Twin Blocks Treatment

Name: Neyo Orthodontics
Telephone: 01444 523143

Twin Blocks are a specialised orthodontic appliance used to correct large overbites in growing children and teens. Worn full-time for 9 to 15 months, these custom-made devices work by guiding the lower jaw forward to improve bite alignment during the crucial growth years.

Who It’s For & What It Treats

Suitable for
Ages 8-16

Used to Treat
Overbites and overjets

Treatment Time
9-15 months

Not suitable for
Adults and unmotivated children

What are Twin Blocks?

Twin Blocks are a functional orthodontic appliance used to correct significant overbites in growing patients. They get their name from the two separate plates (one for the upper jaw and one for the lower) that work together to gradually move the jaw and teeth into a better position.

How do Twin Blocks work?

Once your teeth have been scanned, Twin Blocks are custom-made in a dental lab to fit your mouth precisely. Each appliance features an acrylic block on both the upper and lower plates, designed to gently guide the lower jaw forward into a more balanced position.

Twin Blocks must be worn full-time and should only be removed for eating, brushing and playing contact sport. Treatment usually lasts between 9 and 12 months, with orthodontic adjustments needed approximately every 8 weeks to ensure progress.

Because Twin Blocks rely on jaw growth for effectiveness, they are most suitable for children and teens who are still developing. After bite correction, treatment is often followed by fixed braces to fine-tune tooth alignment and complete the smile transformation.

Alternatives to Twin Block braces

While Twin Block braces are effective, there are a few drawbacks to consider.

Firstly, they are typically used as the first phase of treatment, focusing on correcting the bite over 9–12 months. This is often followed by a second phase involving fixed braces for 12–24 months to align the teeth, making total treatment time as long as 36 months.

At Neyo Orthodontics, we offer alternative treatments such as Neyo Pro Align or Invisalign^® treatment with mandibular advancement blocks – that combine bite correction and teeth alignment in a single phase, helping to reduce overall treatment time.

Another consideration is compliance. Because Twin Blocks are removable and can be uncomfortable at first, some children may not wear them consistently, which reduces their effectiveness.

Fixed functional appliances like Forsus Springs are a great alternative, as they are attached to braces and work continuously without relying on patient cooperation.

Twin Block costs

At Neyo, clarity and honesty are at the forefront of our services. Any fees for treatments would likely be confirmed at the consultation stage, but we can provide this generalised breakdown of cost:

Consultation £85

Treatment £1200

Twin Block FAQs

Can adults wear twin blocks to correct overbites?

Twin blocks are only effective in growing patients. The ideal time to use a Twin Block is in children who are just beginning their adolescent growth spurt, typically around the age of 11-14. Once growth has slowed down, other treatment options may be suggested.