Functional appliances: a systematic approach

It can be argued that all functional appliances are basically similar, using a family of common component parts. The components incorporated into a design should be chosen rationally, after consideration of the particular malocclusion to be treated. This article therefore explains functional appliances in terms of their components. It aims to give a greater understanding of the principles involved, and thus aid the practitioner in prescribing the most appropriate design for a particular clinical situation.