What is an orthodontic headgear and what is its application in the treatment of deformities

**Orthodontic head brace** is one of the important and specialized tools in the treatment of jaw and dental abnormalities, which plays a key role in correcting the growth of the jaw and regularizing the position of the teeth. Many parents and patients may be worried or confused when they hear the name "dental brace", but this device can prevent more complicated treatments in the future with timely intervention. In this article, we explain what an orthodontic headgear is, what are its types, and what abnormalities it is used to treat. If you or your child is a candidate for using a maxillary head brace, you can make a more informed decision by reading this article. What is an orthodontic headgear device? Dental headgear is a type of extra-oral orthodontic device that is used to correct jaw abnormalities and regulate the growth of the upper jaw bone. This orthodontic auxiliary tool consists of bands that are tied around the head or back of the neck and by connecting to special brackets, they apply gentle force to the teeth and jaw. The main purpose of using an orthodontic headgear is to apply controlled pressure to the upper jaw and teeth in order to properly guide the growth of the jaw and prevent its excessive growth. Headrests can be fixed or movable. In fact, the use of dental headgear is a solution to retract the upper jaw with orthodontics or to help the lower jaw to come forward. In addition to treating skeletal abnormalities and correcting the growth pattern of the jaws, this device also has a significant effect on removing excessive crowding and overcrowding of teeth. The use of orthodontic appliances, including headgear, should be done under the supervision of an orthodontic specialist, at the right time and with careful planning, in order to obtain desirable and long-lasting results. Jaw abnormalities treated with orthodontic braces Orthodontic headgear is a specialized tool and is used in cases where jaw abnormalities cannot be corrected with intraoral treatments or there is a need to control bone growth. Timely diagnosis and correct use of headgear can prevent serious problems and the need for complex treatments in the future. The types of jaw and dental abnormalities that can be treated with upper jaw braces are: ### Overjet In people with overjet teeth, that is, the front teeth of their upper jaw are unnaturally placed in front of the lower teeth, the headgear can correct the position of the teeth and upper jaw by applying controlled force. ### overbyte In cases where the overbite abnormality causes the maxillary teeth to cover the lower teeth more than normal, the dental headgear helps to reduce the pressure and adjust the height of the jaw. ### underbyte In people whose lower jaw is placed ahead of the upper jaw due to underbite, using a headgear can inhibit the growth of the lower jaw or stimulate the growth of the upper jaw so that the growth of the jaws becomes normal. ### crossbyte In the crossbite malformation, the upper and lower teeth are not properly aligned and do not sit correctly on each other. In this situation, timely and appropriate use of headgear can balance the growth of two jaws. ### Openbyte In open bite jaw disorder, the front teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed. Children's orthodontics can help close the gap between the two jaws by changing the growth pattern of the upper jaw using the headgear tool. ### correction of jaw deviation In cases where the upper or lower jaw is deviated laterally, the dental headgear plays an important role in guiding the growth of the jaws in the correct direction. ### Confirmation of children's orthodontic results Another application of the orthodontic headgear is to maintain the corrected position of the jaw and teeth and stabilize the orthodontic results in children and adolescents after the treatment period. types of orthodontic headgear Orthodontic headgears are designed in different models, and the orthodontist uses the best headgear model for each patient according to the type of jaw deformity and the direction of applying force. The difference between these tools is in the place of support, the way they are connected and their effect on the jaw and teeth. If you are still not familiar with the basic concepts of orthodontic treatment, we suggest that you first read the article What is orthodontics in order to have a clearer understanding of the use of these types of tools. ### Cervical Pull Headgear The neck headgear is the most common type of headgear, which, by connecting the strap to the back of the neck, applies a force backwards and downwards to the upper jaw and teeth. This type of headgear is usually used to treat overjet and reduce excessive growth of the upper jaw or retract the front teeth, especially in cases where the lower jaw is further back than the upper jaw. ### Occipital Pull Headgear In this model, the straps are attached to the back of the head and create a vertical and backward force. This type is prescribed for patients whose vertical growth of the upper jaw is more than normal. This headgear is also used for people whose jaw and gums are high. ### Combination Headgear This model is a combination of neck and back headgear and applies force from two directions at the same time. In cases where the deformity of the upper jaw is more complicated, this type of headgear is chosen. ### Chin Cup Orthodontics A chin brace is used to limit the growth of the lower jaw in patients with underbite. This model puts gentle pressure on the chin area to control the growth of the lower jaw. ### Headgear Facemask (Facemask) Facemask is a kind of mobile orthodontic device that is used to move the upper jaw forward in case of receding upper jaw. Orthodontic face mask is mostly used at a young age and helps prevent severe deformities. The best age to use orthodontic headgear The best age and golden period for diagnosing and correcting all kinds of jaw and teeth abnormalities with the help of **orthodontic braces** is between 7 and 12 years old. Of course, there is an opportunity to start orthodontic treatment before puberty (18 years old) and skeletal development. Because during childhood and adolescence when the jaws are still growing, it is possible to comfortably control and correct the jaw bone growth with the help of orthodontic headgear. After this age, especially in adulthood, the effectiveness of the headgear becomes much less and more complex treatments such as jaw surgery may be required. Important points of using orthodontic headgear In order for the treatment of jaw and dental abnormalities to proceed effectively with an orthodontic headgear, it is necessary to consider the following points and precautions regarding the use and maintenance of the device: - Duration of use: a person should use the headgear for 12 to 14 hours a day. This period is usually the time after dinner until waking up in the morning. In some cases and according to the orthodontist's recommendation, it is necessary to use a headgear for 22 hours a day. - How to use: the orthodontic specialist will teach you how to use the headgear and how to put and remove it, proceed exactly according to the instructions, remove the headgear tape before the facial arch and never try to put on or remove the headgear by pulling it from the top of the head or face. - Eating and drinking: To eat and chew, you must remove the dental headgear from the mouth. But you can use a straw to drink liquids, and you don't need to remove the upper jaw cap. - Oral hygiene: pay attention to oral hygiene while using a dental brace because using a brace increases the possibility of plaque accumulation. To brush your teeth, remove the headgear and brush with fluoride toothpaste. Use mouthwash to further protect your teeth. - Cleaning the device: To prevent the accumulation of dirt and grime and creating an unpleasant smell, you must clean the bands and metal parts of the device regularly. - Caring for the device: Avoid putting extra pressure on the device and when you are not using the headset, put it in a special box or bag so that it is not damaged or contaminated. - Removing the device during exercise: before exercising and performing heavy physical activities, remove the orthodontic headgear from the mouth. - Regular follow-up: To check the progress of the treatment, visit the orthodontist at regular intervals and discuss any discomfort or problem with your doctor. How much does an orthodontic headgear cost? The cost of orthodontic treatment with headgear varies depending on the type of jaw deformity, duration of treatment and the type of headgear used. This cost usually includes the construction and adjustment of the device, periodical visits and specialized follow-ups. In Dr. Qureshi's clinic, the cost of orthodontic headgear starts from 50 million tomans. In order to accurately estimate the price of dental orthodontics, it is necessary to carefully check the condition of the patient's jaw and teeth by an orthodontist. Orthodontic consultation for the use of orthodontic headgear Using an orthodontic brace to correct jaw disorders and dental problems requires accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and regular supervision by an orthodontic specialist. The choice of the type of headgear, the time to start the treatment and the duration of use should all be determined according to the specific conditions of each patient. If your child is of developmental age and has symptoms of a jaw abnormality, early consultation can prevent future complex treatments. In the specialized clinic of Dr. Saeed Qureshi, the best orthodontic specialist in Tehran, using experience, modern knowledge and modern equipment, the best treatment option is offered to you to improve the condition of your jaw and teeth. Call the clinic to schedule a consultation.