Family Friendly & Specialty Dentists in London, UK
Orthodontic headgear is an appliance worn outside the mouth, attached to fixed braces or bands, that guides jaw growth and moves the back teeth in ways braces alone cannot. We assess suitability and the wear time needed at a consultation.
Treatment is led by Dr Kia Papagalani, specialist orthodontist (GDC No. 228487), at our Primrose Hill practice.
Some bite problems come from the jaws rather than the teeth: an upper jaw that has grown too far forward, or back teeth that need holding or moving while the rest of the arch is aligned. Braces on their own cannot change that. Headgear is the part of our orthodontics in London that applies force from outside the mouth to do it, and Dr Papagalani assesses whether your case needs it.
We diagnose first, so the appliance is the right one for your case, and the specialist orthodontist gives you an itemised fee and a clear plan before any work begins.
Headgear is one of several appliances for complex cases. We also provide orthodontic expanders for palate widening and accelerated orthodontics to shorten treatment. For front-tooth crowding alone, Six Month Smiles is the shorter option.
Leave your number and we will call you back. Nothing is booked until you say so.
Mostly children and adolescents whose jaws are still growing, because that is when growth can be guided. Many patients feel self-conscious about it; wear is usually in the evening and overnight rather than at school, and we say from the start how many hours a day are needed. To see how it fits with the other options, see braces and aligners: which option fits.
The specialist orthodontist confirms suitability and gives a timeline at your consultation.
We examine the bite and jaw growth and confirm whether headgear is needed or whether fixed metal braces alone would do.
We fit the appliance and adjust it so it sits correctly without rubbing.
You get clear instructions on how many hours to wear it and how to put it on and take it off. Some pressure is normal as the teeth begin to move. Results depend on wearing it for the prescribed hours.
Regular visits let us adjust the force and deal with any problems early.
Once the target position is reached we review stability and move on to the next stage of treatment or to retention.
We plan with 3D imaging, which shows the jaw relationship and the movement needed before treatment begins. Headgear is made and adjusted for each patient and combined with other appliances as the plan requires. Treatment is led by Dr Kia Papagalani, specialist orthodontist.
Headgear usually works alongside fixed braces. For cases that do not need it, we provide the Invisalign range: Invisalign Full, Lite, Teen, First and Invisalign Express for minor corrections.
The fee is set at your consultation once we know what your case needs, and you receive an itemised quote.
It depends on the case and on growth. We give a timeline at your assessment.
The first few days can feel uncomfortable and there is pressure on the teeth. We tell you how to manage it and adjust the fit if needed.
That depends on wearing it for the prescribed hours and on retention afterwards, which we explain at your review.
The specialist orthodontist examines your alignment and growth pattern to decide whether headgear is appropriate. You can learn what happens at your orthodontic consultation and how to book. Our wider range of orthodontics in London is explained at the same visit.
Or call us on 020 7589 7792.
The consultation settles whether headgear is needed or whether Six Month Smiles, orthodontic expanders or accelerated orthodontics fit your case better.
You leave with a written plan and itemised quote that is yours to keep and use at any other practice. Arrange your assessment with your specialist orthodontist to find out whether headgear is the right choice.
Call us on 020 7589 7792.
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111 Regent's Park Road, Primrose Hill, London NW1 8UR
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