Functional Orthodontics (children)
From 5 to 10 years old.
Examples of functional orthodontic treatments adapted to children. Use of cemented overlays to establish a harmonious occlusion and normalise the function of the tongue, lips, and cheeks, while guiding and correcting the growth of the upper and lower jaws.
Case 1 (Boy)
Diagnosis
7 years old child with a deep bite, asymmetry, dental and skeletal Class II (retruded mandible), convex profile.
Before
Immediately after the overlays placement
Preliminary results: profile and posture enhancement, original Class II occlusion changed to a Class I with advanced mandible, opening of airways, and more space created for the tongue.
Follow Up
Several months later, the milk teeth covered with overlays keep the therapeutic position, allowing the permanent teeth to erupt physiologically in healthy conditions and Class I relation. The mandible is thus stabilised skeletally in a Class I position, favoring a physiological growth of the joints without compression.
Before and after comparison: Improved jaw line and profile, relaxed smile, muscle tension disappearance, finer posture.
Case 2 (Girl)
5 years old child with a deep bite, dental and skeletal Class II (retruded mandible). Mouth breathing.
Before
Right after the overlays cementation
Before and after comparison: more relaxed smile, less muscle tension after “unblocking” the deep bite and “releasing” the lower jaw forward. Profile changes, better lip competence.