Hi Jemma, thank you for your update and input. You have prompted me to investigate further. Yes I'm checking the treatment plan, it notes a Class II, this is an over bite and it seems the Facebow will be used to pull the upper teeth, jaw back. I wish i could show you the photos we were shown...get a copy and mail it to you, it was, as you said almost a bit horrific in a way... but although the doctor was very helpful and explained how it worked, that it would not be sore for more than a few days, she would get used to it etc ...but in the end she will be the one walking out with it strapped to her head. We did look at options but as you asked but this is really the correct one.
On the wear ... the plan calls for min 16 hours a day, but 16 is what we should aim for....this seemed fine as she was told to wear it at night, and evenings ...ie out of public eye, but in reality, school starting at 7:30 am, we up at 5:30, so putting it on after supper at 7:30 pm at night, you only getting 10 hours, and even with just 1 hour gap to 6:30 pm, 4 hours takes it well into afternoon to be worn ... ie starting at 2:30 pm is then a reality which is right after school...but most afternoons are at school with extra murals and sports, and she can't play in it, do it means taking it off, on, off again and this is not as easy as putting in a hat it seems, and all her school and friends will see her with it in any event....so I'm thinking ...
Anyway, what do you think ...but would it not be better to not try a"hide" from it or with it on, and just to wear it to class, this will give her 6 hours uninterrupted wear, she then takes it off at school end, has her afternoon free then on again after supper, home work etc after this then bed... Once all her friends see it...perhaps its better this way?
I have looked at the Facebow on the web and it does look rather frightening. So I have every sympathy for your daughter if she needs to wear this to correct her bite.
I presume that she has an under bite called Class III.
Have you asked the dentist if there is an alternative to her wearing this headgear? I presume that she would only need to wear it when she came home from school and whilst she was asleep or is it something that she has to be wearing during the day too?
If she has a very severe under bite, wearing this headgear to correct this while she is growing will be worth it in the long run. Class III under bite can cause problems like sore tongue due to rubbing on the teeth. She will also feel more self conscious about her bottom jaw protruding forward as she gets older.
As both you and your daughter were shocked and horrified about the headgear, you should speak with the dentist about your concerns and fears and for him to explain the short term inconvenience and discomfort compared to long term effects.
Best wishes.