During childhood and adolescence, jaw growth continues alongside the development of the teeth. During this period, the development of the upper and lower jaws, tooth eruption and bite relationships can be evaluated together, allowing certain orthodontic problems to be monitored at an early stage or treated at an appropriate time.
Functional orthodontic and jaw development treatments are based on the combined assessment of jaw relationships, dental occlusion and the existing orthodontic problem in suitable patients who are still growing and developing. The approach used may vary according to the child’s age, stage of development and the characteristics of the problem.
For children and adolescents in Bursa who require orthodontic assessment due to jaw development or bite problems, Dr. Dt. Ebru Çetinkaya Tokmak evaluates growth and development during the clinical examination and plans the need for monitoring or treatment on an individual basis.
What Is Functional Orthodontic Treatment?
Functional orthodontic treatment includes orthodontic approaches used particularly in suitable growing patients to evaluate and manage the relationship between the jaws and the bite.
Functional appliances may be used in certain jaw and bite problems to support the treatment process by creating a position that influences the relationship between the upper and lower jaws. The effects and indications of these appliances vary according to the individual’s stage of growth and the existing orthodontic problem.
The aim of functional treatment is not to alter jaw growth in the same way in every child. The individual’s dental and skeletal development should be evaluated together in order to determine whether treatment is required and to identify the appropriate timing.
What Are Jaw Development Problems?
The development of the upper and lower jaws does not progress in the same way in every individual. In some children, differences in the position or size of the jaws may affect the way the teeth meet.
Conditions that may require orthodontic assessment include:
- The lower jaw appearing retruded
- The lower jaw being positioned noticeably forward
- A narrow upper jaw
- Upper front teeth that are noticeably prominent
- Crossbite
- Open bite
- A noticeable discrepancy in the bite relationship between the jaws
- Suspected asymmetry in jaw development
The presence of these findings does not always mean that active treatment is necessary. In some cases, regular orthodontic monitoring may be sufficient, while in others treatment may be planned during a particular stage of growth and development. During early orthodontic assessment, monitoring development may be just as important an option as treatment when appropriate.
How Is a Retruded Lower Jaw Assessed?
When the lower jaw appears to be positioned further back, an assessment is not made solely on the basis of its external appearance.
The relationship between the upper and lower jaws, the way the teeth meet, the individual’s growth and development status, and orthodontic measurements are evaluated together.
In suitable growing patients, certain functional appliances may be considered among the available treatment options. The appliance used and the timing of treatment are determined individually.
How Is a Narrow Upper Jaw Assessed?
In some cases where the upper jaw is narrow, a crossbite may be present or there may not be sufficient space for the teeth to align properly.
Upper jaw expansion may be considered in suitable patients during the growth period. Whether expansion is necessary and which method may be appropriate are determined according to the individual’s age and existing jaw structure.
When Are Functional Orthodontic and Jaw Development Treatments Planned?
Timing is important in orthodontic treatments involving jaw development.
Not every orthodontic problem needs to be treated at an early age. However, assessment of certain problems during the growth and development period may be important for treatment planning.
When determining the timing of treatment, the following factors are evaluated together:
- The child’s age
- Stage of dental development
- Stage of growth and development
- The relationship between the upper and lower jaws
- The existing bite problem
- The likelihood of progression of the problem
- Ability to comply with the proposed treatment method
For this reason, the same treatment timing cannot be determined for every child based solely on chronological age.
Does an Early Orthodontic Assessment Mean That Every Child Will Begin Treatment?
No.
An early orthodontic assessment does not necessarily mean that treatment must begin immediately. In some children, it may be preferable to monitor development at regular intervals and plan treatment at a more appropriate stage. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) also notes that some children undergoing early orthodontic assessment may only require observation.
The aim is to identify an existing problem at an early stage and, where treatment is required, determine the appropriate timing.
How Is Functional Orthodontic Treatment Planned?
Planning functional orthodontic and jaw development treatment begins with a detailed orthodontic assessment.
Orthodontic Examination
The current alignment of the teeth, the relationship between the upper and lower jaws, and the characteristics of the bite are evaluated.
The child’s growth and development status is also an important part of treatment planning.
Assessment of the Growth and Development Stage
For certain treatments involving jaw development, it may be appropriate to make use of the individual’s remaining growth potential.
For this reason, the timing of treatment is determined not only according to the existing orthodontic problem but also according to the individual’s stage of development.
Assessment of Diagnostic Records
Where necessary, the following may be used during treatment planning:
- Clinical photographs
- Digital intraoral records
- Radiographic images
- Measurements showing dental and jaw relationships
Determining an Individualised Treatment Approach
Based on the findings obtained, it is determined whether active treatment is required.
If treatment is considered necessary, the appliance or orthodontic method that may be used is selected according to the existing problem and the individual’s stage of development.
Which Appliances May Be Used in Functional Orthodontics?
Different fixed or removable appliances may be used in functional orthodontic treatment.
Depending on the individual’s orthodontic problem, the following may be considered:
- Functional appliances
- Jaw expansion appliances
- Fixed or removable orthodontic appliances
- Fixed orthodontic systems at different stages of treatment
For example, functional appliances such as the Twin Block are among the methods used to manage jaw relationships in certain growing patients. However, an appropriate orthodontic diagnosis is required before any appliance can be recommended.
Is Regular Use of Functional Appliances Important?
In treatments involving removable functional appliances, following the recommended wearing schedule may influence the treatment process.
The duration and pattern of use vary according to the appliance and the individual treatment plan. For this reason, it is important to follow the instructions provided by Dr. Dt. Ebru Çetinkaya Tokmak.
Is Jaw Expansion Performed in Every Child?
No.
Jaw expansion is planned in specific situations where it is considered necessary following assessment of the upper jaw or dental arch.
The presence of dental crowding alone does not always mean that jaw expansion is required. The existing jaw structure, bite relationships and stage of development should be evaluated together.
May Braces or Clear Aligners Be Required After Functional Treatment?
Functional orthodontic or jaw development treatment may represent either the entire orthodontic treatment process or one stage of it.
In some patients, following the initial stage of treatment aimed at managing the relationship between the jaws, additional orthodontic treatment may be required to align the teeth in detail and refine the bite.
Depending on the individual’s condition, the following may be considered at this stage:
- Fixed braces
- Clear aligner treatment
- Other orthodontic appliances
Whether treatment consists of a single stage or multiple stages is determined according to the initial orthodontic problem and the progress observed during treatment.
Functional Orthodontics and Jaw Development Treatment in Bursa
For children and adolescents in Bursa who require orthodontic assessment due to jaw development concerns, a retruded lower jaw, a narrow upper jaw or bite problems, the first step is to evaluate the characteristics of the problem together with the individual’s stage of growth and development.
During an orthodontic assessment performed by Dr. Dt. Ebru Çetinkaya Tokmak, dental development, the relationship between the upper and lower jaws, and existing bite characteristics are examined.
Where active treatment is required, the appropriate timing and treatment method are planned individually. Where treatment is not yet necessary, periodic monitoring of jaw growth and dental development may be preferred.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is functional orthodontics?
Functional orthodontics includes orthodontic treatment approaches used particularly in suitable growing patients to assess and manage jaw relationships and bite problems.
Can a retruded lower jaw be treated during childhood?
Functional orthodontic treatment may be considered in certain cases involving a retruded lower jaw during the growth period. However, the suitability of treatment depends on the type and extent of the problem and the individual’s stage of development.
Do functional appliances make the jaw grow?
It would not be accurate to describe the effect of functional appliances simply as “making the jaw grow”. These appliances may be used in suitable growing patients to help manage the relationship between the jaws and the bite.
How is a narrow upper jaw treated?
Different expansion methods may be considered depending on the extent of the upper jaw constriction and the individual’s stage of development. The appropriate treatment method is determined following an orthodontic examination.
Does early orthodontic treatment prevent the need for braces later?
Not always. Some patients may require a second stage of orthodontic treatment after early treatment. The purpose and scope of the initial treatment vary according to the existing orthodontic problem.
Until what age does jaw development continue?
The timing of growth and development varies from person to person. Therefore, it would not be accurate to determine whether jaw development has been completed or whether the appropriate treatment period has passed based on age alone.
Content Last Updated: 18 July 2026
This content has been prepared for general informational purposes. Individual diagnosis, monitoring and treatment planning are determined following an orthodontic assessment.