Facemask (orthodontics)

A facemask (also referred to as a protraction facemask, orthopedic facemask, or reverse-pull headgear) is a type of an orthodontic headgear used to treat underbite and other malocclusions where the upper jaw is too far backwards.^[1] A metal bar sits in front of the patients face with support from the forehead and chin. Elastics are connected to the metal bar and the teeth - directly through the lips / mouth of the patient. The elastics apply forward and downward pressure on the upper jaw. Thus the force direction is the opposite from a standard headgear which is why this appliance is also known as a reverse-pull-headgear. ^[1]

Teenage patient been fitted with her orthopedic / orthodontic facemask - required wear-time 16 hours daily.

This facemask appliance needs to worn by the patient for between 14 and 16 hours daily. ^[2]

Additional images

Example of a protraction facemask being test fitted - an orthopedic / orthodontic facemask.

Facemask headgear held onto the patient’s face using the direct force of the connecting elastic bands into the patients mouth, typically worn 14 to 16 hours a day depending on treatment plan.

The reverse side of the facemask headgear showing the face frame, pads for forehead and chin with moleskin padding for the patients comfort.

References

1. "Protraction facemask". Dr Sylvain Chamberland Orthodontiste. 2011-09-26. Retrieved 2019-08-18.
2. Ozkalayci, Nurhat; Cicek, Orhan (2017), "When Do Skeletal Class III Patients Wear Their Reverse Pull Headgears?", BioMed Research International, 2017: 1–5, doi:10.1155/2017/3546262, PMC 5362724, PMID 28377927