Do you remember the headgear that your orthodontist told you to wear when you were a kid? You know, those things that made it impossible to do anything but lay on the couch and watch TV all day. Maybe some of you even wore them for years.
Headgear is still used by some orthodontists and dental professionals. Although headgear is often considered somewhat outdated. This contraption was used to keep your teeth positioned and pressed together while the orthodontist fitted and attached them into their final positions.
It was one of the most dreaded things about going to the orthodontist, right up there with getting your teeth pulled out. But do orthodontists still use headgear today? The answer may surprise you! Keep reading to find out more.
What Is Orthodontic Headgear?
Orthodontic headgear is a head-shaped apparatus that orthodontists can use to move teeth into their ideal position. It’s attached to the face by way of head straps, headbands, or head tape. They are used less often now than they were before, but they are occasionally necessary for some people who require orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic headgear helps to move teeth into their proper position by acting as an extra force on the teeth, muscles, and bones of the head. It can also affect facial growth in some cases. When headgear is necessary for orthodontic treatment, the reason will depend on each patient’s specific situation – which they discuss with their orthodontist during a consultation appointment at their earliest convenience. Some people who need headgear might require it for several months, while others will only need it for a few weeks or even less than that.
What are The Basic Parts of Orthodontic Headgear?
- Head cap. This is the part that goes over your head and fits tightly against your forehead. It attaches to the braces on your teeth.
- Fitting straps. The type of headgear determines the kind of fitting straps utilized. Cervical headgear, for example, is connected to the head cap behind the neck with a single-fitting strap. Numerous straps are wrapped around the back of the head to form high-pull headgear.
- Facebow. This is a U-shaped metal appliance with bands or tubes connected to the molars, as well as a head helmet and straps.
- Elastic bands, tubes, and hooks. These are used to connect the various components of the headgear to the teeth and other structures.
- Chin cup, forehead pad, and mouth yoke. A chin cup connected to a forehead pad with wires is generally used for headgear intended to treat an underbite. There is no need for a head cap with this type of device. It uses a wireframe that connects the forehead pad to the chin cup. A horizontal mouth yoke is found in the frame.
- Braces. Some forms of headgear don’t utilize braces. Some types of headgear employ hooks or bands to attach to braces that are worn in the mouth on either the top or lower teeth.
Types of Headgear Orthodontics
- Cervical Pull is used to correct a major overjet. This headgear attaches to the head and neck with straps and pulls the teeth back. A severe overbite is corrected with headgear that covers the child’s entire neck. Cervical headgear may also be used to reduce an overbite. An overbite is a tooth misalignment in which the top teeth protrude. The straps of a cervical headgear wrap behind the neck or cervical vertebrae. It is attached to braces within the mouth.
- High Pull headgear is the most common headgear orthodontics. It attaches to braces on the top of your teeth and a band around your head. This headgear pulls your upper jaw forward. It is typically used by children with Class III malocclusions. A Class III malocclusion is a severe misalignment of the teeth in which the upper jaw is significantly protruding.
- Reverse pull (facemask) headgear is used to correct a severe underbite. This headgear attaches to braces on your teeth and a band around your head. It pulls your lower jaw forward. It is typically used by children with Class II malocclusions. A Class II malocclusion is a severe misalignment of the teeth in which the lower jaw is significantly protruding.
How Does Headgear Work?
Orthodontic headgear looks like some kind of head-shaped thing, but what makes it work? Orthodontic headgear applies orthopedic pressure to the teeth and bones in order to help move them into their ideal position. It can also influence facial growth by changing how your jaw develops over time. The headgear presses on the upper back molars with forces up to 100g (the weight of about 3 apples). This force is enough to move orthopedically aligned teeth 1mm per week under normal conditions. Headgear delivers this pressure in headgear-specific units: the orthopedic anterior bite and headgear force. Orthodontic headgear can be used to bring about a wide range of dental improvements and corrections, ranging from alignment problems like crossbites and overbites to spacing issues such as crowded teeth or missing teeth. Regardless of what headgear is needed for, usually, it will only be used for a few weeks at most – but in some cases, it might take months before headgear treatment can begin.
How Long does Headgear Take to Work?
Headgear is most effective when it is worn for at least 14 hours each day. It’s important to wear headgear as directed by your orthodontist since headgear can work quickly and effectively to correct orthodontic problems. You don’t necessarily need to wear it 12 hours in a row — but it is better to break it up into several shorter periods rather than wear it for 7 hours at a time, for example.
How Do You Install Headgear?
In order to install headgear, your orthodontist will have to create headgear attachments. These attachments are made from a mold of your mouth and teeth. They can either be bonded or screwed into the back molars on each side. The headgear straps attach with metal hooks that are inserted between the headgear attachment and the gum behind your top front teeth. If you have headgear installed in your mouth, it should only take ten minutes or less for your orthodontist to get them properly fitted onto your head.
What Is The Purpose of a Headgear?
The headgear is a piece of orthodontic equipment that is used to keep the teeth in place and to correct misalignments. It is usually worn for a few hours each day, and it can be an effective tool for achieving the desired results. In some cases, headgear might be used as an alternative to traditional headbands or head straps. In these instances, it might be used to move a child’s upper jaw forward if it has been impacted due to a birth defect. It can also help keep teeth from moving back into their previous positions after they have been moved or repositioned with braces. Children who wear headgear will generally need to visit their orthodontist more often in order to have the headgear adjusted and to receive new attachments. The ultimate goal of wearing headgear is to improve the appearance and function of the teeth. It can be an important part of orthodontic treatment, and it can help to achieve a more attractive smile.
Does Headgear Hurt?
Headgear is not typically painful to wear, but it can be a bit uncomfortable at first. This is due to the teeth’ adaptation to the device, which can lead to discomfort and soreness in the teeth and gums. Most people get used to it fairly quickly, and it’s definitely worth the benefits it brings. If you or your child are in pain, an orthodontist will most likely give you over-the-counter pain medication. During the adjustment phase, your orthodontist will recommend a diet that includes softer foods. When your teeth are fully bonded, they should feel slightly tender when chewing, and the molars may have some movement. This is typical—in fact, it usually signifies that the headgear is performing as intended.
How Much Does Headgear Cost?
The headgear will usually cost around $1000 to $8000. However, this price may vary depending on the orthodontist and the type of headgear prescribed. It is critical to talk to your orthodontist about insurance coverage. The payment plan for headgear may also vary depending on your orthodontist.
