Headgear

Most teeth correction treatments use traditional braces or Invisalign to encourage teeth to shift into their proper positions. In some cases, these methods aren't quite enough to treat a misaligned bite. When the upper and lower jaws are more unevenly aligned than typical treatments can fix, headgear can help redirect their growth and guide them into their appropriate alignment.

Headgear is generally used in more extensive cases requiring overbite or underbite correction. Orthodontists can prescribe several common types:

• Cervical pull, consisting of a U-shaped wire attaching to the bands on a patient's back teeth and a strap worn behind the neck
• High-pull headgear, which also uses a wire connecting to your teeth with a strap placed behind and over the head
• Facemask or reverse-pull headgear, designed with two pads connected by a vertical frame to pull your upper jaw forward

Cervical-pull and high-pull headgear are used when overbite correction is required. Conversely, orthodontists usually prescribe facemask headgear for underbite correction. These methods depend on the force applied from outside the mouth to push or pull upper or lower jaws into position.

Whichever type of headgear you're wearing, there are some important things you should know. Probably the most essential one is this: In order for it to be effective, you must carefully follow instructions about wearing your headgear — that means putting it on each day for the time specified. If you wear headgear at night and you miss one night, you must make up the time the following day — otherwise, everything you've accomplished in the previous seven days of wear could be wiped out!

It's normal to feel some discomfort as you get used to wearing orthodontic headgear. Fortunately, if you wear it faithfully, the discomfort generally goes away in a few days. Your orthodontist may recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever like Ibuprofen, and/or a soft diet, to help you adjust.

From time to time you may also experience some soreness when chewing, or even a little looseness in the first molars. This is normal, and it shows the appliance is working. However, if you have unusual pain, notice that the anchor band on your first molar (the one the headgear attaches to) has come loose, or find that the headgear suddenly seems not to fit correctly, it could signal a problem. In that case, contact us right away.

To keep your orthodontic headgear working as it should — and to maintain your overall oral health — it's important that you follow our instructions about care and cleaning. It's also important that you learn to put headgear on and take it off properly and safely. Remember to bring it with you every time you have an appointment at our office — but leave it behind when you're playing sports, or even horsing around in the living room!

Wearing orthodontic headgear may seem like a big adjustment — and nobody would deny that it takes some getting used to. But remember that you're part of a team, which includes our office, your general dentist... and you! When everyone works together, it's possible to achieve your goal: a beautiful smile that you'll have for your whole lifetime.

Dr. Ross Taddeo Orthodontics delivers high-quality orthodontic care in a fun and friendly office environment. Ready to learn more about your treatment options? Use our appointment request form to book a free consultation or call our office at (407) 482-3700.