Purpose?
Force transfer using external support.
← All explanationsOrthodontic headgear
What is orthodontic headgear?
Orthodontic headgear transfers forces to an appliance connected to the teeth through support around the head or neck. It may form part of an individual bite-correction plan. Its safety components and exact wearing instructions are essential.
For training & practice ↓
AI-generated
Choose a view
Support outside the mouth
The facebow connects with the intraoral appliance. The direction of pull and attachments depend on the treatment aim. A diagram cannot replace instruction on fitting the device.
Follow the personal plan
The orthodontic team specifies wearing times and the safety assembly. Do not wear headgear for sports or rough play. Other people must not pull on the facebow.
Take loosening seriously
If the appliance comes off at night or is damaged, stop using it until you have spoken to the team. An injury to the eye requires immediate assessment by an eye specialist.
Read the full explanation
Support outside the mouth
The facebow connects with the intraoral appliance. The direction of pull and attachments depend on the treatment aim. A diagram cannot replace instruction on fitting the device.
Follow the personal plan
The orthodontic team specifies wearing times and the safety assembly. Do not wear headgear for sports or rough play. Other people must not pull on the facebow.
Take loosening seriously
If the appliance comes off at night or is damaged, stop using it until you have spoken to the team. An injury to the eye requires immediate assessment by an eye specialist.
Notes on the teaching images
- Schematic headgear · not an insertion tutorial
- Neck support of one possible design
- Safety instructions are explained individually
At a glance
Wear during sports?
No.
Eye injury?
Seek immediate eye-specialist assessment.
Knowledge in motion
Explained in 36 seconds.
Three steps. No audio.
Each scene can also be selected manually.
Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available as text.
Often confused
Headgear or fixed braces?
Headgear uses support outside the mouth. Fixed braces act through brackets and wires attached to teeth. They can be combined within a treatment plan.
Quick answers
Is headgear needed for every Class II bite?
No. Selection depends on the actual tooth and jaw relationship and the available alternatives.
Can I increase the pull myself?
No. Force, fit and wearing hours belong to the agreed treatment plan. Discuss changes with the treating orthodontic team.
What if the facebow comes out at night?
Stop wearing it until the treating orthodontic team has checked the appliance and advised that it can be used again. Arrange this review as soon as possible.
At the practice
For the appointment
You can bring this question to your appointment:
What role does headgear have in my plan, and which safety rules apply to this model?
Discuss your individual findings and whether a referral is appropriate.
Discuss your findingsAppointment selection at DoctolibLearning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge
- Extraoral
- Located outside the mouth.
- Anchorage
- Support through which orthodontic forces are transferred.
Make the distinction
Headgear uses support outside the mouth. Fixed braces act through brackets and wires attached to teeth. They can be combined within a treatment plan.
Sources and context
Editorial research: . General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.