Does band/helmet help facial asymmetry?

January 11, 2008

My son, 7 months, has left torticollis and mild plagio, which has

improved on it's own (he went from 11mm to 4mm asym.) His doctor said

we don't need a helmet...however, he has some obvious facial

asymmetry, which is mostly noticeable in his jaw/cheek. His gums are

also not quite parallel to each other. Does anyone know if putting

him in a helmet will help to correct his facial asymmetry? Has

anyone had success with it? Being that he is 7 months old, if we are

going to band him, I wouldn't want to wait much longer. His doctor

said that in his opinion, he doesn't think it's worth it to try the

helmet just for the facial asym. I wonder if he would think

differently if it were his own child? I'd like to hear from other

parents' experiences. I think many times the doctors are too

conservative with their approach, especially when there is such a

short period of time for which we can get correction. I'm worried

about him having problems down the road, like TMJ, dental issues,

headaches, etc.

Also, his torticollis is moderate, and it has improved greatly with

PT and chiropractic. We are still doing exercises with him, and

probably still have a ways to go. He is doing well with his dev.

milestones. Mainly, right now, I am concerned with his facial

asymmetry, which has not improved since his birth.

These boards have been so helpful to me. There is just so much

information and support here! Please share your opinions on this

subject. Thanks in advance!

Tamra

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