Orthodontic Headgear Braces: Types, Uses and How it Works

As a Sydney orthodontist, we know that with so many different forms of orthodontic treatment in Australia, it can be confusing. Orthodontic headgear, while not as commonly recommended as it once was, is still a crucial appliance in the treatment of specific jaw and bite issues that braces alone cannot fully address.

In this Fox Orthodontics blog, we’ll break down :

• What orthodontic headgear braces are and why they’re used
• How orthodontic headgear works in conjunction with braces
• The different types of orthodontic headgear in Australia
• Which age groups are recommended for orthodontic headgear braces
• What factors influence the cost of orthodontic headgear treatment

What Are Headgear Braces/Orthodontic Headgear?

Orthodontic headgear is a specialised orthodontic appliance often used alongside traditional braces to help correct tooth or jaw problems that can’t be addressed with braces treatment alone.

Orthodontic headgear treatment is recommended less often by orthodontists than it once was, but when used, it can be an incredibly valuable tool for targeting specific, more complex dental issues.

It is a highly visible orthodontic treatment because the headgear is worn externally and attached to the head.

Orthodontic headgear uses gentle and continuous force to guide the growth and position of the jaws and teeth into better alignment over time.

How Do Headgear Braces Work?

There are three main ways in which orthodontic headgear delivers results for patients in Australia.

• Directs Jaw Growth : Orthodontic braces or headgear gently guide jaw growth. Headgear works by applying outward tension to the jaw bones to slow excessive forward growth, such as an overbite, or to encourage forward movement in cases where the upper jaw is underdeveloped.
• Moves Teeth More Effectively : Orthodontic headgear is attached to the braces through hooks, facebrows, elastic bands, or straps. Headgear and braces work in conjunction to apply a steady pulling force that helps shift teeth and change the bite relationship between the upper and lower teeth.
• Uses Consistent Wear Time : There is usually a set number of hours that you must wear your orthodontic headgear each day. Over time, this consistent schedule and tension help to gradually reshape jaw growth and unalign teeth.

Orthodontic headgear and braces work together by providing an extra level of force and anchorage to correct jaw alignment and severe bite issues that braces on their own aren’t able to fully address.

Types of Headgear Braces

Three main types of orthodontic headgear are used alongside braces treatment in Australia.

Two of these options correct overbites and overjets, while the other corrects underbites.

This treatment is almost always exclusively used for children in Australia to straighten teeth.

The three main types of headgear braces include :

• Cervical Pull Headgear : Is used by orthodontists to correct an overjet or overbite. This type of headgear uses a U-shaped wire that attaches to the braces and a strap that wraps around the back of the patient’s neck. This headgear applies a gentle backward force to the upper jaw and teeth.
• High Pull Headgear : Is another type of headgear used to target overjets and overbites. This version of orthodontic headgear has straps that go over the top of the head rather than just around the neck. This type of strap placement helps control the vertical growth of the upper jaw. High pull headgear is a useful tool where upward and backward pressure is needed.
• Reverse Pull Headgear : Compared to the other two types of headgear, reverse pull headgear fixes underbites by pulling the upper jaw forward. This headgear used pads on the forehead and chin, as well as elastic straps to pull the upper jaw forward and align it with the lower jaw. It reverses the typical direction of headgear force.

In Australia, orthodontists sometimes combine the above or blend features to address multiple alignment needs at once using headgear.

While these are less common, they are a useful tool that can be purposefully adapted to the patient’s specific orthodontic requirements.

Are Headgear Braces Still Used In Australia?

Orthodontic headgear is not as common in Australia as it once was, but it hasn’t gone completely extinct.

Headgear is still lauded for its effectiveness as an orthodontic tool, but there are many alternatives now that can be used in its place.

In 2026, orthodontic headgear is usually recommended only for specific bite problems or jaw alignment issues.

Many orthodontic clinics in Sydney recommend headgear braces for growing children and teenagers, where their bones are still developing.

One of the most important things to remember when it comes to the success of orthodontic headgear treatment is compliance with wearing it as prescribed by your orthodontist.

The device that will work best for a child is highly individualistic, and your local orthodontist in Sydney can always advise you on what will work best.

At What Age Are Headgear Braces Recommended?

In Australia, orthodontic headgear is typically prescribed to young children and teenagers between the ages of 7 and 14.

Why these ages?

Well, orthodontists have observed that this age range is the most effective because the upper jaw is still growing.

During this age period, orthodontic headgear can help to correct severe overbites, underbites, and jaw misalignment.

There have been rare cases in which orthodontic headgear has been used in adults, but it is generally considered less effective once jaw growth is complete.

Does Headgear Braces Treatment Hurt?

No, orthodontic headgear should not be overly painful. After you begin wearing the headgear, it is normal to experience mild discomfort and soreness.

This pain should only last a short amount of time as your mouth adapts to the appliance.

You can manage any mild soreness you have from treatment with over-the-counter pain relief.

If the pain is unbearable or persists for a significant period, you should contact your orthodontist to determine whether something else is at play.

How Long Do You Need To Wear Headgear Braces?

As with any type of orthodontic treatment, it is not an overnight solution.

It takes time to see results from treatment, and usually, anywhere from 3 to 6 months for any serious results.

The total treatment time for headgear braces usually ranges from 6 to 18 months; the treatment timeline will depend heavily on how consistently you wear the headgear.

Some important notes around orthodontic headgear include:

Orthodontic headgear needs to be worn for about 12 to 14 hours per day (most people will do this after school or while they sleep)

Your treatment time will depend heavily on your individual bite issue, its severity, and how consistently you wear the headgear.

Wearing headgear for the prescribed hours each day helps to speed up treatment and improve results.

If you consistently miss hours of wear time, then it can impact your treatment time.

Cost of Headgear Braces in Australia

In Australia, there is no direct cost range for orthodontic headgear, as it is typically considered part of a comprehensive treatment plan rather than a standalone item with a set price.

Full braces treatment in Australia typically ranges from $3,000 to $10,000+, depending on the complexity of the case and the chosen appliance type. Orthodontic headgear usually adds complexity/need rather than being a separate line item.

Headgear Braces vs Other Orthodontic Options

In the table below, we have broken down how headgear braces compare to other orthodontic treatment options in Australia.

Maintenance Tips for Headgear Braces

Orthodontic headgear devices are effective when properly cared for by those undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Below are some of our biggest tips as a Sydney orthodontist for looking after your headgear braces.

Cleaning Your Headgear Braces

When you are not wearing your orthodontic headgear, be sure to keep all parts stored in the case.

This will prevent it from getting dirty, being lost, or distorted.

You should clean the facebow directly with a toothbrush under running water, and brush well around the bands.

When it comes to the head cap and neck strap, they should not require any specific care, other than replacing the elastics on the head cap each week to maintain elasticity.

What To Not Eat With Headgear Braces

There are several foods you should avoid when undergoing braces treatment and while wearing orthodontic headgear.

• Sticky and chewy foods – such as gum, caramels, lollies
• Hard and crunchy foods – such as popcorn, nuts, hard pretzels, ice cubes, hard candy
• Tough biting foods – such as apples, corn on the cob, crusty bread
• Sugary and acidic foods – such as soft drinks, sports drinks, sugary sweets and desserts

Hard, sticky, and chewy foods can damage your orthodontic headgear and braces.

They can cause broken brackets or bent wires, which may extend your treatment time and lead to extra appointments and costs.

What To Do If A Band Becomes Loose?

If you suspect or can tell that a band has become loose, it is important to call your orthodontist and get the band back in place as soon as you notice it is loose.

What is the problem with a loose band?

Well, it can irritate the gums and trap food, increasing the risk of cavities and other dental issues.

Possible Risks From Orthodontic Headgear

There are a variety of common side effects that can occur with orthodontic headgear; many are mild and temporary when the appliance is used correctly under professional supervision.

Some of the most common side effects often observed when it comes to orthodontic headgear include :

• Discomfort and Soreness : In the immediate aftermath of getting orthodontic headgear, the teeth, jaw, and facial muscles can feel sore and tender. This adjusts as your mouth adapts.
• Skin Irritation : Straps and pads that rest against the skin may cause mild irritation or redness at the points of contact, such as the forehead or chin.
• Loose or Shifting Teeth : If headgear isn’t worn correctly, consistently, or as directed by your orthodontist, unwanted movement or loose teeth can occur.
• Sleep or Comfort Disruption : Wearing headgear overnight may take some getting used to and can interrupt sleep until the patient adjusts.

If you ever experience severe or persistent pain while undergoing any form of orthodontic treatment, you must contact your orthodontist.

Why Choose Fox Orthodontics?

Fox Orthodontics has been the go-to choice dental practice in Baulkham Hills for more than 35 years.

Our family-run practice is well-established, creating dream smiles is what we are passionate about, and leaving every one of our patients as happy as possible.

We provide specialist orthodontic treatment and help you hit your dental goals with an individually tailored plan to address any issues you may have.

Our clinic is conveniently located in Baulkham Hills, and provides specialist orthodontics to Norwest, Hills District, Castle Hill, Parramatta, Kellyville, Blacktown, Orange & Bathurst.

Get in touch today by clicking here or calling us on 02 5562 8312.