Headgear braces are one of the most important tools your orthodontist will provide to help you achieve and maintain your beautiful, healthy smile . But what are headgear braces and what do they do? Read on to learn about the benefits of headgear braces and how they can help you become that dashing, confident person you’ve always wanted to be.
Types of Orthodontic Headgear
Typically, orthodontic headgear is worn at night while sleeping, but there are some instances where it may be worn during the day. Abrasion: The type of orthodontic headgear that’s used most often with children and teenagers is called an abrasion appliance. It creates a gap in your upper front teeth by pushing them together. You wear it at night only while you sleep. According to WebMD, most people who have an abrasion appliance get used to wearing it within a week or two as long as they don’t have braces already placed on their teeth. If you wear retainers after having your braces removed, talk with your dentist about whether he recommends wearing an abrasion appliance for support.
How Do I Know If I Need Them?
Braces are typically used for correcting crooked teeth and can be made of a variety of materials, including metal or clear plastic. If your orthodontist has recommended that you wear headgear with your braces, it’s not simply for decorative purposes. In fact, there are a number of reasons why your dentist might prescribe these accessories: 1) If You Have Discomfort from Your Braces 2) If Your Teeth Aren’t Moving as Fast as Expected 3) For Added Stability 4) To Prevent Bruxism (Jaw Clenching and Grinding). Headgears are often necessary when dealing with major tooth alignments.
Can I Get Braces Without Headgear?
Is it possible? No, it is not. Since headgear braces are required for treatment, if your orthodontist says that he/she will use them in your case, then brace with them. It does not mean that you cannot get traditional metal or clear plastic aligners instead of an appliance that requires a doctor’s prescription. But remember – your teeth would be moved without any permanent force with these tools; an effect achieved by other methods like rubber bands should wear off within several days and to be honest, most patients prefer a doctor-prescribed appliance as they have no side effects of their own.
Is Headgear Braces Right For Me?
One of the most important things to consider before getting headgear is whether or not it’s right for you. While headgear and braces in general may be painful, they aren’t typically uncomfortable. Headgear specifically is designed to support your teeth while they move into their correct position, so it won’t dig into your gums or leave any marks on your skin. If something hurts, let your orthodontist know right away because something could potentially be wrong with your treatment plan.
10 Things to Consider Before Getting Orthodontic Headgear
1. Headgear and orthodontic treatment aren’t a sure thing. While it is true that certain types of malocclusions are considered headgear candidates, not all malocclusions can be treated with orthodontic headgear alone. In fact, some patients require additional orthodontic treatments, such as Invisalign or even traditional braces, in order to correct their malocclusion adequately.
The Advantages Of Having Headgear With Your Braces
Have your teeth gone all wonky? If so, then a mouth full of headgear braces is probably looking pretty attractive right now. Having these hardware devices on your teeth means that any further relapse into bad dental hygiene could result in costly dental surgery rather than an afternoon at home with a toothbrush and paste. But it’s also important to know that while they may be necessary, modern day medical equipment comes in many forms; and not all of them are created equal. On top of price considerations, different types of headgear have different levels of effectiveness too – which is why it pays to consider all of your options before making a final decision.
Tips for Wearing Headgear
In most cases, once you get past that initial week or two, your child shouldn’t have any problems adjusting to wearing their headgear. However, there are a few things that can help minimize some of that discomfort and make wearing their brace more comfortable and hassle-free: First off, make sure they have several elastic bands available in case they lose one while out running around. Second, it might also be a good idea for them to keep their hair tied back with a rubber band or even held up in a bun—many kids will find it much easier (and less annoying) if their hair isn’t constantly falling into their face.
5 Awesome Ways to Style with Headgear
Headgear is often thought of as something that should be worn at night and only by people who are having a lot of pain. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Headgear can actually give your smile an awesome style makeover that’s made for social media—and daily life. After all, just because your mouth is forced into a straight line for hours at a time doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look fabulous. Here are five ways stylish patients rock their headgear