Cranial Remoulding

What is Cranial Remoulding Orthosis?

The orthosis is essentially a helmet made from a plastic and foam custom moulded device designed to gently and safely correct the baby’s head shape. The orthotic allows natural growth, steering this growth to improve symmetry, improve proportion and correct deformity.

Helmets can be used between 4-18months of age, with best results seen when treatment starts before the age of 9months. The remoulding process typically takes 12 weeks to complete, but the duration of treatment is dependent on the severity of the deformity, age of the baby and rate of growth.

Common Shape Deviations Of A Baby’s Head

The plasticity and open sutures of the new-born’s skull makes it susceptible to external pressures in the womb during the birth process and after birth.

Common causes:

• Restricted space inside the mother’s womb
• Excessive time in carriers, car seats, strollers
• Tight clothing and covering that prevents spontaneous movement
• Insufficient “tummy-time”
• Torticollis

Is this just a cosmetic issue?

No, asymmetry can lead to:

• Mandibular asymmetry and a thickened mandible causing the teeth to be rotated and off centre.
• Increased risk of developing RA in the jaw
• TMJ
• Developmental delays linked to Plagiocephaly
• Orbital depth disproportion
• Facial asymmetry