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Don't worry about getting headgear. Headgear is mostly used to treat a Class II (overbite) problem in growing children. There are other reasons it use it but hardly ever with an adult.
Most orthodontists use elastics or other appliances to get the same results as headgear when they can. Headgear still has the same stigma today as it did 45 years ago when I got braces the first time. My orthodontist has several hundred patients and not one of them has the behind the neck or over the hair headgear. Cases where the patient has a Class III (underbite) sometimes the only therapy is to use a facemask type of headgear but that is only with growing children. It is only worn at home and while sleeping.
Only in very rare circumstances does an adult get headgear. If you looked in the photo album "Jax New Pix" you will see me wearing headgear. I'm wearing it because I was in an accident and had jaw damage and tooth loss. Braces were part of "reassembly". After a long conversation with my orthodontist we both agreed that headgear would speed up and be the best treatment plan for me. It was identical to the "coat hanger" wore as a kid and brought back a flood of unpleasant memories when I first saw it. I wore it though. This time it was my choice and I was paying for it. After a few days I was wearing it to WalMart and everywhere else with no problem.
You are making making the right decision to get braces to treat you jaw problems. Braces certainly reduced my jaw pain. As a bonus I got a "Hollywood Smile".
Good luck
Jack
----- Original Message -----From: eyebeeablessing2uSent: Tuesday, August 21, 2007 1:40 PMSubject: [adultswithbraces] headgearI was surfing through the photo pages on this site and came across pics
of headgear.
They still use them.
what for?
Hope and pray I dont need them.
I am being treated for TMJ and daytime and nighttime splints are
working for me... getting braces in december... sure hope headgear is
NOT in the plan.
karen
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