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What is a Face Mask?
What is a Face Mask?
A face mask is an orthodontic appliance that is used to correct mid-face deficiency. The patient typically has an underbite and no upper lip support, so the head gear is used to pull the upper jaw forward.
How is it hooked up?
How is it hooked up?
The face mask has a chin support and forehead support that is measured to fit each specific patient. The patient also has a palatal appliance, sometimes an RPE or TPA, that the rubber bands are hooked up to and secures the upper arch while being brought forward.
When should it be worn?
When should it be worn?
12-14 hours minimum per day, preferably while at home and while sleeping
AVOID hard or sticky foods: gum, toffee, licorice, hard candy, starburst, etc.
Inform the patient to check the bands to make sure they are secure at all times
The patient should bring their face mask to each appointment for new elastics and adjustments as needed.
Placing the Face Mask:
Placing the Face Mask:
In most cases when a patient needs a Face Mask, there is an expander involved as well!! They both go hand in hand :) You will see that face mask hooks can be added to a TPA or RPE, depending on the patients needs. If an RPE is involved, the patient will get the RPE cemented first with the face mask hooks(See placing RPE), and the face mask will not be hooked up at this time! The patient will start with expansion for the first. When the patient completes the expansion process then the face mask will be hooked up (As shown below).
If an expander is not included and it is just a TPA with face mask hooks, the face mask will be started that same day.
To place the face mask, the doctor will come to the chair and measure the proper height for the face mask. There is a remaining piece of metal that extends below the chin that will need to be trimmed off by the lab to ensure that it does not cause discomfort to the patient while they are sleeping. The doctor will mark the proper distance with a sharpie , and then the face mask can be take to the lab to remove the excess metal. Once it has been trimmed and polished the patient can be instructed on how to wear the face mask.
The face mask will be hooked up every night before the patient goes to sleep. If the patient has a hard time keeping in on while they are sleeping, the face mask can be worn during the day as well.
Whale elastics are used both sides
The patient will come back every 4-6 weeks for a check- Make sure to take facial photos, as well as all progress photos at each appointment!
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