There are two ways that orthodontic headgear works. The first is that it can actually pull the front teeth backwards if it is worn 18 hours or more. The second is the more common application. If worn during a patient's sleep (i.e. 8 hours per night), headgear can have an orthopedic effect on jaw growth. Think of it like putting a brake on upper jaw growth while the lower continues to grow. If it is worn and the patients grows, it can correct overbites.
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