Headgear creates the gentle pressure needed to move teeth into their proper places. This appliance rests partly outside the mouth to guide the growth of the face and jaw. Our doctors provide these special tools when braces alone cannot fully correct a bite or improve jaw alignment. Explore our treatment hub to see how we use various tools to help you. Our team works to tailor a program that meets your unique needs. We enable you to achieve a beautiful and healthy smile.
Orthodontic Headgear Basics
Sometimes teeth require extra support to reach the ideal position. Headgear helps manage growth issues in the jaws during early treatment or adolescent treatment. It can also help during adult treatment to maintain correct tooth spacing. We guide you through every step of this process. You will learn exactly how to wear and care for your appliance. Success depends on your commitment to the plan we craft together.
Common Headgear Styles
One frequent choice is cervical pull headgear. It uses a U-shaped wire that connects to your back teeth and a strap around the neck. High-pull headgear is similar but features a strap that rests over the head. These tools often help correct a large overbite. They hold back the upper jaw so the rest of the mouth can align correctly. Most patients wear these styles for 12 to 14 hours each day.
Another option is the facemask or reverse-pull headgear. This tool usually corrects an underbite. It gently moves the upper jaw forward to match the lower jaw. The frame rests on the forehead and chin while elastics connect to the braces. You might wear this for 14 to 16 hours daily to inspire the best results.
Your Role in Orthodontic Treatment
You are a vital member of our team. Following the wearing schedule is the most important part of your care. Missing even one night can slow your progress significantly. If you miss time at night, you must make it up during the day. Consistent wear ensures your teeth and jaws move as planned.
New appliances often cause minor discomfort at first. This feeling usually fades within a few days if you wear the headgear faithfully. You may choose a soft diet from our list of foods to avoid to stay comfortable. Some soreness in the back teeth is a normal sign that the tool is working. Contact us if you experience sharp pain or if a band feels loose. We are always here to help with orthodontic emergencies.
Care and safety
Proper cleaning keeps your appliance working efficiently. We will show you how to put the headgear on safely during your first visit. Always bring your headgear to every appointment. Take it off before playing sports or during rough play. This protects both the appliance and your smile. We believe a healthy smile brings confidence for a lifetime. Our staff is ready to provide the support you need to succeed.
Request an AppointmentOrthodontic Headgear Reviews
Last March the decision was made to get braces as an adult. My evaluation/introduction meeting went so much better than I expected. Dr. Mack listened to me, applied thoughtful consideration, and developed a compromise from what I wanted to what would work best for me for the best possible outcome. I really feel that Dr. Mack was genuinely looking out for my best interest, even if I didn’t know exactly what that was. I trusted him wholeheartedly. The day my braces were placed on, could have been awkward for an adult but the entire staff treated me like a person, not an older person, just a person. Every step of the process from pictures to the application I was well informed and no surprises. Next is the continuing care, each appointment I am never left waiting in the waiting room. I typically schedule my appointments in the Eldridge office and always have found a time that works for me. During the my visits, the staff is very professional and friendly. They seem to genuinely care about me not just as a patient but as a person. I have had to phone into the office for follow up questions, and everyone is able to help me, I am not kept on hold and my questions were answered quickly, patiently, and professionally, never rushed. I am almost through my time with Dr. Mack but I certainly would recommend him and his staff in the event you need Orthodontic care. Never once have I felt like just a number, I have always felt like a welcomed and valued patient. My experience was one that was very positive and if I had to do it again, I would chose Mack Orthodontics, Dr. Mack, and his staff all over again!
First experience at Mack Orthodontics was great! From the moment we walked into the door we were greeted with a warm welcome and a smiling face. Dr Mack himself is amazing and answered all of our questions. Definitely recommend this office to anyone looking for a beautiful smile.
Dr. Mack and his entire team are absolutely incredible! My son got his expander earlier this year and recently just got his braces. From the first consultation, Dr. Mack has been wonderful to work with - he is always so kind and informs us of what the next steps are so we know what to expect. He even checked in on my son the day after he got his braces to make sure he was doing well! Everyone in the office is so pleasant to work with. Mack Orthodontics is hands down the best ortho office in the QC!
Great experience at Mack Orthodontics! I felt like the team listened to and addressed my concerns, and explained things well. I am so happy with how my smile looks and how much better my bite feels. Highly recommend.
Dr. Mack is one of a kind! He cares about his patients and makes sure everything is going well with your braces.His crew are just as friendly and concerned on how your progress is coming.If and when you need braces, Mack Orthodontics is a phenomenal place to get your teeth straightened!!!
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