Functional Orthodontics in Lugano: When the Appliance Guides Bone Growth

Orthodontics is not just about the aesthetic alignment of teeth. In many cases, the root of the problem is deeper and concerns the development of the maxillary and mandibular bones. Functional orthodontics was created precisely with this objective: to guide the growth of the facial bones and improve muscular balance, intervening at the root of malocclusions. In Lugano, this method represents a modern and effective solution, especially for children and adolescents, when growth potential is still active.

What is functional orthodontics

Functional orthodontics is a specialized branch that uses removable or semi-fixed appliances to:

• guide the growth of the maxillary and mandibular bones,
• harmonize muscle function,
• promote correct occlusion,
• prevent more serious problems in adulthood.

These appliances do not just move teeth: they act on the entire stomatognathic system (bones, muscles, joints), ensuring a global balance of the face.

When functional orthodontics is indicated

Functional orthodontics is recommended in the presence of:

• skeletal malocclusions (maxilla or mandible too advanced or set back),
• open or deep bite,
• narrow palate,
• harmful habits (pacifier, thumb sucking, oral breathing),
• developing facial asymmetries,
• difficulty chewing or speaking (phonation).

This therapy is particularly effective during growth, as it utilizes the plasticity of the bones in childhood and adolescence.

Functional appliances: how they work

Functional appliances are custom-designed and are worn for several hours a day or during the night. Examples of devices:

• Removable appliances with acrylic plates and springs that stimulate mandibular or maxillary growth.
• Palatal expanders to widen the palate and improve breathing.
• Orthopedic devices that correct altered relationships between the maxilla and mandible.

Their goal is to stimulate or restrain bone growth, directing it toward a correct position.

The advantages of functional orthodontics

Functional treatment offers benefits that go beyond aesthetics:

• Early correction of skeletal malocclusions.
• Prevention of invasive treatments in adolescence or adulthood.
• Improvement in breathing (reduction of oral breathing, childhood apnea).
• Support for phonation: corrects alterations related to dental position.
• Muscular balance: involves the tongue, lips, and chewing muscles.
• Facial harmony: proportional and symmetrical growth.

Functional orthodontics in Lugano: a multidisciplinary approach

In the clinical context of Lugano, functional orthodontics is often integrated with other specialties:

• hygiene and prevention, to support teeth health during growth,
• speech therapy, to improve pronunciation and tongue function,
• gnathology, to prevent future joint disorders,
• fixed or invisible orthodontics, in subsequent phases to refine alignment.

The goal is to offer a complete and personalized path, accompanying the child into adulthood.

Prevention and timing of intervention

Early diagnosis is fundamental. An orthodontic visit as early as 6-7 years old allows for intercepting the first signs of malocclusion and establishing if and when to start functional orthodontics. Intervening promptly means making the most of the growth phase:

• in childhood, significant skeletal defects can be corrected,
• in adolescence, the results are consolidated,
• in adulthood, the only remaining options are often surgery or complex appliances.

The importance of patient collaboration

Functional appliances require consistency and commitment: success also depends on the collaboration of the child or adolescent. Practical advice:

• wear the device for the established time,
• attend periodic check-ups,
• maintain good oral hygiene,
• involve the family to motivate the young patient.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the functional appliance painful? 👉 No, there may just be a brief adaptation period.
• How long does the treatment last? 👉 On average from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the case and the patient’s age.
• Is a fixed appliance still needed afterward? 👉 Often yes, but it will be shorter and simpler, because the skeletal base has already been corrected.

Functional orthodontics represents a fundamental solution for intervening early on skeletal malocclusions, leveraging the growth potential of children and adolescents. In Lugano, more and more families are choosing this approach to ensure their children have a healthy smile, natural facial harmony, and a future without invasive therapies.