Reverse Headgear

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A reverse headgear is an extraoral device used to move teeth or bony segments forward. It is capable of closing large spaces by moving posterior teeth forward. It has also been successful in bringing the maxilla forward when used in conjunction with a palate-splitting device.

A case report

PROBLEM An eleven-year-old female with four congenitally missing second bicuspids and one lower incisor, generalized spacing and a good profile.SOLUTION A wax setup indicated that the occlusion without the missing teeth would be acceptable. Therefore, it was decided to remove all deciduous teeth and close all spaces, making an effort not to retract the anterior teeth past their ideal positions.APPLIANCES .018 edgewise in conjunction with a reverse headgear worn 12 hours per day.RESULTS Treatment time was 21 months. Facial balance was maintained. The resulting interdigitation of teeth was good. A total of 25mm of space was closed in the lower arch.

Hereby follow records of this case before and after treatment:

Models of the case before treatment.

[show_img]41-jco-img-3.jpg[/show_img]Models of the case after treatment.

[show_img]41-jco-img-4.jpg[/show_img]Cephalometric tracing before treatment (left) and after treatment (right).

Photographs before and after treatment.

Panorex x-ray after treatment.