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.
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.