Headgear

 
Headgear is used to change the way that the jaws grow. It is usually only worn by children.

I know... most people have awful associations with headgear. But it really works well in younger kids. 

When we have children wear headgear, it is only worn when they are sleeping at night time. They DON'T have to wear it to school. The body does most of its growing when we are sleeping, so nighttime is usually the most effective time to wear it. It is typically very comfortable. 

There are two times when I will recommend a headgear.

First, in young patients (age 7-9) that have a more severe overbite, a headgear can be worn at night time to help pull the upper jaw and teeth back. This is usually done with braces on the upper front teeth as well. This treatment typically takes 10-12 months and requires a second, full set of braces when the child is older (11-13).

The other time we will use a headgear is the opposite problem - an underbite. It is also worn about the same age (7-9 years old)... and also just at night time. This headgear is called a reverse-pull headgear, or facemask - and it looks a little scarier. It is actually the most comfortable headgear to wear. It rests on the chin and forehead and gently pulls the upper jaw and upper teeth forward, while holding the lower jaw back. This can be a very effective way of correcting an underbite, and can help prevent the bite from getting so severe that it requires a surgery to correct. It is also worn for a period of about one year and requires a second full set of braces when the child is older.