Dr. Suzanne Cziraki of Clear Advantage Orthodontics demonstrates the use of headgear as an early interceptive treatment method on an 11-year-old patient.

The headgear is used in conjunction with an upper palatal expander, known as a quad helix, to widen the patient’s upper jaw and stabilize the arch. The headgear’s outer bow is attached to the patient’s upper teeth, while the inner bow is locked into place. Elastic straps are then attached to the outer bow, providing a gentle force that helps slow down the forward growth of the upper jaw, allowing the lower jaw to grow forward and balance the facial profile.

This treatment aims to correct the patient’s bite position and protrusion of the upper teeth over the lower teeth. The patient is shown to wear the headgear comfortably, even while sleeping, and is advised to wear it for several hours a day, including after school and during sleep.