![ORTHODONTIC FACE MASK REVERSE-PULL HEADGEAR TÜBINGER MODEL](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ea/ORTHODONTIC_FACE_MASK_REVERSE-PULL_HEADGEAR_T%C3%9CBINGER_MODEL.jpg)
A facemask (also referred to as a protraction facemask, orthopedic facemask, or reverse-pull headgear) is a type of an
orthodontic headgear
Orthodontic headgear is a type of orthodontic appliance typically attached to the patient's head with a strap or number of straps around the patient’s head or neck. From this, a force is transferred to the mouth/jaw(s) of the subject.
Headgear ...
used to treat
underbite
In orthodontics, a malocclusion is a misalignment or incorrect relation between the teeth of the upper and lower dental arches when they approach each other as the jaws close. The English-language term dates from 1864; Edward Angle (1855-1930) ...
and other
malocclusion
In orthodontics, a malocclusion is a misalignment or incorrect relation between the teeth of the upper and lower dental arches when they approach each other as the jaws close. The English-language term dates from 1864; Edward Angle (1855-19 ...
s where the
upper jaw
The maxilla (plural: ''maxillae'' ) in vertebrates is the upper fixed (not fixed in Neopterygii) bone of the jaw formed from the fusion of two maxillary bones. In humans, the upper jaw includes the hard palate in the front of the mouth. The t ...
is too far backwards.
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.
This facemask appliance needs to worn by the patient for between 14 and 16 hours daily.
Additional images
References
Orthodontic appliances
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