Theoretical Considerations of Headgear Therapy: A Literature Review

Abstract

The literature of headgear therapy is reviewed and used to explain some of the theoretical mechanical principles of tooth movement and anchorage control achieved by this method. Part 1, Mechanical Principles, is a review of force directions, centres of rotation, force magnitude and duration. In Part 2, Clinical Response and Usage, the clinical uses of different directions of force are examined. Some of the clinical research into the changes produced by different headgears is described. An attempt is made to draw conclusions from the theoretical concepts discussed which may be of aid to the clinician.