Headgear

Not all orthodontic problems are caused by crooked teeth. Relative protrusion of the upper jaw is common in younger children, manifesting as buck teeth or an overbite. Improper jaw development can lead to an unbalanced bite as well as a noticeable facial disharmony.

The headgear is a removable orthodontic appliance used in growing children to control the growth of the upper jaw. It is typically prescribed to be worn at home for approximately 16 hours per day during a 6 to 12 month course of treatment.

Growth of a child’s face normally occurs with a forward movement of the upper and lower jaws. Sometimes, this forward growth is not equal, resulting in a relative protrusion of the upper jaw.

The headgear appliance uses external pressure via an elastic strap. By limiting forward growth of the upper jaw, the lower jaw is permitted to grow normally, facilitating a better alignment.

This type of growth modification is not possible in older patients and delaying intervention may result in the need for more invasive procedures such as jaw surgery or permanent teeth extraction to correct the problem.

Important Instructions:

Do not wear the appliance when you are doing any physical or sport activities or are around anyone doing these activities. Any sudden force or blow to the headgear may lead to serious damage to your teeth.