What Age is Reverse-Pull Headgear Suitable For?

Reverse-Pull Headgear: What Age Is It Suitable For?

If your child has an underbite or a developing Class III bite, you may have heard your orthodontist mention reverse-pull headgear, also known as a protraction facemask.

But what exactly is it, and why does age matter? Here are some of the questions parents commonly ask.

What is reverse-pull headgear?

Reverse-pull headgear is an orthodontic appliance used to encourage the upper jaw to develop forwards in growing children.

It is typically considered for children with a developing Class III bite, where the lower teeth or jaw appear to sit in front of the upper teeth. In some children, this is because the upper jaw is positioned too far back.

The appliance works by applying gentle forward-directed forces to the upper jaw while the child is still growing.

What age is reverse-pull headgear suitable for?

Reverse-pull headgear is primarily a treatment for growing children. The earlier the underlying jaw discrepancy is identified, the more opportunity there may be to influence jaw growth.

At Aligned Orthodontics, we offer reverse-pull headgear treatment up to the age of 11 where clinically appropriate.

This is because treatment relies on a child's remaining growth. As children get older and approach or progress through puberty, the opportunity to influence the position and growth of the upper jaw becomes more limited.

Why is age important?

You may wonder why an appliance cannot simply be used at anyage.

Reverse-pull headgear is different from conventional braces, which primarily move teeth. Its aim is to influence the relationship between the upper and lower jaws during growth.

As a child matures, the facial bones become less responsive to this type of orthopaedic treatment. This means that treatment at a younger age can provide an opportunity to address certain jaw discrepancies while the child is still developing.

Does every child with an underbite need reverse-pullheadgear?

No. An underbite can have several different causes.

For example, it may be related to:

·        The upper jaw being positioned too far back

·        The lower jaw being positioned further forwards

·        The position of the teeth

·        A combination of skeletal and dental factors

This is why an orthodontic assessment is important before deciding whether a facemask is appropriate.

Your orthodontist will assess your child's teeth, bite, jaw relationship and stage of growth before recommending the most suitable treatment.

What happens if my child is over 11?

If your child is older than 11, it does not necessarily mean that there are no treatment options for a Class III bite.

However, reverse-pull headgear may no longer be the appropriate approach at Aligned Orthodontics. Treatment options depend on the individual child's growth, jaw relationship, teeth and the severity of the discrepancy.

In older children and teenagers, your orthodontist can discuss the available options and explain what can realistically be achieved with orthodontic treatment.

Is reverse-pull headgear uncomfortable?

Like many orthodontic appliances, a facemask can feel unusual when your child first starts wearing it. Some pressure or mild discomfort can be expected, particularly when the appliance is first introduced.

Your orthodontist will provide specific instructions about how and when the appliance should be worn. Following these instructions is important because wearing the appliance as recommended can have a significant impact on treatment progress.

How do I know if my child might benefit from reverse-pull headgear?

If your child's lower front teeth sit in front of their front teeth, or you have noticed an underbite developing, it is worth having their bite assessed by an orthodontist.

Early assessment can be particularly valuable because some jaw discrepancies are best addressed while a child is still growing.

At Aligned Orthodontics, we can assess your child's developing bite and explain whether reverse-pull headgear is appropriate, or whether another approach would be more suitable.

Worried about your child's bite?

If you have noticed an underbite or are concerned about the way your child's jaws or teeth are developing, an orthodontic assessment can help you understand what is happening and whether early treatment could be beneficial.

Contact Aligned Orthodontics to arrange an assessment and discuss the most appropriate treatment options for your child.

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