Orthodontic Headgear

Orthodontic Headgear at Hubbard Orthodontics

Orthodontic headgear is a crucial component in treating certain dental and facial irregularities. It is specifically designed to control the growth of the jaw and face, ensuring proper alignment and balance. Headgear is often used to correct overbites and underbites, guide jaw growth, and ensure that teeth are properly aligned.

Some patients require orthodontic headgear for several key reasons, primarily related to more complex orthodontic issues that braces alone cannot fully address. Here’s why orthodontic headgear might be necessary:

To Control Jaw Growth
Orthodontic headgear is particularly effective in modifying the growth of the jaw in children and adolescents. By exerting pressure externally, headgear can influence the direction and speed of jaw growth and the development of the face. This is crucial in cases where the upper and lower jaws are not growing in harmony, such as in overbites or underbites.
To Correct Bite Problems
Headgear can be essential in correcting severe bite problems. For instance, an overbite where the upper teeth are too far forward over the lower teeth, or an underbite where the lower teeth protrude past the upper teeth. Headgear helps to align the jaws properly by adjusting the position of the teeth and jaw.
To Move Teeth into Better Positions
In some orthodontic cases, additional space may be needed to move teeth into their correct positions. Headgear can create this space by moving the back teeth further back into the mouth, which helps in aligning the front teeth and correcting crowding without the need for tooth extraction.

To Prevent Tooth Movement
Headgear is sometimes used to hold certain teeth in place while other teeth are moved. This selective stabilization is important in comprehensive orthodontic treatment plans where controlling the movement of multiple teeth independently is necessary to achieve the desired outcome.
To Enhance the Effects of Braces
For patients with braces, headgear can enhance the corrective effects by providing additional force. This can be particularly beneficial in complex cases where the braces alone are insufficient to correct the alignment due to the severity of tooth and jaw misalignment.

Orthodontic headgear is often used as part of an early intervention strategy, particularly effective for young patients whose jaw bones are still growing. Early use of headgear can often prevent more severe orthodontic problems later in life, potentially reducing the need for more invasive procedures, such as surgical interventions.

Ultimately, the use of orthodontic headgear is determined by specific orthodontic needs, and it can be a crucial component for achieving optimal results in complex cases.

Using Your Headgear

Consistency is Key: Wearing your headgear as instructed is crucial. Continuous use as directed by Dr. Hubbard ensures the best results and a shorter treatment time.
Safety First:
- Always disconnect the straps before removing the headgear.
- Avoid lifting the headgear over your face.
- Do not wear headgear during physical activities or sports to prevent injury.
Care and Maintenance:
- Bring your headgear to every appointment.
- Follow specific cleaning instructions provided by Dr. Hubbard if your headgear becomes soiled.
Managing Discomfort:
- Initial tenderness is normal and usually subsides after a few days as your body adjusts to the headgear.
- Contact Dr. Hubbard if discomfort persists beyond a few days.

What to Expect During Treatment

Initial Adjustment: It's normal to feel some discomfort as you begin wearing your headgear. This will lessen as you adjust to the pressures.
Regular Monitoring: Regular visits to Hubbard Orthodontics are necessary to adjust your headgear and monitor your progress.
Duration of Use: The length of time you need to wear headgear varies based on your specific treatment plan. Dr. Hubbard will provide you with a detailed timeline.

Following the instructions for your headgear use is essential for successful treatment. Compliance will help you complete your orthodontic journey as planned, without unnecessary modifications.

Schedule Your Consultation

Interested in learning more about orthodontic headgear and whether it is the right solution for you or your child? Schedule a consultation at Hubbard Orthodontics today. Dr. Hubbard and our team are dedicated to providing personalized care and detailed information to help you make the best decision for your orthodontic needs.

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Benefits of Using Orthodontic Headgear at Hubbard Orthodontics

Effective Jaw Correction

Orthodontic headgear is pivotal in managing significant jaw growth discrepancies. At Hubbard Orthodontics, we utilize headgear to effectively guide the development of the face and jaws, ensuring proper alignment and function, particularly in younger patients who are still growing.

Personalized Treatment Approach

Understanding that each case is unique, Dr. Hubbard crafts personalized headgear applications tailored to each patient’s specific needs. This custom approach ensures that the headgear works effectively within the broader treatment plan, optimizing outcomes and minimizing discomfort.

Better Treatment Outcomes

Headgear can make a critical difference in complex orthodontic cases. By providing additional forces, headgear helps move teeth into their correct positions more efficiently and can prevent the need for more invasive treatments later on. This leads to better long-term stability and satisfaction with the final results.

Dedicated Support and Guidance

Wearing orthodontic headgear can be a significant adjustment. Our team at Hubbard Orthodontics is committed to supporting our patients throughout this phase. We provide thorough instructions on use and care, monitor progress closely during regular check-ups, and are always available to answer any questions and manage any concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions about Orthodontic Headgear

Most people looking into orthodontic headgear seriously for the first time have questions. Here, we hope we have answered many of the most common questions we get from patients. However, if you have more questions, please schedule an appointment or at least give us a call so we can help answer anything else during your appointment.

Orthodontic headgear is a type of orthodontic appliance used to correct severe bite problems and guide the growth of the face and jaw. It typically includes straps or bands that are worn around the head or neck and attach to the braces, exerting additional force to move the teeth and jaws.

Headgear is often recommended to correct significant dental issues that cannot be addressed by braces alone. It is particularly effective in controlling jaw growth, correcting severe bite discrepancies, moving teeth into better positions, and stabilizing certain teeth while others move.

You may experience some discomfort when you first begin wearing headgear, as your mouth adjusts to the pressure. However, this discomfort is typically mild and temporary. It's important to follow all usage instructions carefully to minimize discomfort and ensure effective treatment.

The amount of time headgear needs to be worn each day can vary depending on your specific treatment plan. Generally, Dr. Hubbard might recommend wearing it for 12 to 14 hours each day. It's usually more convenient to wear the headgear during the evening and night.

Orthodontic headgear should not be worn during sports or physical activities due to the risk of injury. Depending on your individual needs, you may be advised to wear your headgear after school and during the night to meet your daily wear requirements.

Keep your headgear clean by wiping the facebow with a damp cloth. Store it in a safe place when not in use to avoid damage. Do not expose it to extreme temperatures, as this could warp the metal or plastic components.

Not wearing your headgear as recommended can significantly extend your treatment time and may lead to unsatisfactory results. Consistent wear is crucial to achieve the desired effect and keep your treatment plan on track.

While headgear does require some adjustments to your daily routine, most patients adapt quickly. You may need to modify how you sleep and ensure you schedule your wear around your daily activities to meet the required number of hours.

Orthodontic Headgear