Twin block braces are a type of functional orthodontic appliance we offer our patients to correct large overbites. They are named “twin” blocks because they consist of two separate plates, one for the upper teeth and one for the lower teeth, that work together to reposition the jaw and teeth.
After the teeth have been scanned, the Twin Blocks are custom-made in a dental laboratory to fit your teeth. The upper and lower plates each have a block of acrylic that guides the lower teeth and jaw into an improved forward position.
Block braces need to be worn day and night and are just removed for eating, cleaning, and contact sports. They are typically worn for 9-12 months and require adjusting every 8 weeks or so by your orthodontist to ensure that they are working effectively. Wearing block braces isn’t easy at first and will take some adjusting to them. Some discomfort and speech problems during the first week or two is completely normal. This gets easier with time and practice wearing them.
Twin block brace work best in growing patients, so an overbite must be identified and managed well before the end of the adolescent growth spurt, and ideally much earlier. Correction of an overbite with Twin Blocks is usually followed by a period of time with fixed braces to complete alignment of the teeth and perfect the bite.
Alternatives to Twin Block Braces
Although effective, there are some disadvantages to Twin Block braces.
Firstly, the Twin Blocks are used in a separate first phase of treatment lasting 9-12 months to correct the bite. This is usually followed by a period of time wearing fixed braces to align the teeth which might last for an additional 12-24 months. This means the total treatment to fi an overbite with a twin block can be as long as 36 months. There are some alternative options offered at Neyo Dental Specialists where the bite correction is done simultaneously with the tooth alignments. This can be done with clear aligners such as Neyo Pro Align or Invisalign Teen with mandibular advancement blocks which work in a similar way to the twin blocks.
Another option may be a fixed functional appliance such as a Forsus Springs that are used in conjunction with a fixed brace meaning the treatment times are much shorter (typically 12-18 months).
The second problem with twin blocks is compliance. Because they can be difficult to wear some children leave them out for long periods of time, making them less effective. This can be avoided with a fixed functional brace such as Forsus Springs as they are fixed in position and cannot be removed meaning they are working 24/7.
Invisalign teen and Neyo Pro Align are less bulky than twin blocks so might be considered more comfortable and therefore compliance could be improved.
