Headgear Instructions

Headgear is inserted into to the back molar bands and consists of a face-bow and neck strap.   Headgear will probably be worn for 12 to 15 months, for approximately 12 hours a day.    The first few days your molars may be sore.  We suggest you wear the headgear for the first 2-3 days at night only.  After 2-3 days, add on the necessary time to make up your 12-14 hours a day.  REMEMBER, if it is not worn consistently, your treatment time will be unnecessarily extended.  Getting used to the headgear requires your cooperation and patience.

DO:

• BRING HEADGEAR TO THE OFFICE ON EACH VISIT.
• CALL THE OFFICE IMMEDIATELY if a band cemented to the molars becomes loose, this is considered an emergency.
• INSERT the face-bow one end at a time into the large round tube attached to the molar band.  Loop on face bow should face up like a mountain.
• INSERT the face-bow one end at a time into the large round tube attached to the molar band.  Loop on face bow should face up like a mountain.
• ATTACH neck strap around the extension ends of the face-bow on the hole prescribed by the doctor.
• HANDLE everything carefully, especially when removing or inserting the face-bow, PULL face-bow straight out of mouth without moving it up or down or side to side.
• DETACH the strap first before removing the face-bow.
• RECORD hours worn on card provided.

DO NOT:

• DON’T ATTEMPT to adjust, put on or remove the wire face-bow with the headgear straps still attached.
• DON’T ALLOW other people to pull on or play with or snap the wire face-bow  while it is in your mouth.
• DON’T WEAR the headgear when taking part in any sporting activity.

SUCCESS IN THIS IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR TREATMENT IS UP TO YOU!!