One of the treatments that is required by orthodontists to help align teeth is the wearing of a braces headgear. The headgear is composed of a set of elastic bands which go around the back of the head that are attached to a face-bow or hooks. These hooks are then used to connect with the bands on the back, 6-year molars.
The usual patient to need braces headgear are children who are still growing. The headgear is worn to correct either over-bites or under-bites. They do this by allowing the lower jaw to continue growing while holding back the growth of the upper jaw or the reverse: holding back the lower jaw growth, allowing the upper to continue growing.
It is important to follow the directions from the orthodontist about headgear use. Typically, it needs to be worn for 10-14 hours. The usual span of treatment is approximately 18 months. Improper use could result in extended dental therapy.
Adults will sometimes need to wear headgear after tooth removal. The resulting gap needs to be filled in and the dental headgear helps to pull the front teeth backward so they meet the rear teeth, which are pushing forward. Unlike with children, it is recommended that adults wear their headgear as often as possible, up to 24 hours a day.
If tenderness or pain is felt upon starting the wearing of headgear, a mild OTC pain reliever and soft food should help. The tenderness or pain should go away after a few days. It may recur occasionally, but will not last.
The worst part of children wearing headgear is likely the concern that their peers will ridicule them and the inability to play on the playground or at sports while wearing it. These, along with awkward sleeping and eating has caused some orthodontists to start using internal, temporary anchors to move teeth around instead of headgear.