Alternatives to Headgear

Hi,
I believe you should take her to see an orthopaedics doctor who has a fellowship in pediatrics. You should also take in consideration that there are a number of people that just don't have the curvature in the neck. Being myself one of those people, I have been using for years one of those tempur pillows. You can just place a small rolled towel under her neck at night. A heating pad can help relax her neck muscles.

I would not take her to a chiropractor. There are some that believe that when a chiropractor make an adjustment it may stretch out ligaments without the body having the strength needed to support those changes. She probably will be better with physical therapy, where she will learn a combination of stretching and strengthening exercises. The ortho should suggest PT.

Good luck.

Yes headgear can cause injury. I know someone that happened to and they did try a chiropractor, which didn't work. Their neck wound up clicking when they moved it, so I wouldn't take her to a chiropractor. You should have her checked out for scoliosis, since that is what the person I know had. Maybe headgear is fine on healthy people, but not on people with unknown spinal health problems.

20 years ago, when I was dealing with orthodontics, i was suppossed to get a headgear, but my mom remembered how much pain my cousin was in and asked the doctor about alternatives. I ended up getting a bionator instead - it was a one piece devise that looked like a retainer on top and a piece of plastic on the bottom to correct the overbite. I could take it out when I ate and I never needed the headgear. They are not very common, but if she is in pain, you might want to ask if they still do bionators.

I am not sure of an alternative to the headgear, but as a kid, I refused to wear mine. i ended up getting the procedure you talked about. Two permanent teeth removed and braces placed on the teeth in my gums. Anyway, my teeth are perfectly straight.... (they get complimented all the time) so if you can't find an alternative that works, don't be too freaked out by the procedure.

Also, since there is some extra room in my mouth from having teeth removed, I have never had an issue with my wisdom teeth... I still have all 4, so that was a nice consolation.

I don't have any ideas for alternatives to head gear, but I would recommend trying a chiropractor first. They do conservative care to start and if its a good chiropractor he/she will recommend an orthopedist if they think its necessary. I think the conservative approach is the best to start with and if more measures are needed then pursue those.
I also question taking out the permanent teeth at such a young age (although not sure how old your step-daughter is) Obviously you and your daughter, and orthodonist have to make that decision together but I know that there can be alternatives that as well (if its wisdom teeth then there wouldn't be much of a problem) but is important for the top and bottom teeth to be able to hit on each other when chewing etc-I hope it all works out well!

I would HIGHLY recommend an atlas orthogonal chiropractor. Totally different, safe approach. Check out my doctor's signature video at ____@____.com luck!

I think an orthopedist and a chiropractor may have some valid approaches. I have neck pain and the chiropractor helps me get everything back where it belongs. It stays a while until it gets irritated again (stress, tiredness or a cold all frequently end up giving me neck pain). Either practioner can order an x-ray or CT scan and check if there is any damage to specifically treat beyond sore muscles. BTW, my best friend is a physical therapy assistant and PT could definitely help as well. Some of the treatments do overlap.

i wore headgear and hated it.. years ago.. and it did bother my neck.. my kids are both in braces with an ortho who doesn;t use headgear. he feels that kids hate it.. and it really is bothersome. he uses rubberbands to help move teeth and or spacers. he also uses a mouth thing on the top of their mouth to make space. the kids that i've seen him do.. and its alot .. their teeth are beautiful. my son will be getting his braces off march 9th.. after 2 years, and then he also had an expander. his teeth are awesome.. i love this doctor and i'm glad he doesn;t use headgear. good luck.. maybe check with another ortho in the area... see what he says about headgears.