Face Mask/Face Crib

The purpose of your new facemask is to help correct the under bite between your upper and lower teeth and jaws. It does this by using the front of your head as an anchor to move the upper teeth and jaw forward.

In younger patients, future facial growth combined with timely orthodontics intervention can sometimes correct protrusions and or retrusions of the jawbone. An orthodontist working with children as young as age 7 can use an orthopedic appliance such as this one to direct bone growth, thus eliminating or minimizing the need for surgery in some patients. However, in adults, and those patients who have completed their bone growth, the improper tooth/bone relationship is frequently treated with surgery.

By wearing your facemask, you are playing a big part in straightening your own teeth by moving the bone they are anchored to. You must wear it faithfully for successful results. It may take several days for you to get used to it. Practice putting it on and taking it off in front of the mirror to begin with. The facemask must be worn a minimum of 14 or more hours per day. The more you wear your facemask, the faster your bones will move. We suggest wearing it after school until dinner time, after dinner until bedtime and all night while you sleep. You may also wear it to school. It is best not to wear it when playing an active sport, horsing around or swimming. Please keep track of the total daily hours/average per week.

The chin can sometimes become irritated and chafed from the facemask. Try using only the plastic piece to begin or put moleskin, Coets, CVS Essence of Beauty Rounds or Swisspers (replace it regularly) to protect your skin. Irritations on the forehead – use a cloth Band-Aid and replace it daily. Use any moisturizing cream a couple of times a day on any dry skin. If the skin gets too uncomfortable, discontinue the facemask for a few days.

We want your treatment with us to progress as quickly and successfully as you do. The more you wear your facemask, the sooner your treatment will be completed.