Making use of growth instead of working against it
In the functional approach, timing is decisive: as long as the jaw system is growing, it can be gently guided in the right direction. The earlier a faulty development is recognised, the more gently it can be accompanied – often entirely without rigid appliances.
Rule of thumb: a first functional assessment often makes sense as early as age 6–9 – not in order to treat straight away, but to recognise where growth is heading.
What matters at which age
Milk teeth
What counts now above all is healthy function and habits: nasal breathing instead of mouth breathing, giving up constant sucking. Watch for anything unusual and raise it early.
Early mixed dentition – the most important window
This is where most can be achieved. A crossbite, a lower jaw that swerves to the side, strongly protruding teeth, mouth breathing or a jaw that is too narrow can now be guided gently through growth – before a misregulation becomes entrenched.
Late mixed dentition
The jaw system can still be shaped, and most of the permanent teeth are there. Function and position can be improved further in a targeted way – if possible, without extracting teeth.
Adolescents & adults
Growth is complete – an existing misregulation can nevertheless be recognised and regulated functionally. Complaints after earlier treatment belong here in particular. How it is connected →
Why “watching and waiting” is often right
Not every irregularity needs to be treated – a great deal sorts itself out during growth. The sound approach is to accompany development at check-up intervals and to intervene only when function requires it.
Our aim is not to treat as much as possible as early as possible – but to recognise the right moment.
Better to have it checked soon if …
- the lower jaw swerves to the side when biting together (crossbite)
- your child mainly breathes through the mouth or snores
- the upper incisors protrude strongly
- frequent headaches, neck or posture complaints occur
- the jaw clicks or your child grinds at night
Has the moment come for your child?
The CMD check for children gives a first orientation – in around two minutes.