What does “Orthodontic facemask” mean?
An orthodontic facemask is an extraoral appliance connecting forehead and chin supports to an appliance inside the mouth, with the aim of guiding the upper jaw and upper teeth forwards. It may be considered for selected Class III bite relationships during growth. It differs from a device that only applies pressure to the lower jaw and from an ordinary face mask.
Separate jaw relationships from treatment goals
Assess whether the anterior crossbite involves tooth position, the relative upper and lower jaw relationship, or a jaw shift on closing. Clarify why force is being applied to the upper jaw and discuss observation and other options. Appearance alone should not determine appliance selection.
Follow instructions for the supports and connecting appliance
The team explains the facial supports, intraoral connections, force direction and wearing plan. Ask whether expansion is included and why. Do not change elastic placement, force or wearing time yourself. Report poor fit, skin or mouth discomfort, and damaged components.
Review growth and further treatment after the initial response
Jaw relationships can change with growth even after the bite improves, so follow-up remains necessary. Limited long-term research does not support promising that surgery will always be avoided or that the method is superior to others. Plan for possible further tooth alignment, retention and coordinated care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a facemask mean I do not need surgery as an adult?
That cannot be guaranteed. The initial response, subsequent growth and overall bite must be assessed together. Further treatment or surgical assessment may still be needed.
Must an expansion appliance always be used with it?
No. The decision depends on dental and skeletal width, appliance connections and treatment goals.
Understanding facemask goals and follow-up
Learn what the term means and how it relates to your dental condition.
- Sufficient understanding
Is the plan intended to change the upper jaw, lower jaw or teeth?
Explanation and evidenceClarify the cause of the Class III relationship, growth and cooperation, any reason for expansion, and alternative options.
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry: assessment and management of developing dentition, oral habits and occlusion (2024) - A choice suited to your condition
How are changes during wear and after growth monitored?
Explanation and evidenceAsk about supports and elastics, reporting discomfort, the actual bite response, limits of long-term effects and plans for further treatment.
Cochrane Oral Health: appliances for childhood Class III treatment and uncertainty about long-term effects (2024)
Further reading and references
Further reading
References
- Cochrane Oral Health: appliances for childhood Class III treatment and uncertainty about long-term effects (2024)oralhealth.cochrane.org (opens in a new tab)
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry: assessment and management of developing dentition, oral habits and occlusion (2024)aapd.org (opens in a new tab)
