A Quick Synopsis on Orthodontic Headgear
Another treatment that orthodontists use to help correct our teeth is a headgear. The headgear is a device that is made up of elastic bands that go around the head, or on top of the head, that are attached to a face bow or J hooks. The hooks connect the bands to the patient’s braces.
This device is typically used in younger patients such as children and teens because their teeth are still growing, making the treatment easier and quicker. The reason anyone would need to wear such a device is to correct an over bite or under bite. In over bites the device is used to hold the upper jaw in place allowing the lower jaw to catch up. The opposite goes for under bite where the device holds the lower jaw in place allowing the upper jaw to grow.
Typically a treatment time can be anywhere from 6 months to 18 months depending on how much work needs to be done and the age of the patient. The patient will also need to wear the headgear for as much as 14 hours per day in some cases. Orthodontists take the stance that since it only works while the patient wears it the more they wear it the more it works and thus wearing it 24 hours a day is possible.
Adults that need to wear the headgear may need to do so for different reasons. This reason may be because of a permanent tooth that is missing or has been extracted. The space left behind by the lost tooth will need to be filled. By using the headgear the orthodontist can pull the teeth back closing the gap while allowing the teeth behind the gap to grow forward naturally.
Tenderness and pain will more than likely be felt in the jaw and teeth. Over the counter pain reducers such as Advil® should help relieve some of the pain. If the pain persists then it may be time to consult the orthodontist to make sure everything is ok.
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