Headgear

Instructions and what to expect with your child’s orthodontic headgear.

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What Is Headgear?

  • Orthodontic appliance used to guide jaw growth and tooth movement
  • Applies controlled force to the upper molars and jaw
  • Helps correct bite discrepancies not addressed by braces or aligners alone
  • Most effective during active growth phases

Why & When Headgear Is Used

  • Corrects overbite (Class II malocclusion)
  • Guides upper jaw growth and/or restrains forward maxillary development
  • Creates space and improves alignment
  • May reduce need for extractions or jaw surgery
  • Improves facial balance and bite function
  • Typically used during childhood and early adolescence
  • Timing is coordinated with periods of active growth

Types of Headgear

  • Different types are used based on skeletal pattern and treatment goals
  • May include neck (cervical) or head (high-pull/occipital) straps with different directions of force

Wear Instructions (CRITICAL)

  • Wear 12–14 hours per day minimum
  • Typical schedule: after school until the next morning before school
  • Wear 14+ hours per day on weekends
  • Nighttime-only wear is NOT sufficient
  • Consistent daily wear is essential — missed hours delay treatment progress

Parent Supervision (ESSENTIAL)

  • Parents/guardians must monitor and ensure daily wear compliance
  • Do not rely on the child to self-manage this appliance
  • Establish a consistent daily routine (after school → bedtime → overnight → morning removal)
  • Track wear time if needed to meet the 12–14+ hour goal
  • Lack of supervision commonly leads to delayed or unsuccessful treatment

Force and Adjustments

  • Force levels are precisely controlled and adjusted by the orthodontist
  • Do not attempt to adjust, tighten, or modify the appliance at home

What to Expect

  • Pressure or pulling sensation on the teeth and jaw, especially when starting wear
  • Mild soreness of the teeth or jaw during initial weeks
  • Neck or head strap discomfort depending on the type of headgear
  • Possible skin irritation where straps contact the neck or head
  • Temporary disruption of sleep as the patient adjusts
  • Minimal speech impact, though it may feel awkward at first

Compliance Matters

  • Headgear only works when it is worn exactly as prescribed
  • Inconsistent wear will delay or compromise results
  • Poor compliance may lead to longer treatment time and less ideal outcomes
  • Consistent wear may reduce the need for more complex treatment later

Care Instructions

  • Keep the appliance clean and dry when not in use
  • Wipe the facebow and straps regularly
  • Store in a safe place when not worn
  • Do not bend or alter the facebow

Safety Guidelines

  • Always remove headgear before sports or physical activity
  • Do not wear while running, playing, or roughhousing
  • Avoid pulling on the facebow or straps
  • Insert and remove carefully to avoid injury

If Something Goes Wrong (Emergency Instructions)

  • Contact the office immediately if the facebow becomes bent or distorted
  • If the appliance does not fit properly or feels different
  • If bands on the teeth feel loose
  • If straps break or lose tension
  • If significant or worsening pain occurs
  • If the appliance causes injury to cheeks, lips, or face
  • If the headgear is damaged or lost
  • Do not attempt to fix or adjust the appliance yourself
  • Office: Smiling Kidds Dentistry — (904) 751-1274 — 3615 Dupont Ave, Ste #200, Jacksonville, FL 32217
  • Use the custom QR code provided at delivery for after-hours or emergency contact

Questions About Your Child's Appliance?

If you have any questions or concerns about your child's orthodontic appliance, our team is here to help. Call our Dupont office and we'll walk you through it.

Request Appointment
Dupont: 904-751-1274

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