Does your child need to wear a headgear to fix their teeth? Let's learn about Orthodontic Headgear!

Is your child's upper teeth protruding too far? Or do the lower teeth protrude more than the upper teeth when the mouth is closed? For problems with the position of teeth and jaws like this, dental specialists sometimes recommend the use of a headgear. Some parents get a little scared when they hear this name, thinking that it will be difficult for the child or that other children will make fun of them. But don't be afraid. Let's talk about this clearly and simply today.

What exactly is Orthodontic Headgear?

Simply put, this is a device that helps your child's teeth and jaws to be in the correct position. Doctors call this 'malocclusion' or "misalignment of teeth". In this condition, the upper and lower teeth do not fit together properly when the mouth is closed. If this persists for a long time, problems can arise with the teeth and jaw. It can make it difficult to speak and even eat. Also, this may make the child a little hesitant to smile.

Orthodontic headgear works by applying very gentle, continuous pressure to a child's teeth and jaws. Since children's jaw bones are still developing, this pressure helps them grow in the correct direction and position.

This device is typically used in situations like these:

• Overjet ("Buck teeth"): This is when the front teeth of the upper jaw protrude much further than the front teeth of the lower jaw. We call this "bunny teeth".
• Overbite: When the mouth is closed, the upper set of teeth overlap the lower set of teeth too much.
• Underbite: This is when the teeth on the lower jaw are positioned further forward than the teeth on the upper jaw.

What are the main types of headgear?

The type of headgear used varies depending on the child's dental problem. Sometimes these may need to be used with or without braces. Let's take a look at the main types.

Do children still use headgear these days?

In fact, headgear is used less often now than it used to be. This is because alternative treatments have become available. For example, there are now clear aligners that are made of plastic and placed on the teeth, or Herbst devices that are placed inside the mouth. These are more popular with children because they are not visible from the outside.

What to expect during treatment?

On the first day, the doctor will adjust the headgear to fit your child perfectly. He will also explain how many hours a day you should wear it and how to keep it clean. After that, you will have to go to the clinic on scheduled days to check the changes in your child's teeth and jaw. Each time, the doctor will adjust the pressure of the headgear a little.

The most important thing is to wear this for the hours the doctor says, and not to miss a single day. Missing even one day can set back the progress of the treatment.

For the safety of the child and the device, headgear should be removed during these times:

• When eating.
• When drinking anything other than water (no problem if you drink through a straw).
• When playing, running, jumping, or doing any activity that involves the risk of falling or getting injured.

Although it is possible to brush your teeth while wearing the headgear, many children find it easier to brush their teeth without it.

How long will the child have to wear this?

Most often, the braces are worn for 12 to 14 hours a day. The total treatment period can be as short as 6 months for some children, or as long as several years for others. This depends on the condition of the child's teeth and how long and consistently they are worn.

To be honest, getting a child to like this can be a bit of a challenge. The child may feel embarrassed to wear something like this in public. They may also be afraid that other children will make fun of them.

To make this easier for the child, the doctor may tell you to wear it for only a few hours in the first few days and then gradually increase the time. It may be a great help if you tell them to wear it not during school hours, but when they get home and wear it until they go to bed at night and all the time they sleep . This is because children's bones grow the most during sleep at night.

Are there any side effects? Will the baby feel pain?

Headgear is a very safe and effective treatment method. However, sometimes the child may feel a little uncomfortable.

For example, it is normal to feel a little soreness and aching in your teeth and jaw in the first few days of treatment. Even as your jawbone and teeth settle into their proper position, you may still feel some soreness and a slight loosening of your teeth. This is normal.

You can do these things to reduce this pain:

• Place an ice pack on the painful jaw area.
• Give your child soft foods like porridge, yogurt, and ice cream until the pain subsides.
• Ask your doctor to give you a safe painkiller for your child.

Also, tell the child that this pain is not always there, that it will subside in a few days, and that this treatment does not have to be done forever.

What can I do as a parent to make this time easier for my child?

The best thing you can do as a parent is to understand your child's feelings about wearing the headgear. Let them know, "I understand you don't want to wear this." But remind them, "If we wear this every day, we can take it off quickly."

You can try these things to make this experience easier for your child:

• If possible, schedule the first appointment on a Friday. The child may not be in a good mood after the first headgear is put on. Since there is no school the next day, they will have some time to get used to it.
• Plan fun activities that you can do at home. You can't run around and play with the headgear on. But you want him to feel like he can still have fun. Introduce him to things like playing board games, watching a movie together, and reading books.
• Keep tasty, soft foods nearby. It's good to have things like ice cream, smoothies, rice pudding, and porridge readily available for days when your child's mouth hurts.
• Help your baby sleep well. It may be difficult to sleep with the headgear on in the early days. If your baby is a stomach sleeper, he or she will need to get used to sleeping on his or her back. Getting a pillow that provides good neck support and is comfortable to sleep on will help with this.

What time should I call the doctor?

If a piece of the headgear breaks, comes loose, or if your child experiences unbearable pain or discomfort , contact your doctor immediately. It is essential that this device is always in good working order and fits your child perfectly to ensure proper alignment of your child's teeth.

orthodontic headgear, teeth alignment, overjet, underbite, pediatric dental health, dental braces, jaw thrust