Functional orthopedics of the jaws
Functional jaw orthopedics is a specialty of dentistry that was created to solve bone problems in patients during their growth phase, thus aiming at better later orthodontic treatments, as well as the prevention of corrective surgeries in adulthood.
Some devices
We have several devices, I have listed some of the most used in daily clinical practice.
Expander device
The most used
Among the orthopedic devices, the expander is the most used, it is used to gain more space for the permanent teeth.
HAAS or Hyrax
The device has a similar function to the expander, but it distracts the maxillary bone. It is highly recommended for atretic palates (arches). The difference between the HAAS and Hyrax is that the former uses an acrylic device that sits on the roof of the mouth, but both have the same purpose: to "open the roof of the mouth."
Thurow device
A device developed over 7 decades ago, THUROW is used for patients who have an anteriorly positioned maxilla. This device helps redirect development, leaving it in a better relationship with the skull.
Reverse Maxillary Traction
Device developed with the aim of holding the growth of the jaw, as well as promoting the growth of the maxilla in patients with maxillary deficiency.
Bionator
The device promotes the protrusion of the mandible as well as its rotation and expansion, most commonly used in class II patients and can also be used in class III patients.
