These are appliances meant to influence the development of the jaws. Restraint or stimulation of growth can be achieved if needed, but only in certain quantitative and qualitative aspect. Some of these appliances are a little bulky. Some are less bulky and more delicate, but in the other hand they can be prone to deformations, or damages. That’s why every case must be considered individually.

The use of functional appliances is limited in the growing period, or otherwise known as “the golden age”. They can be fixed, removable or combined appliances. Certain types can be used in combination with fixed appliances.