Orthodontic headgear is a type of orthodontic appliance attached to braces or a palatal expander (such as RME) that aids in correcting severe bite problems.

The most common treatment headgear is used for correcting anteroposterior discrepancies:

• More commonly here is a form of headgear that helps treat reverse overjets (where the top jaw is not forward enough). It is similar to a facemask, also attached to braces or an upper fixed appliance, and encourages forward growth of the upper jaw.
• When we want to retard the growth of the upper jaw the headgear attaches to the braces via metal hooks or a facebow. Straps or a head-cap anchor the headgear to the back of the head or neck. In some situations both are used. Elastic bands apply pressure to the bow or hooks. Its purpose is to slow-down or stop the upper jaw from growing, hence preventing or correcting an overjet.