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]

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

^ ^a ^b "Protraction facemask". Dr Sylvain Chamberland Orthodontiste. 2011-09-26. Retrieved 2019-08-18.
^ 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

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[:0-1] "Protraction facemask". Dr Sylvain Chamberland Orthodontiste. 2011-09-26. Retrieved 2019-08-18.

[Ortho3-2] 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

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