Posted on February 21, 2025
If your child has an underbite, reverse pull headgear braces in Fort Myers & Cape Coral, FL might be the solution you’re looking for! These special braces help gently move the upper jaw forward so it aligns better with the lower jaw. This treatment offers a safe and effective way to create healthy, confident smiles. Let’s explore how reverse pull headgear works, its benefits, and how you can help your child succeed.
An underbite happens when the lower jaw sticks out further than the upper jaw. This causes the bottom teeth to sit in front of the top teeth instead of overlapping slightly. Underbites can lead to several problems, such as:
Reverse pull headgear braces were created specifically to fix underbites. They’re especially effective for kids and teens because their jaws are still growing. This treatment gently moves the upper jaw forward, improving the alignment between the jaws. It leads to better chewing, clearer speech, and a more balanced facial appearance.
Reverse pull headgear works through gentle pressure. The device sits outside the mouth and connects to braces or an appliance in the mouth. Here’s how it helps align your child’s jaws:
For the best results, your child will need to wear the headgear for 12–14 hours each day. This might sound like a lot, but most kids wear it at night or during quiet activities like reading, watching TV, or doing homework.
Your child’s headgear will be custom-made for their needs. This ensures:
Over time, the upper jaw shifts forward, creating a healthier alignment between the jaws.
Reverse pull headgear braces offer many benefits, especially for growing kids. Here’s how they can help:
The main goal of this treatment is to correct underbites by improving jaw alignment.
Since the braces guide the upper jaw forward, the treatment helps the jaw grow properly and reduces the chances of future alignment problems.
A better-aligned jaw makes it easier for your child to chew food and speak clearly without discomfort.
Fixing underbites creates a more balanced, symmetrical facial shape. Kids and teens often feel more confident when their smile and face look better.
Addressing an underbite early can prevent gum disease, uneven tooth wear, and jaw pain later in life.
Reverse pull headgear is non-invasive, making it a safer and more comfortable option compared to surgery.
To ensure the treatment is effective, taking care of the headgear is important. Here are helpful tips for daily care:
By following these simple steps, you can help your child stay on track with treatment while keeping their headgear in great shape.
The duration of treatment with reverse pull headgear depends on how severe the underbite is. Most treatments take about 6–12 months, but more severe cases may require a longer timeframe.
Many parents notice small improvements as early as a few months into treatment. By the end of the treatment period, your child will have better jaw alignment, a healthier bite, and a more confident smile.
The results of reverse pull headgear braces are designed to last a lifetime, especially when treatment starts early and is paired with regular follow-up care.
The ideal time for reverse pull headgear is when your child’s jaw is still growing, usually between the ages of 6 and 12. Early intervention takes advantage of this growth, making treatment simpler and more effective.
If an underbite is left untreated during childhood, it may require surgery or more invasive procedures later. Starting early prevents these issues and makes future orthodontic care easier.
Your child might need reverse pull headgear if they:
The cost of reverse pull headgear braces in Fort Myers and Cape Coral, FL, typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,000, depending on:
To help families, many orthodontists in Fort Myers and Cape Coral provide flexible payment options, such as:
In Fort Myers and Cape Coral, we take pride in helping families achieve healthy and beautiful smiles. Here’s why local families trust us with their orthodontic care:
Our team has years of experience helping kids, teens, and adults. Whether you need braces, Invisalign, or jaw alignment treatment, we’ll provide expert care to get you the smile you’ve always wanted.
We know that every smile is different, so we customize every treatment plan. Your care will be tailored to your needs, ensuring it’s both effective and comfortable.
From your first visit to the day your treatment is done, we’re here to help. Our team will answer your questions, make adjustments, and make sure you stay on track.
We offer a variety of orthodontic treatments, including:
No matter what your smile needs, we’ll recommend the best solution to get great results.
Reverse pull headgear braces offer a safe, effective way to fix underbites and support a lifetime of confident smiles.
Ready to help your child achieve a healthier, brighter smile? Visit our offices in Fort Myers or Cape Coral, FL for a free consultation. During the visit, we’ll evaluate your child’s teeth, explain the treatment process, and create a plan tailored to their needs.
Call us today to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward a better smile for your child!
Dr. Mo – Orthodontist in Prosper, TX
Dr. Alex Levine – Orthodontist in Fort Myers & Cape Coral, FL
One popular choice is clear aligners, like Invisalign, which are nearly invisible and can be removed when eating or brushing your teeth. Another option is self-ligating braces, which use a special clip instead of elastic bands to help the wire guide your teeth into place, often resulting in less discomfort and fewer trips to the orthodontist. Lingual braces, which are placed on the back of your teeth, are also a great choice if you’re looking for something discreet.
You might experience some initial discomfort or soreness around the teeth and jaw as your mouth adjusts to the new gear. It’s also possible to have some irritation on the skin where the headgear rests, but this usually improves as you get used to wearing it. Sometimes, you might notice a bit of a headache or earache, but these are typically mild and temporary. Remember, these side effects are quite normal and often lessen as your body adapts.