HEADGEAR

HEADGEAR

WHAT IS HEAD GEAR?

• The orthodontic or orthopaedic appliance which deliver force intraorally or to the chin from a cranial extra- oral support.

• Used to correct bite and support proper jaw alignment and growth. There are several types. Headgear is typically recommended for children whose jaw bones are still growing. Unlike braces, headgear is worn partially outside of the mouth.

TYPES OF HEAD GEAR

• Cervical head gear•Occipital head gear

• High pull head gear

• Combination head gear

PRINCIPLES OF USE OF HEAD GEAR

• Head gear have the ability to move the dentition and the maxilla in all 3 planes of space. The following factors should be considered when planning the use of head gear.

USES OF HEADGEAR

1. To restrain the forward and downward growth of the maxilla and re-directioning maxillary growth.
2. Molar distalization: Headgear may be used to distalize the maxillary molar to correct the Class II molar relationship or to gain space for relief of crowding.
3. Headgears can be used to reinforce molar anchorage in high anchorage cases. Headgears should be worn for at least 10 hr/ day with a minimum force of 300 gm per side.
4. Headgear is an effective means of maintaining arch length by preventing mesial migration of molars.
5. Molar rotation can also be brought about with the inner bow of the headgear.