Wearing the reverse headgear will move the entire upper jaw (called the maxilla) forward, thus improving the occlusion (bite) and correcting the discrepancy between the upper and lower jaws. Some discomfort is to be expected with the movement of the upper jaw.

Only a single elastic is to be worn at first on each side of the appliance, and later more elastics will be added. The first month is your opportunity to become accustomed to wearing the reverse-headgear prior to increasing the number of elastics. Sometimes the skin around the chin becomes irritated, so it is important to keep this area clean and periodically change the lambs wool insert that is placed in the chin-cup.

The length of time (hours per day) and the consistency of wear is more important than the number of elastics. Wearing the headgear should consistently be 12-14 hours daily. This can include wear during sleeping hours and does not have to be continuous, i.e. wear can be a few hours followed by a break, then a few hours of wear. Please bring the reverse headgear to each appointment so we can adjust it for comfort and the correct tension.