Wearing / Caring for Your Braces

Headgear Wear

Headgear treatment is used for patients where the upper teeth or jaw are too far forward. Because the headgear tends to retard or hold back the upper jaw in its forward growth, it allows the lower jaw to catch up simply by developing at its natural rate during the period of active facial growth.

For patients who are not growing, the headgear is used to help hold the molars back as the front teeth are being pulled back.

Please read the following instructions for wear of your headgear.

Headgear Instructions

You have now been fitted with your headgear, and this step begins an important part of your treatment. The headgear should be worn faithfully as instructed in order that we might achieve maximum correction of your teeth. Here is some information regarding your headgear:

  1. When placing or removing the facebow (the wire part) use patience and gentle force. This will prevent loosening the cement and the band that is attached to your teeth.
  2. Wear the headgear fourteen hours during each twenty four hour day unless you have been told otherwise. Wear the headgear all night and every night! If you must miss a night, you will be expected to make up those hours on the weekend.
  3. Some temporary discomfort may be experienced during the first night or two. Molar teeth may become tender and even a little loose. Falling asleep may be difficult, so take two aspirin if you wish. Teeth will also be sore for a few minutes after removing the headgear in the morning.
  4. Do not wear your headgear while engaging in "rough-housing" or active sports. Serious damage could result in your face and jaw.
  5. Bring your headgear to every appointment, even emergency appointments, so that it can be adjusted.
  6. Use the case provided to store your headgear and bring it to our office.
  7. Please write your name, address, and phone number on your case so that it can be returned to you if lost.
  8. The headgear straps are fitted at first with very light forces. If it is too loose and comes off, you may tighten it by wearing the strap on the righter notch.