ORTHODONTIC HEADGEAR

Headgear....some people cringe when they hear that word.  Images of scary movies like Little Shop of Horrors or funny music videos like Katy Perry's come to mind.  Whatever image comes to your mind rest assured that you are not the only one.

Sometimes braces alone aren't enough to correct your bite so headgear is used to correct a severe malocclusion (or bite).  

There are 3 major types of headgear used by Suter Orthodontics:

• High Pull headgear
• Cervical headgear
• Reverse Pull headgear

Each type of headgear will help correct the position of the teeth and helps guide the growth of the facial structures.  In other words, headgear corrects jaw position if either the lower or upper jaw is too far forward or too far back.  Dr. Suter will determine which headgear is right for you.  Once you are given your headgear Dr. Scott Suter will instruct you on how to wear it and how many hours a day it should be worn.  Typically it is around 12 hours a day.  Also headgear does not have to be worn during school hours.  And that's a good thing!  It should only be worn during quiet times and never worn during sports or any other physical activity.  

Be sure to bring your headgear to each appointment so Dr. Suter can check and adjust it as needed.  The biggest factor for success is you.  When worn as instructed your treatment will go as scheduled and your braces will come off as planned.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call us: