Why headgear?
Headgear is used to apply force in order to align your top jaw with your lower jaw. Headgear also achieves a better fit between the upper and lower teeth by moving the upper teeth back. It is composed of a metal facebow and an elastic neck strap, which transfers the force to the facebow.
Dr. Igel might prescribe wearing headgear as part of your orthodontic treatment in order to align your top jaw with your lower jaw.
Dr. Igel recommends that you wear your headgear 12-14 hours each night in order for it to work properly. The headgear should be worn continuously and mainly at night. The number of months we recommend wearing the headgear depends on the severity of the problem. If the patient is compliant and wears the headgear as instructed, the number of days and hours of wear may be reduced. It is important that you wear your headgear each day to avoid any delays. Inconsistent headgear wear is like not wearing headgear at all. Each day you miss wearing your headgear is the equivalent of four days of delayed growth.
It is normal for your neck and teeth to be sore the first few days of wearing the headgear. There will be a break-in period for the first few days. Do not stop wearing your headgear. As you get used to your headgear by wearing it for short periods of time, you may notice that your teeth are not as sore as they were at first.
A few notes about your headgear:
- Bring your headgear to each appointment so it can be adjusted.
- Do not wear your headgear while playing sports. It can be accidently pulled out, causing injury to your face and teeth.
- Keep the neck pad clean – wash it in mild detergent.
- Do not adjust your headgear yourself.
- Call our office if you have trouble fitting your headgear
How to put on your headgear
It is important to remember that the loops on the stainless steel part of your headgear, also known as the facebow, need to point upwards. First, slide one side into the molar tube and then the other. Hook up your strap to the mark as directed by Dr. Igel while holding the facebow in your hand.
How to remove your headgear
When removing the facebow, please remember not to pull both sides out at once – it will bend the facebow and make it difficult to put back on. Also remember not to move the facebow up and down when removing it as this will loosen the bands. Should a band become loose, please call our office to schedule a repair.
Wearing your headgear
Dr. Igel recommends that you wear your headgear 14 hours each day in order for it to work properly.
Headgear Guidelines
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