Cranial Technologies

Our Treatment Process | DOC Band® | Cranial Technologies
Our Treatment Process

A guided path from first
concern
to graduation day

For over 40 years, we've refined our plagiocephaly treatment process using clinical research and real-world results. Here's exactly what to expect if your family pursues DOC Band® treatment.

Five steps, start to graduation

Every family moves through the same five stages — scroll through the full process below.

01Step
Private clinic room at Cranial Technologies

Initial head shape consultation

During your no-cost evaluation, our trained clinicians will image and assess your baby's head shape and provide a treatment recommendation.

02Step
Precision imaging appointment

Precision imaging appointment

We'll use our Digital Surface Imaging® (DSi®) system to capture a more precise scan of your baby's head. This scan is used to build your baby's customized band. No X-Rays, radiation, or lasers are involved.

03Step
DOC Band custom fitting appointment

Custom DOC Band fitting

1–2 weeks after imaging, your baby's DOC Band is ready. We'll ensure it fits accurately and share everything you need to know before treatment begins.

04Step
Clinician adjusting a baby's DOC Band

Follow-up adjustment appointments

The DOC Band actively redirects head growth. We make adjustments every 1–2 weeks during short follow-up appointments to account for your baby's growth and reshaping as treatment progresses.

05Step
3D head shape image showing improvement after treatment

Graduation from treatment

Celebrate your baby's progress! We'll capture a final 3D image to show the improvement made throughout treatment.

The Science

How the DOC Band works

The DOC Band uses an active treatment method: rather than simply containing your baby's head, it gently applies contact to the rounded, prominent areas while leaving open space around flat spots. As your baby grows, the head is guided into that open space — naturally correcting the shape over time.

Because babies' skulls grow fastest in the first year of life, this method works with your baby's own growth rather than against it, which is why timing matters so much for outcomes.

  • Custom-molded from a 3D scan of your baby's unique head shape
  • Adjusted every 1–2 weeks throughout treatment to track growth
  • Lightweight, breathable, and designed for full-time wear
Treatment Outcomes

See the difference for Yourself

Every case is different, but here are some results from some of our patients.
Click the images to enlarge them.

Before Patient head shape before DOC Band treatment
After Patient head shape after DOC Band treatment
4 mo
Age at Start
8 wk
Treatment Length

Plagiocephaly
Before Patient head shape before DOC Band treatment
After Patient head shape after DOC Band treatment
5 mo
Age at Start
8 wk
Treatment Length

Brachycephaly
Before Patient head shape before DOC Band treatment
After Patient head shape after DOC Band treatment
6 mo
Age at Start
24 wk
Treatment Length

Brachycephaly

Why Timing Matters

Early detection is key

Understanding the best course of treatment for your baby starts with being proactive — most head growth happens in the first six months of life.

  • Preventative measures are much more effective when started early
  • The earlier you start, the fewer weeks in the helmet
  • Early intervention may improve outcomes during this rapid-growth period.
Schedule Your No-Cost Evaluation
Baby wearing a cranial helmet for head shape correction
Still Have Questions?

Frequently asked questions

Parents often have the same questions about treatment. Here are some of the answers we give most.

What ages do you treat?

We typically treat infants between the ages of 3 to 18 months.

Will my baby need to wear the band all day?

Yes — the DOC Band is designed for full-time wear (23 hours a day) to work continuously with your baby's natural growth.

Is the fitting process uncomfortable for my baby?

No. The band is custom-molded from a 3D scan for a precise, comfortable fit, and our clinicians adjust it during adjustment appointments to keep it comfortable as your baby grows.

How often will we need to come in during treatment?

Adjustment appointments happen every 1–2 weeks so our clinicians can track growth and fine-tune the fit throughout treatment.

What happens at the graduation appointment?

We take a final 3D image of your baby's head shape to document the improvement achieved, then confirm together that your goals have been met.

Does insurance cover DOC Band treatment?

Many insurance plans offer some coverage. Our insurance team handles documentation and verification for you — you're never navigating it alone.

Ready to take the first step?

Schedule a no-cost evaluation at one of our 100+ clinics nationwide.

Schedule a No-Cost Evaluation