Effects of Functional Appliances in the Correction of Class II Malocclusions

Karina Santana CRUZ, José Fernando Castanha HENRIQUES, Eduardo Alvares DAINESI, Guilherme P. R. JANSON

Five different types of functional appliances used for correction of Class II malocclusions were reviewed. The Activator, the Bionator, Frankels function corrector, the Herbst and the Eruption Guidance Appliances were described and their mechanism of action and effects on the craniofacial complex were emphasized, as well as their indications, contra-indications, advantages and disadvantages. Generally, it was found that the orthopedic functional appliances should be used by patients during the active growth period to correct the anteroposterior, vertical and transverse discrepancies by restriction and redirection of the growth of the apical bases. It was also concluded that the appliances produce different effects as follows: the Activator and Bionator present the same mechanism of action, causing similar dentoskeletal effects; the Frankel appliance produces a greater increase in the transverse plane whereas the Herbst appliance has a greater effect in the anteroposterior correction, producing a larger increase in mandibular growth than the other appliances; finally, the Eruption Guidance Appliances are more effective in the final tooth positioning because of the intercuspations in the elastomeric material of the appliances. Therefore it was concluded that the functional appliances produce an improvement in the facial profile, generally reducing the need for extractions. Consequently, there is a reduction in the treatment time with fixed appliances that can also be eliminated very frequently when the Eruption Guidance Appliances are used.

Keywords: Angle Class II malocclusion. Combined Treatment. Functional orthopedic Appliances.

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