Cranial Remolding: Transforming Little Lives
Welcome you to ALIGN Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Bracing, where we don’t just treat our patients, we empower them.
What is Cranial Remolding?
Cranial remolding, often referred to as helmet therapy or cranial orthosis, offers a non-surgical solution for infants experiencing abnormal head shapes. This innovative treatment is vital for addressing conditions like plagiocephaly (flattening of one side of the head), brachycephaly (flattening of the back of the head), and scaphocephaly (elongation of the head). The purpose of cranial remolding is to guide the growth of the baby’s skull into a more symmetrical shape over time.
How the Cranial Remolding Helmet Helps?
Cranial remolding involves the use of a specialized infant helmet or cranial band that is custom-made to fit the baby’s head. Our custom-built helmets are more than protective gear; they are engineered to promote optimal head growth. They apply gentle, consistent pressure on the protruding areas of the skull while allowing space for flatter areas to develop. This approach guides the skull into a more rounded and balanced shape as your baby grows.
Tailored for Comfort and Effectiveness
Infant helmets used in cranial remolding are typically made from lightweight, hypoallergenic materials that provide a comfortable fit. They are custom-made based on precise measurements and 3D scanning of the baby’s head to ensure an optimal fit. The helmet is adjusted periodically as the baby’s head shape evolves and progresses.
Duration and Care of Baby Helmet Therapy
The duration of cranial remolding treatment varies depending on the severity of the head shape abnormality and the age of the infant when treatment begins. Typically, infants wear the helmet for several months, with regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments. The earlier the intervention, the better the chances of achieving optimal results.
Why Start Early?
It is important to note that cranial remolding is most effective when started during the infant’s early developmental stages, typically before six months of age. As the baby’s skull bones are still relatively soft and malleable during this period, they are more responsive to gentle reshaping. Starting early maximizes the benefits, promoting healthy skull development.
Collaborative Expert Care
Cranial remolding with the use of infant helmets is a widely accepted and effective treatment option for correcting abnormal head shape in infants. It provides a non-invasive and conservative approach to guide skull growth and restore a more symmetrical appearance. Collaboration with healthcare professionals, such as pediatricians, orthotists, or craniofacial specialists, is crucial to ensure proper assessment, fitting, and monitoring throughout the treatment process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my baby requires a helmet (aka cranial remolding orthosis)?
If your baby’s head is mishappen you may be advised by your doctor or other health care professional to have an assessment at our clinic. An assessment is free of charge, and we do not push treatment onto parents – only help them decide what is best for their child.
What causes head shape deformities in babies?
Non synostotic head shape deformities are usually positional in nature. They present in different ways, most commonly plagiocephaly, brachycephaly, asymmetric brachycephaly, and scaphocephaly. They can start in utero, months after a baby is born, or anywhere in between. They are more common in babies with torticollis, babies that spend lots of time on their back, or babies who are born prematurely. Once a flat spot begins, it can be hard for them to ‘get away’ from that spot – as the head will naturally roll onto that area. Positional head shape deformities became much more common with the Back to Sleep program in the late 1990s.
What is a cranial remolding orthosis, and how can it benefit my baby?
Cranial remolding is a specialized treatment that uses custom designed helmets tore shape your baby’s head and help correct issues like flat spots or asymmetry. They work by gently holding certain areas of the head and promoting head growth in other areas for a more symmetric normal head.
What type of helmets do you use?
We offer several different types of helmets. The type of helmet your baby may need depends on their age, the severity of deformity, and the goals of the parents. Most of the helmets are from Orthomerica, and include the Starlight (clear), Starband (plastic with pattern), and Starband 3D (3D printed helmet available in different colors). There are pros and cons to each helmet type, which we are happy to discuss during the assessment.
Will my child need a second helmet?
No. We are able to achieve functional head shape correction with just one helmet in almost all cases. You do not need a second (or third) helmet.
When is the best time to start cranial remolding orthoses and is it effective for infants?
The best time to start is typically between 4 to 6 months of age. At this stage of development, the skull is growing relatively quickly, so we can effectively direct that growth with a helmet. However, it can still be effective for older babies as well. It depends on the severity and adjusted age of the baby.
Is the cranial remolding orthoses helmet comfortable for my baby?
We say that it is generally harder for the parents to adjust than the child. Most babies adjust very quickly to wearing a helmet and don’t even seem to notice it. Follow up appointments are included to monitor progress throughout the treatment process, at which point small adjustments may be needed to ensure optimal fit.
How many hours a day does my baby need to wear the cranial remolding orthoses helmet?
Typically, babies wear the helmet for about 23 hours a day, removing it only for bathing or cleaning. The exact duration may vary depending on your baby’s specific needs and progress. Typically, we say expect to wear for around 12 weeks, but we have seen great results in less time.
How soon will I see results from cranial remolding orthoses?
Many parents begin to notice improvements within a few weeks, with more significant results typically seen after 2-3 months of consistent use.
Can cranial remolding orthoses address all head shape concerns?
Cranial remolding orthoses are highly effective for many positional head shape deformities, especially conditions like plagiocephaly and brachycephaly. For more complex issues, your healthcare provider will discuss other possible treatments.
What if I choose not to treat my baby’s head shape issue?
There is generally no right or wrong answer when deciding whether to treat head shape deformities with a helmet. While we are able to take very accurate scans and determine the severity of the deformity, we strongly believe that treatment is ultimately a parenting decision and involves several factors – not just numbers. This is largely a cosmetic issue (although there can be some other implications for very severe cases). Our goal is to help parents make that decision based on all the available information.
How do I know if my baby could benefit from cranial remolding orthoses?
If you notice flat spots or asymmetry on your baby’s head, it’s a good idea to consult with your family doctor or pediatrician. They can evaluate your baby’s condition and refer you to a Certified Orthotist if cranial remolding orthoses is recommended. Families are okay to self refer to our clinic, but we generally like to collaborate with the physician if treatment is required.
What are your qualifications?
Your child will only be seen bya Certified Orthotist CO(c). Orthotists are highly trained and educated healthcare professionals specializing in the assessment, design, fabrication, fitting, and follow-up care of orthotic devices. Becoming a Certified Orthotist requires a bachelor’s degree, a two-year accredited post-graduate clinical program in prosthetics and orthotics, a two-year supervised residency, and successful completion of national certification exams. Our orthotists have extensive additional training and experience in cranial remolding, have worked with Alberta Children’s hospital for 15+ years.
Are you able to get funding for cranial remolding treatment?
Oftentimes private insurance will cover the treatment cost, or a portion. Also, as Certified Orthotists, we are exclusively able to access funding through other funding agencies such as NIHB or AISH for babies who qualify. Our experienced staff can help guide you through the process of determining if you have funding.
Ready to Start?
Our team includes certified orthotists and prosthetists who work together to provide comprehensive care. We ensure that every aspect of the treatment is meticulously planned and executed, from initial assessment to final adjustments.
Explore how cranial remolding can benefit your child. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about our services at ALIGN Prosthetics, Orthotics & Bracing. Together, we can help your child’s development with a foundation for a confident future.