[Functional appliances. Possibility of correction of a class II malocclusion]

In this article the most common types of functional appliances are briefly presented. This overview might enhance the understanding of functional therapy by the general practitioner. Timing of treatment with functional appliances should be individualized by the occurrence of pubertal growth spurt. The overall clinical effect must be regarded as a combination of skeletal and dento-alveolar changes. Some clinical tips are demonstrated for appropriate application. Indications and contra-indications are generally examined. It definitely can be concluded that functional appliances constitute specific method of therapy among orthodontic corrective procedures for class II malocclusions.