We’ve used functional braces to correct a variety of bite issues, including protruding teeth and receding jaws, for many happy patients. Our results speak for themselves!
Please contact us for more information about how functional braces could help you or your child.
Contact usThe main benefit of functional braces is their ability to correct bite and jaw issues to improve positioning and appearance.
Your functional brace is made to your individual requirements for a precise, comfortable and effective fit.
Functional braces can be removed for brushing, cleaning, and to play contact sports.
Straighter teeth and an improved bite make it easier to keep your teeth and gums healthy and clean.
Functional braces are removable appliances that work on moving the upper and lower teeth at the same time. They can correct prominent overbites and other bite or jaw problems, and are typically used for children and teenagers who are still growing.
Twin block functional appliances are fitted to both upper and lower arches of teeth. They work together to move your teeth and jaw into better positions for function and appearance, and can be used to prepare your mouth for another type of brace. Functional braces can be removed for cleaning, but often you will be advised to keep them in your mouth at all other times, including when you eat.
Contact usYour treatment begins with a consultation with one of our expert orthodontists. We examine your teeth, explain the treatment process, and take scans and images so your functional brace can be made. We also give you the chance to ask us any questions.
When your functional brace is ready, we show you how to fit it in your mouth and remove it safely. We give you some tailored advice on how long to wear your brace and when you can remove it.
During your functional brace treatment, we see you for regular appointments every 6-10 weeks. This gives us the chance to make sure everything is going to plan and make adjustments to your brace.
After around 9-12 months, your functional brace has done most of the work to move your teeth and jaws to better positions. Depending on your case, we may suggest wearing your brace at nights only for a while, or progressing to a different type of brace for your second phase of treatment.
Functional braces work by moving your jaw and upper and lower teeth together, encouraging them into better positions for teeth straightening and bite correction.
The number of hours per day that you are expected to wear the brace will be explained to you. For the treatment to work, it is important you follow these instructions. With the correct number of hours of wear, you may find the improvement in the position of your teeth to be quite dramatic.
You will likely experience some soreness and discomfort for around 3-5 days after your functional brace is fitted, and each time it is adjusted. We advise you to take over-the-counter painkillers, such as the ones you would normally take for a headache, to help. If there is an obvious area of soreness, please contact us to arrange an appointment. Try to keep wearing your brace in order to keep your treatment on track.
Your treatment time with functional braces depends on how severe your case is. Most of the work with the brace is completed in around 9-12 months, but you may then have to wear your brace at night for a while to maintain the movement achieved. You may also progress to a second phase of treatment using a different type of brace, as explained in your treatment plan.
Functional braces at Dorchester Orthodontic Clinic are available on the NHS for eligible patients under 18. For more information about NHS treatment or any of our fees, please get in touch.
During your functional brace treatment, you will have regular appointments so your brace can be adjusted and we can check everything is going to plan. These are usually every 6-10 weeks.
Although your functional brace is removable, you should only take it out of your mouth to clean both your teeth and the appliance, unless otherwise advised. When it is not in your mouth, your brace should be kept in a protective box to avoid breakage or loss. Remove your brace safely, as you are shown, as clicking it in and out with your tongue will damage the wires.
Most people will be able to eat with their functional brace in place, although you may be advised to take it out for eating. You can eat as normal, although it is best to avoid eating hard sugary snacks such as toffees, boiled sweets, sugared chewing gum and chocolate. You should also avoid drinking fizzy drinks and excessive amounts of fruit juice.
You may notice your speech is different when you first start wearing your functional brace, but this is a temporary change. Practice speaking with your brace in by reading aloud at home or talking on your own, and you should find that your speech returns to normal within a few days. You may also find yourself swallowing a lot to begin with, but this is normal and will pass quickly.
Yes, it is important to still have check-ups with your regular dentist during your orthodontic treatment. They are best placed to check your teeth and gums for signs of decay and ensure they are remaining healthy.
If your brace breaks, please call us to arrange an appointment as soon as possible. Don’t wait for your next routine appointment as the breakage may slow your treatment progress or even result in damage to your teeth. If your brace breaks through carelessness or you lose it, the NHS charge of £92 will apply to replace your appliance. Please note if you repeatedly break your brace, your treatment may be stopped.
Made and marketed with by Dental DesignLast updated in: October 2025
