Twin Block Appliances in Southland and Queenstown
Modern, comfortable orthodontic care for all ages
Find your treatment option
Why Choose Twin Block Appliances?
Twin Block treatment focuses on guiding jaw growth and improving how the upper and lower jaws work together. At Embrace Orthodontics, we provide specialist functional orthodontic treatment in Southland and Queenstown, most commonly for growing children and teenagers.
Rather than focusing only on straightening teeth, functional treatment looks at the underlying jaw relationship, helping to support healthy facial development, bite function and long-term orthodontic outcomes.
Functional orthodontics can play an important role when jaw growth and alignment are contributing to bite or facial balance concerns. Addressing these issues at the right time can reduce the complexity of treatment later on.
Twin Block Appliances can help with:
Jaw growth discrepancies
Prominent overbite or underbite
Crossbite related to jaw position
Facial balance and profile concerns
Supporting healthy airway and oral function
Functional treatment is often recommended during growth phases, when the jaws are more responsive to guidance.
How This Treatment Works
Treatment begins with a comprehensive orthodontic assessment to understand how the jaws are growing and working together. We assess bite relationships, facial structure and growth patterns.
If Twin Block Appliances are recommended, it typically involves wearing specialised orthodontic appliances designed to guide jaw development. Treatment may be followed by braces or clear aligners to fine-tune tooth alignment once growth has progressed.
What to Expect from Your Orthodontic Journey
Your Consultation
You’ll meet with one of our specialist orthodontists to discuss growth, bite concerns and treatment goals. We’ll assess jaw development and explain whether functional treatment is recommended.
Your Personalised Plan
If functional treatment is advised, we’ll take detailed records including photos, X-rays and a 3D scan if needed. This allows us to create a treatment plan tailored to growth and development.
Treatment and Ongoing Care
Once treatment begins, we’ll monitor progress closely through regular appointments. Adjustments are made as needed to guide jaw development safely and effectively.
Retention
After treatment is complete, we’ll assess whether further orthodontic treatment is required. This may include braces or clear aligners to refine tooth alignment.
FAQs
What are Twin Block Appliances or functional orthodontic treatment?
Twin Blocks are removable appliances worn by growing children to guide jaw growth and improve the relationship between the upper and lower jaws, especially in cases of prominent top teeth and deepbite.
Who is functional orthodontic treatment suitable for?
Functional orthodontic treatment is best suited to growing children in their pubertal growth spurt (typically 11–14 years old) who have a jaw growth imbalance, such as a retrusive lower jaw.
Does functional treatment replace braces?
No. They correct jaw position during growth. Braces are usually needed later to straighten the teeth and refine the bite.
How long does functional orthodontic treatment take?
Typically 9–12 months, depending on growth, response from the appliances and how well the appliance is worn.
Is functional orthodontic treatment uncomfortable?
There may be initial pressure or muscle soreness as the jaw adjusts, but most children adapt within a week or two.
Are functional appliances removable?
Yes. They can be removed for eating and cleaning but must be worn full time (including sleep) for best results.
Will functional treatment change facial appearance?
Yes, in a positive way. By encouraging forward lower jaw growth, facial balance and profile often improve.
What happens after functional treatment ends?
Functional treatment is usually followed by full upper and lower braces to precisely align the teeth and refine how the upper and lower teeth fit together.