Orthopaedic appliance therapy

Headgears, a vital component in orthodontic care, are crucial in correcting various dental and jaw alignment issues. Let’s delve into what headgears are, how they work, their types, benefits, and considerations.

Headgear is a valuable tool in orthodontic treatment, especially in addressing skeletal discrepancies and guiding jaw growth in growing children. They play a pivotal role alongside braces and other orthodontic appliances, contributing to comprehensive and effective dental correction. Close collaboration with an orthodontist ensures proper usage and maximises the potential benefits of these orthodontic devices.

What Are Headgears?

Headgears are orthodontic appliances designed to address skeletal discrepancies and guide jaw growth in children. They consist of metal bands or wires anchored to the back teeth (molars) and a frame that attaches to the head or neck. This mechanism applies specific forces to the teeth and jaws, ensuring proper alignment.

Types of Headgear:

Cervical Pull Headgear:

• Attaches to a strap around the neck and exerts a force on the upper teeth to pull them back, often used to correct an excessive protrusion of upper teeth.

High-Pull Headgear:

• Connected to the upper jaw and applied upward and backward forces on the upper teeth and jaw, primarily used to correct vertical discrepancies and encourage growth in the upper jaw.

Reverse-Pull Headgear:

• Utilised to encourage forward growth of the upper jaw and correct an underbite by pulling the upper jaw forward.

How Do They Work?

Headgears harness the natural growth potential of the jaw in children and redirect its growth trajectory. The applied force helps guide the alignment of the teeth and jaws, often complementing braces or other orthodontic appliances.

Benefits of Using Headgear:

• Correcting Skeletal Discrepancies: They target underlying skeletal issues that braces alone might not address.
• Guiding Jaw Growth: This is especially effective in growing children by influencing the growth direction of the jaws.
• Enhancing Orthodontic Treatment: Often used in conjunction with other orthodontic appliances to achieve comprehensive correction.

Considerations and Challenges:

• Consistent Wear: Success depends on wearing the headgear for the prescribed duration and with the correct force.
• Initial Discomfort: Users may initially experience discomfort or speech impediments, which usually improves with time.
• Maintenance: Regular cleaning and care are essential to prevent oral hygiene issues.