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Functional appliance

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Functional appliance

Open mouth showing a functional appliance attached to upper and lower teeth on one side.

Functional appliances use the muscle action from speaking, eating, and swallowing to create forces that move teeth and align the jaws. Some functional appliances are removable. Others are bonded to the teeth. A functional appliance may fit between the upper and lower teeth. Or it may span across the mouth between the molars, pressing the bone outward.

Current as of: May 1, 2026

Author: WebMD Ignite Staff
Clinical Review Board
All WebMD Ignite education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: May 1, 2026

Author: WebMD Ignite Staff

Clinical Review Board
All WebMD Ignite education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. WebMD Ignite, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

NOTICE: This health information was not created by Columbia University Irving Medical Center and may not necessarily reflect specific CUIMC practices. For medical advice to your personal condition, please consult your doctor. Medical advice disclaimer.