Face Mask In Orthodontics: Components, Types, And Effects

Face Mask In Orthodontics: Components, Types, And Effects

Write a short note on a face mask.
Answer. The face mask is also known as reverse pull headgear. The face mask is an extraoral traction appliance. It corrects the skeletal Class III malocclusion.

Components of Face mask

It consists of the following components i.e.

• Chin cup
• Forehead cap
• Metal framework
• Intraoral splint/device
• Elastics.

Chin Cup

• It covers the chin and also derives the anchorage from chin so the protraction force is delivered to maxilla and delivers reciprocal force to chin to push it backwards.
• Chin cup restrain the forward growth of mandible by changing direction of growth from forward and downward to backward and downward.

Forehead Cap

• It rests against the forehead and delivers anchorage to the appliance from frontal bone.
• It gives reciprocal force tothe  forehead with protraction on maxilla.

Metal Framework

• They are of different types in its design.
• Metal framework supports as well as connect all the parts of face mask.
• It provides, attchment to rods by which elastic get attched from intraoral device.

Intraoral Device

• An intraoral device is a full banded fied appliance in which elastic is engaged from molars.
• The use of banded rapid maxillary expansion and bonded rapid maxillary expansion with hooks at premolar region for engaging the elastic should also be done.

Elastics

Heavy orthopedic elastics are used to provide traction force to maxilla.

Types of Face Mask

• Hickham reverse pull headgear: It has got a chin cup and forehead support. The framework consists of metal rods which run parallel to mandible and at angle of mandible, the rods turn upwards to run parallel to lateral border of face. Two arms engage the elastics.
• Delaire: This is very similar to Hickham, the diffrence is, it remains away from the face without touching it. It consists of hexagonal framework which has horizontal rod at lower third of face which run parallel to lip line for engaging elastics.
• Petit: Petit simplifies the Delaire’s face mask. It consists of central midline rod which has horizontal adjustable rods for engaging elastics. Horizontal rod can be made up and down as per need of practitioner. Midline rod gets curved at contour of face and extends from chin cup to forehead support.
• Turbinger: It is similar to Petit’s facemask but diffrence is there are two rods instead of midline rod. Rod run parallel from chin cup and in region of base of nose they turn medially to accommodate nose. Now rods turn parallel till forehead support. Horizontal rod should be present at lip level for engagement of elastic.

Effects of Face Mask

• It leads to forward movement of maxilla as well as maxillary teeth.
• It leads to proclination of maxillary anterior teeth.
• It leads to correction of anterior and posterior crossbite.
• It leads to downward and backward rotation of mandible.

Duration for Face Mask

It should be weared for 20 hours/day but after 6 months it is reduced to nighttime wear for retention. Active treatment takes 4 to 6 months.

Age for Treatment

Age of 10 years is best for the application. After 10 years of age response of appliance decreases.

Usage of Rapid Maxillary Expansion

Rapid maxillary expansion should be activated once daily before going for bedtime for two weeks till desired expansion is gained.

Completion of Treatment

After treatment get completed positive overjet is gained and concave profie is improved.

Advantages of Face Mask

• It corrects the maxillary deficiency with rapid improvement and early results.
• As treatment with facemask is rapid, patient compliance is improved.