Orthodontic headgear is an appliance that effectively adjusts the position of the teeth and jaw structure, suitable for many patients. So, what is braces headgear, what is its function, and how long does it need to be worn? In the article below, Shark Dental will reveal the most accurate and detailed answers for you!
What is orthodontic headgear?
Orthodontic headgear is a dental appliance used to correct bite misalignment and protrusion caused by jawbone issues. Its main role is to limit excessive jaw growth and adjust the position of misaligned teeth, thereby creating a more even and balanced set of teeth.
In addition, headgear is also used to support the eruption of teeth. This appliance applies continuous pressure to the teeth, helping to expand the dental arch so that teeth grow straight and evenly, filling gaps in the arch and giving you a bright, confident smile.
In terms of structure, headgear braces consist of three main parts as follows:
- The facebow, made of metal, functions to keep the teeth and jaw in the correct position within the oral cavity.
- The traction module: This part connects to the neck strap, providing sufficient pulling force to adjust the jawbone into the desired position.
- The neck pad: This part is secured around the neck to ensure comfort during daily activities.
The structure of headgear is quite simple, easy to use, and delivers optimal orthodontic results. It is also a popular appliance, favored and highly rated by many patients for the comfort it provides during use.
Types of orthodontic headgear
At reputable and well-established dental clinics, you can consider and choose from the following types of headgear:
- Cervical pull headgear: This appliance is highly effective in correcting overbite and underbite issues. The cervical pull strap consists of a U-shaped wire attached to the upper teeth, which is directly connected to another strap wrapped around the neck. This setup keeps the upper jaw stable and pulls it backward.
- High-pull headgear: Unlike cervical pull headgear, this type includes an additional high-pull strap with two bands. One strap goes around the back of the head, and the other rests on top, helping to lift the upper jaw upward, creating a balanced alignment and improving bite misalignment.
- Reverse pull headgear: This orthodontic appliance applies forward force to the upper jaw, suitable for patients with underbite. Its structure includes a vertical frame and a metal wire facebow designed to effectively adjust the upper jaw forward.
Depending on the severity of the bite misalignment and the actual position of the teeth, dentists will carefully examine and advise patients on the most suitable orthodontic appliance.
What is the use of braces headgear?
Orthodontic headgear helps expand the dental arch, creating space for effective tooth eruption. In addition, this appliance offers many other useful benefits, such as:
- Headgear helps regulate jawbone growth and correct improperly positioned teeth. When used properly, headgear can greatly reduce the occurrence of crooked teeth in children, resulting in a more even, beautiful, and confident smile.
- Headgear applies gentle pressure to pull the upper jaw backward, thereby limiting its excessive growth and helping the teeth become balanced and properly positioned on the dental arch.
- For patients with misaligned teeth in the upper jaw, orthodontic headgear effectively adjusts the teeth, moving crooked teeth into a balanced and correct position on the jaw.
- In cases where the first molars are misaligned, headgear helps quickly and safely adjust and rotate the molars into their ideal positions.
- Headgear effectively adjusts the position of the teeth and jaw, improving the chewing surface, which in turn makes daily eating and biting activities easier and more comfortable.
- Headgear has the ability to control anchorage points, minimizing the occurrence of improper tooth movement that can affect the jawbone structure.
Headgear offers many useful benefits in adjusting tooth positions and minimizing bite misalignment. Wearing this appliance early and correctly will help create a set of even, strong teeth and boost your confidence.
Why are children recommended to wear orthodontic headgear?
Children are encouraged to wear orthodontic headgear as early as possible to regulate jawbone growth, especially in cases where excessive upper jaw development causes protruding teeth and affects aesthetics. Wearing headgear effectively guides jaw growth, creates space for teeth to erupt properly, and prevents bite problems and jaw misalignment.
Additionally, children should start wearing orthodontic headgear early for the following reasons:
- Headgear effectively controls jawbone growth, especially during the developmental stage when a child’s jawbone is still soft and easy to adjust.
- Children who wear headgear early can prevent crooked, crowded, or improperly positioned teeth. This creates favorable conditions for permanent teeth to have enough space to grow straight, ensuring a more even and attractive smile.
- Headgear also helps children improve their bite alignment, ensuring proper chewing function in daily activities.
- Wearing headgear correctly helps the jawbone and teeth grow into the right positions, resulting in a more balanced and harmonious facial appearance.
In addition, this orthodontic appliance helps prevent protruding, buck teeth, and underbite, minimizing the risk of dental problems later on.
How long do I need to wear orthodontic headgear?
Typically, the duration for wearing orthodontic headgear ranges from 12 to 18 months. However, this period is not fixed and can vary depending on factors such as:
- The severity of jawbone and teeth misalignment: The more severe the misalignment, the longer the braces headgear needs to be worn.
- Age of use: In fact, children’s jawbones are much softer than adults’, so the duration of wearing orthodontic appliances will generally be shorter.
- Individual physiology and oral care habits: Headgear will be most effective and the wearing time can be shortened if you practice good oral hygiene and follow your dentist’s instructions carefully.
Dentists recommend that patients wear braces headgear for 10 to 12 hours daily. This duration is necessary to ensure effective treatment, helping the teeth and jawbone move into the desired positions.
Above is all the information Shark Dental provides about orthodontic headgear, its uses, and common types. For more detailed and thorough advice on aesthetic orthodontic methods, feel free to contact Shark Dental!
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