Braces do an amazing job of moving your teeth, but sometimes they need a little help. Orthodontists like Dr. Rachel at Ohana Orthodontics use a lot of tools to help braces create the perfect smile for you. One of these tools is braces headgear.
Headgear isn’t used as much as it once was, mainly because braces technology has changed over the years to make them more efficient. However, some severe cases still require it.
What are the different types of orthodontic braces headgear, and how do you care for headgear? Will you need it?
What Is Headgear?
Braces headgear works with braces to move the teeth and align the jaws properly. It is made up of wires that attach to the braces and straps that go around the head or neck. Some include plastic guide pieces that sit on the front of the face.
Different types perform different functions. Most headgear is reserved for severe orthodontic treatment cases. This can include patients with a deep bite, a severe underbite, or severe crossbites. It also helps align jaws that are badly misaligned.
Types of Orthodontic Headgear
Different types of braces headgear serve different purposes. Some pull the upper jaw backward, while another type of headgear pulls the lower jaw inward. Here are the three main types.
Cervical Headgear
Cervical headgear connects a wire attached to the upper braces with a strap that wraps around the back of the neck. The wire and strap pull backward to correct an overbite.
Cervical headgear is one of the most common types of headgear and probably the one you picture when you hear the word “headgear.”
High-Pull Headgear
High-pull headgear is similar to cervical headgear but with an extra strap that wraps around the upper back part of the head.
High-pull headgear is used to treat an open bite in children. An open bite is where the upper teeth and lower teeth don’t connect. The teeth may be angled outward rather than straight down. The high-pull type helps the braces move the teeth back to their proper angle and position.
Reverse-Pull Facemask
The reverse-pull facemask headgear looks very different from cervical headgear. Wires from the braces are connected to acrylic anchor straps on the forehead and chin.
The reverse-pull facemask moves the upper jaw forward and corrects an underbite. This is where the lower jaw protrudes forward from the upper jaw.
Do Orthodontists Still Use Headgear?
At Ohana Orthodontics, we usually use headgear for braces on teenagers and younger patients, though it can be used on adult patients if necessary. Their jaws are “softer” than adult jaws and can be moved more easily with headgear. We usually use headgear with severe underbite issues.
The difference you can see from using it is amazing. While the braces straighten the teeth, the headgear moves the jaws into their proper places. This can give the face an entirely different look as it changes the facial structure.
Small lower jaws may look bigger, and larger lower jaws look more in proportion to the upper jaws. By the end of treatment, headgear can make your child’s face look like it is in more proper proportions.
How Do You Use Braces Headgear?
Headgear is more of a night gear for braces. It doesn’t have to be worn in the daytime. We recommend wearing headgear overnight as you sleep.
What happens if you have a sleepover? It’s OK to leave it off for that rare special occasion, as long as you wear the headgear regularly every other night.
What Are the Braces Headgear Side Effects?
Though rare, headgear can have some negative side effects, which is why we don’t use it as often as in the past. This can include neck and head discomfort and sleep issues. It could even lead to sleep apnea in adults.
Though these side effects are rare, we take them seriously at Ohana Orthodontics. We carefully evaluate whether headgear is needed in your case. As with our other braces appliances, we only prescribe orthodontic appliances if they are absolutely necessary.
How Long Do You Wear Headgear for Braces?
We usually recommend wearing braces and headgear overnight for 8-14 hours a day. You may not wear headgear through your entire braces treatment. It depends on the severity of your dental issues.
The length of time you will wear headgear will depend on your case. More severe cases wear it longer than others, who may only wear it for a few weeks or months.
We will let you know how long you will wear your headgear as part of your treatment plan. We’ll show you that treatment plan during your first visit to Ohana Orthodontics.
How Do I Care for My Headgear?
It’s not very difficult to care for your headgear. You must brush the wires into your mouth with a soft-bristled toothbrush. As for the straps, they can be cleaned with warm water and soap.
Store your headgear in a safe place so the wires don’t get bent. Keep them out of reach of small children or pets who can damage it.
Herbst Appliance for Braces
Headgear isn’t used as often today because many orthodontists use the Herbst Appliance alternative to headgear.
The Herbst Appliance is a stainless steel device custom-created for the patient and cemented to the first permanent molars in the mouth.
The appliance has rods resembling little pistons that move up and down as you open and close your mouth. The device moves the jaws forward or backward, depending on whether it’s correcting an overbite or underbite.
Unlike headgear, the Herbst Appliance isn’t removable. However, that means it always works and doesn’t need extra storage and care. Many patients find they prefer the Herbst Appliance to traditional headgear.
Braces Treatment in Canby, OR
Headgear is just one part of braces treatment and is not for everyone. Not many patients need it for braces nowadays, thanks in part to the advances made with braces and Invisalign clear aligners.
Do you need headgear with braces? Ohana Orthodontics can give you that answer! Just schedule an appointment with us for braces treatment in Canby, OR, and we can tell you whether headgear is right for you!
