Understanding and Using Your Braces Headgear

The design of your headgear allows it to push your molars further back to create space for your other teeth. This is particularly necessary if teeth crowding forces your front teeth to protrude. On the outer edges of your top molars, you will feel large "tubes" that are integrated into your braces. It is in these two tubes that the headgear rests and is subsequently secured by a neck strap. Your orthodontist has already adjusted your neck strap to the appropriate length, so even if it makes you feel uncomfortable, you should not readjust it. Temporary discomfort is to be expected, but you will get used to it in a few days.

Instructions

• 1

  Insert one of the headgear's metal prongs into the large tube, located outside your upper molar. It does not matter which side you start with.

• 2

  Compress the headgear gently to make it bow.

• 3

  Insert the second prong into the tube on the other side of your mouth.

• 4

  Hook one end of the neck strap onto the outer end of the headgear.

• 5

  Hold the headgear onto your face and wrap the neck strap around the back of your neck.

• 6

  Hook the other end of the neck strap to the other end of the headgear to secure it. Make sure you hold the headgear securely in your face to prevent it from accidentally popping out.