Dental Headgear

It used to be common to see people with class III malocclusion wearing elaborate dental headgear to try and pull their teeth back into position. The trend today is to use conventional braces for this, or corrective surgery.

Difficulties with Children

It was often found that children experienced major difficulties in wearing their headgear. The issues involved were primarily social. Young patients, when confronted with the prospect of wearing headgear, would complain that it was like having a bit in their mouth.

Besides, there was always a danger of the headgear breaking or the child getting hurt while roughhousing or playing. (Orthodontic headgear should not be used while swimming or playing contact sports).

In spite of the objections mentioned above, there are still a few occasions when headgear is preferred to other forms of orthodontic correction. Your orthodontist will determine whether headgear is indicated, and advise you of the reasons at your consultation appointment.

Headgear comes in different types to suit specific conditions. For instance, there may be a strap that fits over the head to a metal facebow that has a "J" wire that fits with the front teeth brace.

In case of an overbite, the dental headgear is used to pull the teeth backwards or to arrest the forward growth of the jaw. In case the tension provided by the headgear is inadequate, the orthodontist may also advise using elastics to provide additional pressure.

If this is so, you need to ensure that the elastic is replaced every three to four days to retain the pressure and ensure that there is always a supply at hand.

Cooperation with the Dentist

A key issue in using dental headgear is cooperation. The patient needs to provide excellent cooperation and ensure that the headgear is in place for the prescribed number of hours per day. These hours seldom number less than 16.

A significant number of these can be accumulated while asleep, but there is daytime use also. This cooperation is often difficult to obtain from younger children, who are very peer conscious.

Dental headgear was used commonly some time ago. However, most orthodontists will not prescribe it today simply because there are equally good and far more acceptable options available today. Many orthodontic clinics will simply not prescribe any type of headgear today.

For a complimentary examination appointment to see if you have a dental alignment problem and what treatment would be right for you, please contact us online or call 650-961-5047.

We'll answer any questions you may have, and give you a free written estimate regarding costs and insurance benefits before you leave.

Dr. Ashouri