while we monitor progress. It is often one part of a larger plan that may also include braces or two-phase treatment to finish aligning the smile.

Learn about early treatment for kids, or call to have your child's bite evaluated.