Cranial bands, also known as cranial orthotics or cranial remolding helmets, support healthy head and jaw development in babies and children. Cranial bands are custom-fit for each child so that they can minimize any pain or discomfort.
- What Does A Cranial Band Do?
- Why Do Babies Need Cranial Bands?
- What Is The Best Age For Cranial Helmet Therapy?
- How Much Do Cranial Bands Cost?
- How Long Before A Cranial Band Starts Working?
What Does A Cranial Band Do?
A cranial band is typically prescribed to treat abnormal head shape development. Due to their soft skull, babies risk developing a misshapen skull structure under certain conditions and circumstances. When left untreated, this can lead to future problems, including psychological issues and permanent changes to their physical appearance.
A cranial band can be introduced early on to correct the abnormal development and mold the head to its proper shape. Cranial bands have a hard exterior and a foam interior for optimal function and comfort.
Over time, the band adds pressure to the head, guiding it to proper development while preventing flattening or overgrowth in certain areas.
Why Do Babies Need Cranial Bands?
Cranial bands fix flat spots on a baby’s head that haven’t resolved on their own, usually after four months. They are most commonly used to fix positional plagiocephaly, a flat area on the top of the head caused when a baby spends too much time on their back.
When left untreated, this condition can cause a permanent deformity on the backside of the head. Other conditions in babies that require cranial bands include brachycephaly and scaphocephaly, which also create deformities of the soft skull.
What Is The Best Age For Cranial Helmet Therapy?
The recommended age to start cranial band therapy is five to six months. This is usually when deformities may be first noticeable and allow for early intervention. That said, older children who begin treatment, typically between ages five and six, can still see improvement as the head is still shaping itself and can be molded with proper cranial therapy.
How Much Do Cranial Bands Cost?
Cranial band helmets used to treat skull flattening cost between $1,000 and $3,000. Pricing varies depending on the severity of the child’s head condition and insurance coverage.
Does Insurance Cover Cranial Helmets?
Cranial band helmets are considered orthotics and prosthetics, which puts them under the sub-section of “Durable Medical Equipment” (DME) on most insurance plans.
How Long Before A Cranial Band Starts Working?
It’s important to follow the instructions of wear to see improvements. Children should wear helmets for at least 23 hours daily, removing them while bathing. Cranial bands are typically worn for three to six months. It may take the entirety of this time to see significant results or much sooner, depending on the severity of the condition and how consistently the child wears their cranial band.
Cranial Bands and Pediatric Care With Pongratz
We all want the best for our children and their development.
At Pongratz, we specialize in Cranial Bands as well as other pediatric services, including:
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you and your child.
