If you have seen a person with headgear braces before, you must have concluded that he or she looks weird. While that may be true, this person has a specific purpose of wearing the braces, which is to improve the appearance of his or her teeth. Headgear braces can be used to correct different teeth problems like jaw alignment. In some situations, they are used where it is impossible to make teeth corrections with other dental tools like wires, brackets and retainers.

Features of A Person That Needs Headgear Braces

Whether you need headgear braces depends on the alignment of your jaws; headgear braces are recommended if the alignment of the upper and lower jaws is more uneven than what is considered normal. An orthodontist checks the alignment of your jaws using digital imaging and clinical diagnosis to determine if you are a candidate of headgear braces. Headgear braces are also worn by people who have issues with their molars; in most scenarios, their molars are congested in one area of the mouth. If you have issues with your molars or the alignment of your jaws, then you may need to wear headgear braces to correct your condition.

Types Of Headgear You Can Choose From

A headgear comprises of bands or straps, wires, and a headpiece. The headpiece slides on your head or at the back of your head to keep the headgear in place and the bands connect to the molars. There are two commonly used types of headgear braces you can choose from:

• J Hooked Headgear Braces – These headgears join with the braces in your mouth using two wire loops. It is then connected to the head piece using the same strap that sits at the back of your head or on your head.
• Facebow Headgear Braces – Facebow headgears are the widely used types of headgear braces. They connect to the upper molars via the assistance of a wire bow, which then connects to the headpiece via a strap. The strap also helps in adjusting the headgear on your head or at the back of your neck.

Wearing Headgear Braces

Wearing headgear braces does not require a special formula. Begin by attaching the headgear braces to the braces in your mouth. The braces in your mouth should contain a small metal tube on each of its sides. You can easily locate the tubes around the upper back teeth. Connect the metal straps of the headgear with these tubes and ensure that they have gone all the way on each side before you hook the straps. Then attach your headgear with the right holes on the strap. Do not mind much about the holes, as they are usually indicated by your orthodontist. But keep in mind that failure to connect the headgear with the selected holes of the strap may result in your teeth moving in the wrong direction.

For more information, contact an orthodontist in your area.