Growth modulation is an orthopedic term used in dentistry for upper and lower jaw modification. Imbalance between lengths of jaws can be treated with functional appliances in a growing child. Functional appliances have been used for over 100 years in orthodontics to correct facial deficiencies, asymmetric faces and skeletal malocclusions.
It can be of two types intra-oral or extra-oral. Intraoral appliances are further divided into removable and fixed types. A functional orthodontic appliance enhances the neuromuscular environment, promotes lower and upper jaw growth, and expands the soft tissue envelope. These appliances help in achieving dental as well as facial correction.