Functional Appliance Therapy — NDEB AFK MCQ

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ModerateOrthodonticsFunctional Appliance TherapyNDEB AFK

A 9-year-old patient presents with increased overjet of 8 mm and a Class II molar relationship. There is no skeletal discrepancy and the mandible appears retrognathic. What is the most appropriate interceptive orthodontic appliance?

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Correct answer: A — Twin block appliance

A functional appliance such as the twin block is the most appropriate for a growing child with a Class II malocclusion and mandibular retrognathia. Twin blocks use acrylic blocks on the occlusal surfaces to posture the mandible forward, stimulating condylar growth and correcting the Class II relationship. They are most effective during the pubertal growth spurt (CVM stages 2-3). Headgear restrains maxillary growth but does not advance the mandible.

Reference: Proffit – Contemporary Orthodontics, 6th ed., 2019