Pressure Alopecia from Orthodontic Headgear

    September 2008 in “ American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics ”
    Rosalia Leonardi, Claudia Lombardo, Carla Loreto, Rosario Caltabiano
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    TLDR Wearing orthodontic headgear can cause reversible hair loss if detected early.
    In 2008, a case report was presented detailing pressure alopecia in a 14-year-old boy caused by the chronic pressure of orthodontic headgear. The patient developed areas of alopecia after 4 months of wearing the headgear for 12 to 14 hours daily. Despite treatment with cortisone and vitamin B, the alopecia did not improve until the headgear was discontinued. Two months after stopping the headgear, hair regrowth was observed. The report emphasized the importance of early diagnosis to prevent the condition from becoming scarring alopecia. Orthodontists and dermatologists were urged to be aware of this rare but possible side effect of headgear use to avoid permanent hair loss. The case highlighted that pressure alopecia is reversible if caught early, but can lead to permanent damage if undetected for an extended period.
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