Orthodontic headgear isn't used as often as in the past, but it's not obsolete. It has been found in studies to be particularly effective for certain types of malocclusions. Orthodontic headgear is used most often to correct malocclusions that result when there is misalignment between the maxilla upper jaw and mandible lower jaw.
There are several types of malocclusion, including Class 2, or overbite retrognathism , in which the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth excessively and Class 3, or underbite prognathism , in which the lower front teeth and jaw protrude in front of the upper front teeth. Other types of malocclusion include overjet buck teeth and crossbite, in which one or more upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth.
Whatever the purpose, orthodontic headgear works by exerting tension on braces via hooks, coils, elastic bands, metal orthodontic bands, and other attachable appliances. Headgear is most effective for children and teenagers because their jaws are still developing and can be easily manipulated. If an adult is fitted with headgear, it's usually to help correct the position of teeth that have shifted after other teeth have been extracted.
Headgear typically is enhanced with additions such as J hooks which apply more force to the jaw and teeth , elastic bands for bite alignment , retainers to hold teeth in place , power chains to adjust the position of the teeth , lip bumpers which make space for lower teeth , and facebows external wire apparatuses that extend across the face and into the mouth.
Whether being used to treat an overbite or underbite, orthodontic headgear must be worn for a minimum of eight hours, during sleep, as this is when growth hormone is produced and growth occurs.
Ideally, it should also be worn during the day for an additional four to six hours. However, it should be removed when a child is playing sports, roughhousing, or eating. Drinking through a straw while wearing orthodontic headgear is OK. It may take a while for your child to adjust to wearing headgear. It can be uncomfortable and even painful at first. Many orthodontists recommend a ramping-up period during which a child will wear their device for one hour on the first day and increase the duration every day after until the target time is reached.
As headgear begins to achieve results, the orthodontist will adjust the tension. This can be uncomfortable at first, until a child become used to it. This appliance is often used to pull teeth back and create room for further movement.
High-pull headgear is similar to cervical pull headgear, consisting of a wire that attaches to brackets or braces on your teeth. The result is an upward pull on your teeth. This appliance is often used to pull your teeth or jaw upward, or to halt the growth of the upper jaw. Reverse-pull headgear has one or more straps that come over the chin or forehead. With the straps on the front of the face, the headgear applies pressure to move teeth forward. It is commonly used to correct an underbite.
Both children and adults can possibly need headgear. Given that it can reposition teeth faster than braces alone, it is common in cases where a bite is misaligned called malocclusion. Depending on the type of headgear and the severity of the problem being fixed, it might be possible to wear the orthodontic headgear only in the evening and while sleeping, to meet the number of hours your orthodontist recommends.
Especially with young children, it might be recommended to gradually increase the hours of wearing the appliance until the goal time per day is reached. At regular visits, the tension on the headgear will be adjusted, which may cause tooth or jaw soreness afterward, as the angle is changed or pressure is increased. You should not play sports while wearing the appliance. You may be asked to keep a log of the hours the headgear is worn. While headgear should be removed when eating, it can remain in while drinking with a straw.
If a band comes loose or the headgear suddenly does not seem to fit, it is important to see your orthodontist right away or progress made might be lost. When the adjustments are complete, headgear might still be worn to keep the jaw in place until it stops growing. In rare situations, minor surgery might be recommended to improve the results or speed up the process.
Your orthodontist will determine when to have braces fitted if that will be the next step toward a winning smile. Helping Your Headgear Help You In order for your appliance to provide the best results, there are a few rules to live by when wearing headgear: Follow your individualized instructions and consistently wear your headgear for the recommended times of day.
If you normally wear your headgear at night, and you miss a night, make up all the hours the very next day. Missing one night without making the time up can set progress back an entire week! Keep in mind that every hour missed will set back progress and increase the amount of time that you will need to wear headgear.
Fast progress can be made at a young age, so starting early is the most efficient way to change a growing issue. If you have questions about orthodontic headgear, please call our office to schedule a consultation.
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