Functional education (also called functional orthodontics) supports children’s overall growth* and enables:

• Improved facial aesthetics
• Reduced treatment time of traditional orthodontics
• Avoiding later tooth extraction
• Improved functions (breathing, swallowing, chewing)
• Avoiding tooth fracture
• An improved stability of teeth in the long-term

Functional education devices can be prescribed by practitioners for children from the age of 3.

Functional education, particularly in the context of orthodontics, is primarily aimed at children and teenagers because it works best when applied during the growth years. This approach often involves guiding and influencing the development of the jaw and teeth as the child grows, which can be more effective and less invasive than treatments applied later in life.

However, some aspects of functional orthodontics can be adapted for adults, though the results may be more limited or require different approaches, such as surgical intervention, since an adult's bones are no longer growing. The focus in adults might shift more towards correcting alignment issues rather than guiding growth.

Functional education devices don’t hurt. Your teeth might feel sensitive in the morning when you wake up – this proves that your device is effective and that your teeth are moving into the right position.

You can eat anything you like because the device is not worn during meals. However, be careful not to eat too much candy and to brush your teeth after meals.

Your functional education device is your new friend and you should take it with you everywhere you go. Take it with you on holiday and when you stay over at a friend’s house or with family.

You need to take your device everywhere you go. If you are afraid to forget it, your practitioner can give you two devices so you can have one in each home.