Understanding the 3D Scan, Results, and Next Steps, Even If Treatment Isn’t Needed

2 hours ago

5 min read

Booking a head shape assessment can feel like a big step.

For many families, it comes after weeks of Googling, comparing photos, or hearing different opinions from friends and healthcare providers. You might be wondering:

Is this actually a flat spot?
Will it get better on its own?
Are we about to be told our baby needs a helmet?

If you’re feeling unsure, you’re not alone.

This blog walks you through exactly what happens during a head shape assessment, how a baby head scan works, what the results mean, and what next steps may look like—whether treatment is recommended or not.

Our goal is simple: to help you move from confusion to confidence.

A head shape assessment is a detailed evaluation of your baby’s skull symmetry and growth patterns. It helps determine whether flattening falls within normal variation or if it may be classified as most commonly, positional plagiocephaly, brachycephaly, or another form of head shape asymmetry.

At ROKband, this includes:

A physical review of your baby’s head shape
A radiation-free and non-invasive 3D baby head scan
Objective measurements to assess severity
A personalized discussion about findings, options and recommendations

This is often referred to as a cranial helmet evaluation—but it’s important to know that at

ROKband an assessment does not automatically mean a helmet will be recommended.

In fact, many babies we see do not require treatment.

3D Scan and Headshape Assessment

One of the most reassuring parts of the appointment is the 3D scan.

Using advanced LED light scanning technology, we capture the exact shape of your baby’s head in minutes. The scan is:

Completely radiation-free
Quick and painless
Non-contact and safe
Designed specifically for infants

There are no straps, sedation, or discomfort involved. During the scan, babies sit comfortably in an infant seat while the quick, non-contact scan is completed.

The result is a detailed 3D image of your baby’s head shape that allows us to measure asymmetry with precision, far beyond what the eye can see alone. This removes the guesswork from an infant flat head diagnosis.

Understanding the Results

After the scan, we review the results with you in real time.

We look at:

Cranial Vault Asymmetry Index (CVAI)
Cephalic Ratio (CR)
Overall symmetry patterns and physical presentation
Areas of flattening or prominence

You’ll see visual comparisons and measurements explained in clear, simple language. No medical jargon. No pressure.

This is where many parents feel immediate relief because they finally have objective data. Sometimes the results confirm mild flattening that can improve with repositioning and growth. In other cases, the measurements indicate moderate to severe asymmetry that may benefit from helmet intervention.

Either way, you leave with clarity and options.

This is an important question.

Not every baby with a flat spot requires a recommendation to move forward with treatment. Depending on your child's age and if they fall within mild or normal ranges, we may recommend:

Increased tummy time
Adjustments in positioning
Monitoring growth over time
Referral to a pediatric health professional like a physiotherapist, osteopath etc. if neck tightness is present

In these cases, the assessment provides peace of mind and direction, without further intervention.

For peace of mind in these cases, we often suggest a complimentary follow-up scan at ROKband a few weeks later to monitor changes. Growth in early infancy can shift head shape significantly, and seeing that progress visually can be reassuring for families. Every family is entitled to 1 free re-scan, allowing you to track development without pressure or commitment.

If the measurements indicate moderate to severe head shape asymmetry, we’ll explain why treatment may be beneficial. This is never presented as an emergency but rather as an opportunity for optimal correction.

We discuss:

Your baby’s age and growth stage
Severity of asymmetry
Likely timeline for correction
What treatment would involve

If a cranial remodelling orthosis (CRO) is recommended, we explain how a custom-designed ROKband gently redirects new growth into areas lacking volume, helping create a more symmetrical head shape over time. You’ll also learn:

Expected duration
Wear & Care schedule
Follow-up process

Most importantly, you’ll have time to ask questions and consider your options. There is no pressure to decide on the spot.

Head shape assessments are most helpful in the first year of life because the skull is still growing rapidly and remains responsive to external guidance.

Earlier evaluations often mean:

More treatment options
Shorter potential treatment durations
Greater flexibility in decision-making

If your baby is under 4 months and not yet eligible for helmet therapy, this is the ideal time to connect with pediatric healthcare providers such as physiotherapists, chiropractors, or osteopaths who can assess for factors like torticollis and guide repositioning strategies. Early support during this window can make a meaningful difference in head shape development.

If your baby is between 4–18 months old, coming in for a free head shape scan helps you clearly understand their current measurements and growth pattern, so you can make informed choices about what’s realistic and what options may be available moving forward.

Let’s address a few thoughts many families share:

“Did we miss our window?”

Often, no. ROKband treats babies between 4 and 18 months of age, which is the most responsive period for cranial remodelling. A free assessment helps determine where your baby falls in regards to severity and what treatment options are based on their age, growth, and head shape.

“Is this purely cosmetic?”

Head shape asymmetry can influence facial balance and overall symmetry as your child grows. In more significant cases, it may contribute to challenges with fitting helmets for sports or work, glasses, or other protective equipment later in life. Depending on the severity, asymmetry can also be associated with jaw alignment differences or uneven ear positioning. Understanding the degree of asymmetry through a proper assessment helps families make informed decisions based on both present concerns and potential long-term considerations.

“Are we overreacting?”

Seeking clarity is never overreacting. If something has caught your attention, it’s worth exploring. That’s exactly why we offer a free head shape assessment—to give families clear, objective information so they can understand what they’re seeing and decide on next steps with confidence.

Sometimes the hardest part isn’t the scan, it’s the feelings. Parents often carry:

Guilt
Worry
Fear of judgment
Uncertainty about next steps

A transparent head shape assessment process helps reduce that anxiety. You leave knowing:

What your baby’s head shape actually looks like
Exact measurements and severity
Whether intervention is necessary
What your options are
Who can support you

That shift, from guessing to knowing is powerful.

Why Transparency Builds Trust

Our approach to every free baby assessment is rooted in clarity. We explain what we measure. We show you the numbers. We answer your questions honestly. We outline options without pressure.

Whether you move forward with treatment or not, the goal is that you leave feeling informed and empowered.