Is headgear still used for braces?

Introduced in the 1800s, headgear is still used by the majority of orthodontists to treat overbites. Molen Orthodontics’ no-headgear approach results in gentler, more discreet, yet highly stable orthodontic treatment.

Why would you need headgear with braces?

While braces and clear aligners can straighten teeth that are out of alignment with each other, headgear allows your family orthodontist the ability to correct the way the teeth come together and align the jaw for the best possible smile. Bringing the bite together properly is also important for good oral health.

What can be used instead of headgear?

The Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device is an alternative to headgear which promotes growth in adolescents, helping to eliminate excessive overbites, improve the fit of teeth, and possibly prevent the need for jaw surgery.

Do headgears still exist?

In reality, orthodontic headgear is still very much in use, and fortunately, it enables many patients to achieve a straight and attractive smile that they couldn’t get otherwise.

Can headgear change your face?

Headgear is used to correct tooth and jaw misalignment and tooth overcrowding. This, in turn, can enhance facial aesthetics by correcting the profile. It can also, of course, improve the appearance of your child’s smile.

How long does it take headgear to work?

To successfully move teeth, a headgear appliance should be worn for 12 hours per day. The good news, however, is that it does not need to be worn for 12 hours in a row. A patient can wear headgear 8 hours while asleep, and finish the remaining 4 hours throughout the day.

Is there a removable palate expander?

If only a small amount of jaw widening is needed, your orthodontist may recommend a removable palate expander. There are several different removal brands. Removable palate expanders are meant to be worn 24 hours a day, except while eating, playing sports, and brushing teeth.

What is a Mara appliance?

What is MARA? MARA is a fixed orthodontic appliance, it is “fixed” in place and cannot be removed by the patient. This specific orthodontic appliance works to move the patient’s lower jaw forward so that the top and bottom teeth will meet.

Can you wear braces with orthodontic headgear?

Orthodontic headgear can only be used in combination with braces. Braces only correct teeth positioning, while headgear is capable of influencing the growth of the jaws. Although, if a patient does not have severe bite problems, wearing headgear during the duration of braces treatment is usually not necessary.

How is Cervical Pull Headgear used in orthodontic?

Cervical pull headgear is used to treat “overbites,” which is when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth. An overbite is a class II malocclusion (teeth misalignment) and cannot be treated with braces alone. The appliance holds a patient’s upper teeth and jaw in place while the lower jaw shifts forward.

How are extra-oral appliances used in orthodontic treatment?

This paper describes the mechanics and contemporary uses of headgear in orthodontics for primary care dentists and specialist orthodontists. CPD/CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Extra-oral appliances have specific uses in orthodontic biomechanics.

How old do you have to be to wear headgear in orthodontic?

Headgear is an orthodontic appliance that treats a variety of different bite problems associated with irregular jaw positioning. The appliance attaches to a patient’s face or head with a neck strap. The most common age group that uses headgear are children 9 years of age and older.