Types Of Orthodontic Headgear And How They Are Used
Misaligned teeth and bites not only impact your confidence, but also your oral health. Contact Yorkshire Dental Suite to find out more about our safe, highly-effective orthodontic treatments.
Used in combination with other teeth straightening appliances, such as braces, aligners and palate expanders, orthodontic headgear supports a straight, beautiful smile. In this blog we’ll discuss how these devices work, their purpose and the different types.
What is orthodontic headgear?
Dental headgear is designed to correct misaligned bites and guide jaw alignment, while also helping to move teeth into their correct position. To do this, the removable appliance is attached to the head or neck with straps that apply gentle force.
Not everyone needs headgear. In fact, it is fairly uncommon for a dentist to recommend this oral device, thanks to modern appliances and techniques. So what is orthodontic headgear used for? And why is it useful?
Why would someone need orthodontic headgear?
If your misaligned teeth or jaw cannot be corrected with braces alone, or any other orthodontic treatment, then you may be advised to wear headgear. It’s important to note that, in the majority of cases, headgear is suggested for children aged between 7 and 13 (when the jawbone is still developing). The appliance can be used for:
Type of malocclusion | Explanation |
When the top teeth overlap the bottom teeth | |
When your teeth protrude or stick out from the jaw | |
When the top and bottom teeth do not meet when your jaws are closed | |
When the bottom teeth overlap the top teeth | |
When teeth are spaced unevenly, causing visible gaps | |
A combination of overbite and underbite across multiple teeth | |
When teeth are pushed together, making them appear crooked |
The different types of orthodontic headgear
Perhaps when you first think of headgear, the first thing that comes to mind is the clunky, almost medieval-looking devices you’ve seen characters wear in films (like Darla from Finding Nemo).
This is certainly what dental headgear looked like in the past, but up-to-date appliances are designed to be sleeker and lighter. There are many types to choose from, but the most suitable option will ultimately depend on which malocclusion you have.
- Reverse pull headgear: Suitable for underbites and crossbites. This orthodontic appliance has a frame positioned in front of the face. Forehead and chin supports keep it in place, while a wire connected to the upper back teeth applies gentle force to encourage the jaw to move forwards.
- High pull headgear: Suitable for open bites and direct jaw growth. The device is secured using headgear straps that pass over the crown and around the back of the head, helping apply controlled pressure to guide jaw development.
- Cervical pull headgear: Suitable for overbites and overjets. A curved metal wire attaches to the upper back teeth and connects to a neck strap. The strap provides the force needed to help guide the upper jaw backwards.
Dental headgear: Benefits and drawbacks
Your dentist will talk through the advantages and disadvantages of orthodontic headgear in your appointment but, in the meantime, here are the most significant ones to be aware of.
Benefits of orthodontic headgear
Headgear is extremely effective in the correction of severe bite issues, meaning patients with even the most complex malocclusions can achieve the grin they deserve. A perfectly aligned smile also protects your oral health. How? Food and bacteria are no longer becoming stuck between the teeth and bite forces are evenly distributed.
By intercepting skeletal problems during childhood or pre-puberty, headgear helps to prevent the need for future jaw surgery or tooth extraction (which keeps costs down). Finally, this type of oral device can potentially improve facial symmetry.
Drawbacks of orthodontic headgear
Let’s move onto the disadvantages. There’s no denying that headgear is very visible, and has the ability to impact someone’s self-confidence. In addition to this, as with any teeth straightening procedure, you will likely experience some discomfort as your jaw and teeth move into their correct position.
Headgear rely heavily on the patient’s commitment to wearing the appliance for the treatment to actually work. They can be inconvenient to take on and off and may feel uncomfortable while you sleep. There is also a risk of parts of the headgear detaching and causing accidental injury to the face or neck.
What has replaced headgear?
As mentioned earlier, many dentists and orthodontists have moved from traditional headgear to more modern devices. These are just some of the alternatives they may suggest using instead.
- Herbst appliance: Brings the lower jaw forward. Permanently fixed in the mouth during treatment
- Temporary Anchorage Devices (TAD): Miniature screws that are connected to fixed braces to support movement
- Forsus springs: A metal spring that connect the upper and lower jaws. Most suitable for overbites
- Mandibular Anterior Repositioning Appliance (MARA): Cemented onto the back molars, this device encourages the lower jaw to grow forward
- Elastics: Removable rubber bands that are hooked onto brace backets and connect the upper and lower jaws
- Palatal expander: A small, custom-made appliance that widens the upper jaw. May be fixed or removable
- Twin block appliance: It gently holds your lower jaw forward, allowing your facial muscles to apply a light backward pull on your upper front teeth
FAQs
Have questions about orthodontic headgear? We are here to answer them. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have further queries that aren’t addressed below – the Yorkshire Dental Suite team are happy to help.
Can you eat with headgear on?
No. Headgear should be removed prior to eating to avoid damaging the device. It cannot be worn while drinking either.
Is it safe to sleep with orthodontic headgear?
Yes, although it may be slightly uncomfortable as you adjust. Wearing it while you sleep means you are meeting the daily wear requirement.
How long must your wear orthodontic headgear?
Per day, for at least 12 – 14 hours. In terms of total treatment duration, this will be dictated by your dentist, but could range from months to years.
How much does dental headgear cost?
Dental headgear is typically included in the overall cost of your smile transformation. If deemed a clinical necessity, it is free on the NHS for under 18’s.
What are the side effects of orthodontic headgear?
Common side effects include soreness, pain, temporary speech impediment, loose or shifting teeth, increased risk of cavities and irritated gums.
Conclusion:
Home to industry-leading clinicians, state-of-the-art equipment and an in-house laboratory, Yorkshire Dental Suite has mastered beautifully straight, confident smiles. Book a consultation today and kickstart your teeth straightening journey.