What is the purpose of cervical anchorage (headgear)?

Cervical anchorage, commonly referred to as headgear, is primarily designed to exert distal force on maxillary teeth. This is crucial during orthodontic treatment as it helps to move the molars backward in the mouth, which can be necessary for addressing overbites or creating space for proper alignment of the teeth. The mechanics of the headgear allow for controlled forces to reposition the maxillary molars, thereby assisting in achieving an ideal occlusion and improving overall dental alignment.

While cervical anchorage can contribute to facial aesthetics indirectly by enhancing teeth alignment over the course of treatment, that is not its primary purpose. Similarly, while it can help in correcting occlusion, its main function is the distal movement of the maxillary teeth rather than direct occlusal correction. Additionally, it is not designed to retain anterior teeth; rather, its focus is on the posterior teeth during the orthopedic or orthodontic adjustment phase. Understanding the primary function of cervical anchorage is essential in orthodontics, as it informs practitioners about effective treatment strategies for various malocclusions.