A lot of people associate the concept of orthodontic treatment with the use of headgear, especially in the past. Today Brodsky Orthodontics will answer a fairly common question we get in our profession: Can orthodontics be done without headgear?
What is Headgear?
Orthodontic headgear is a traditional type of appliance used to correct bite and jaw alignment issues. It can be used in conjunction with braces to address more severe dental problems that cannot be fixed with braces by themselves. At Brodsky Orthodontics, we offer a wide range of appliances and treatment options to ensure everyone’s needs are met.
Here are some additional details on how headgear works:
- Correcting Overbites and Underbites:
- Overbites: Use of headgear can help move the upper jaw and/or teeth backward to correct an overbite.
- Underbites: It can also be used to shift the lower jaw and teeth forward to correct an underbite.
- Guiding Jaw Growth:
- For growing children and teenagers, headgear can help guide the growth of the jaw, ensuring that it develops in the correct alignment.
- Creating Space:
- Headgear can actively create more space in the mouth by moving teeth into more ideal positions, which can prevent the need for tooth extractions in the future.
Rest assured, if Dr. Joel, Dr. Charles, or Dr. Jeremy determines headgear is necessary for you or your child, we will thoroughly explain why, as well as explore any other available options.
The Many Alternatives
If you’re set on avoiding that route, there are lots of ways we can resolve orthodontic issues for the majority of patients. Some of these can be used in addition to headgear.
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Clear Aligners: We’re proud to offer Invisalign for our teen and adult patients. These are custom-made, clear plastic trays that gradually move your teeth into their desired position. They have both functional and cosmetic advantages, as they are very natural-looking.
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Herbst Appliance: This is a fixed device that can be used to correct severe overbites by encouraging forward movement of the lower jaw.
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Twin Block Appliance: This is a removable device that encourages proper jaw growth and alignment, and it also works by repositioning the lower jaw forward.
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Fixed or Removable Palatal Expanders: These devices are often used to widen the upper jaw, which in turn creates more space for teeth alignment and correcting bite issues. We often utilize these in younger patients whose jaws are still actively growing.
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Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs): These are mini-implants that consist of small screws placed into the jawbone to provide a stable anchor for moving teeth. Complex movements can be made this way without bringing headgear into the picture. This is a technology that has only gained popularity in the US in the last couple of decades and has been hugely effective for patients across the country as well as internationally.
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Bite Blocks: We can use small pads placed on the molars to help correct bite issues, since they prevent the back teeth from touching and encourage movement of the front teeth.
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Elastics: Using rubber bands in conjunction with braces can be helpful in some cases, as they can provide additional pressure to the teeth.
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Surgery: We offer surgical orthodontics in our office for those facing special circumstances that cannot be resolved by a traditional appliance, headgear or otherwise. It’s important to us that our patients are able to have all of their needs met under one roof, with the same incredible team of professionals by their side.
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Further Considerations
- Complex Cases: There is always the possibility that you come to Brodsky Orthodontics with a case that requires multiple approaches. Unlike many offices, we can address multiple treatments at once without outsourcing help from outside practices. That doesn’t mean we never collaborate, but it’s generally less common.
- Patient Compliance: If you do opt for alternatives like elastics or clear aligners, it’s entirely crucial to adhere to your schedule diligently. This includes factors like wearing schedules and hygiene practices, which can and will impact the success of treatment.
The Best of the Best
At Brodsky Orthodontics, it’s a point of pride for us to offer fully bespoke treatment plans to our patients. No matter what you might be facing, we will find an excellent solution to meet your orthodontic goals. This can include something like headgear, but certainly doesn’t always have to. Our Lakewood office looks forward to meeting you and coming up with a plan that you feel confident in.