There are certain situations when the use of braces isn’t enough to move the misaligned teeth into the desired position, treat bite issues or eliminate problems with jaw growth. If this happens, your orthodontist will recommend you wear a special appliance called a headgear. Headgear is an orthodontic appliance that the patient wears partially outside the mouth. The orthodontic headgear exerts a force enough to move the teeth into the proper position and transforms the growth of the jaws and face.
Several different types of orthodontic headgear are available, each made for a specific job. When you visit Aava Dental Group, our orthodontists will create a treatment plan tailored to treat your specific issue and place the type of orthodontic headgear that best suits you. Our staff will also educate you on using and taking care of your appliance. To ensure quick and best results from your treatment, please follow your dentist’s instructions carefully. We wish you all the best in your oral health.
The Types Of Orthodontic Headgear
Cervical pull
This type of headgear corrects an excessive misalignment called overjet. This malocclusion occurs when the upper jaw and teeth protrude, and the lower teeth remain behind. The condition is also sometimes called buck teeth. Cervical pull headgear also treats overbite, the alignment issue between upper and lower teeth.
The gear has a U-shaped wire attached to the braces inside the mouth and is wrapped behind the neck or cervical vertebrae. This orthodontic headgear is also helpful for adults who want to correct tooth spacing after removal and sustain a proper bite.
High pull
This appliance also treats overbite and overjet with the help of wire (connected to the upper teeth) that goes behind, on the top of the head. Orthodontists recommend high-pull headgear for children with open bites when there’s no connection b/w their upper and lower front teeth. Children whose jaws grow more than usual in the mouth’s back can also benefit from this.
Both cervical pull and high pull should be worn for at least 12 to 14 hours each day.
Reverse pull (facemask)
This orthodontic headgear helps treat an underbite or maxillary hypoplasia. It used rubber bands connected to the braces on the upper teeth.
Living with Orthodontic Headgear
Wear It Regularly
No matter what headgear type you’re wearing, to achieve effective results, follow the instructions of your dentist. Wear your appliance every day for the specified time. If you wear the headgear while sleeping and miss wearing it by mistake, make sure to wear it longer the next day to make up for the lost time. Else the progress you’ve made for far may reverse.
Adjust With The Pain
Experiencing discomfort after wearing orthodontic headgear is normal, but it will subside as your mouth gets used to it. You can take OTC pain relievers to help manage pain and eat soft foods.
Notice These Signs
A little pain while chewing or slight looseness in the first molars is absolutely normal and indicates that your orthodontic headgear is working. However, if you experience abnormal pain, observe that the anchor band on your first molar attached to the headgear has come loose, or suddenly the headgear doesn’t fit correctly, contact the dental experts at Aava Dental Group.
Meet Our Dentist
If you have any questions regarding orthodontic headgear or wish to book a consultation with us, call (818) 792-4500.