Usefulness of Orthodontic Headgear Appliance

Orthodontic Headgear is also known as orthodontic appliance that is attached to palatal expander or dental braces, its basic use is correcting severe bite problem. Main function of this head gear is to hold the growth of upper jaw which as a result provides enough space for lower jaw for its growth which is also known as anteroposterior discrepancy.

In headgear face bows or metals are used to attach it with braces that are anchored at the back of the neck or at the neck with the use of straps or head-caps. Not only is this but this application can also be used with elastic bands which becomes useful to provide pressure to hold the growth of upper teeth.

Different forms of headgear that are used as application are discussed below:

But this treatment includes some kind of attention and consideration which are discussed below:

• Patient must wear orthodontic headgear application for 12-16 hours in a day.


• In the beginning it may create problem while using this application due to that patient may feel temporary phenomena like tenderness and swelling but it will be reduced after regular use.


• It is important to wear the mask as instructed otherwise it may result in improper treatment or patient may have to wear it for longer period of time than actually prescribed.


• Headgear should be removed carefully; it should be lifted over the face to take it off.


• Patient must not wear at the time of playing any rough game.


• Special precaution is necessary as such it must not be pulled or grabbed by anyone.


• It is necessary to clean the headgear properly as instructed, and should be taken with the patient in every appointment with the dentist.

Orthodontic Headgear treatment is expensive and due to this reason is not affordable by middle class family. Therefore in this condition it is necessary to opt for Orthodontic insurance plan, as such it covers up to 50 percent of the total cost of braces and other orthodontic procedures.