Orthodontic Treatment
Face Mask & Protraction Headgear
Non-surgical underbite correction and jaw alignment for growing children.
Face mask protraction headgear is a proven non-surgical treatment for underbites (Class III malocclusion) in growing children. By applying gentle forward traction on the upper jaw during critical growth years, the face mask guides proper jaw development — often eliminating the need for jaw surgery later in life.
Book Your Child's ConsultationIntraoral Appliance Placement
First, an intraoral appliance — often a rapid palatal expander (RPE) with hooks — is bonded to the upper teeth. This serves as the anchor point for the face mask's elastic traction.
Face Mask Fitting
The external face mask frame rests on padded contact points at the forehead and chin. Heavy elastics connect from the frame to hooks on the intraoral appliance.
Forward Jaw Traction
The elastics apply gentle, continuous forward force on the maxilla (upper jaw), encouraging it to grow forward and correct the underbite. Worn 12-16 hours daily.
Monitoring & Phase 2
Treatment lasts 6-14 months. After the jaw relationship is corrected, patients transition to Phase 2 orthodontics (braces or Invisalign) for final alignment.
Non-Surgical Correction
Face mask therapy corrects underbites without surgery in ~75% of cases when started during growth years. Early treatment can eliminate the need for surgery.
Guides Natural Growth
Rather than forcing bones, the face mask works with natural growth patterns to guide the upper jaw forward — producing stable, lasting results.
Improved Facial Harmony
Correcting a skeletal underbite during growth improves facial profile. The upper jaw moves into alignment with the lower jaw for a harmonious appearance.
Cost-Effective Prevention
Early treatment can prevent costly jaw surgery later in life. Interceptive orthodontics is a fraction of the cost of surgical correction.
Ages 6-10 (Ideal Window)
The upper jaw is actively growing during this period. Starting treatment before age 10 maximizes the chance of full correction.
Skeletal Underbite
Children diagnosed with skeletal Class III malocclusion — where the upper jaw is underdeveloped — are primary candidates.
Maxillary Deficiency
Children with a flat or concave midface profile benefit from forward protraction to encourage maxillary growth.
Anterior Crossbite
When lower front teeth bite in front of upper ones due to a jaw discrepancy, face mask therapy addresses the skeletal cause.
Non-Surgical vs. Surgical
Face mask therapy is non-surgical and works with natural growth. Jaw surgery requires general anesthesia, bone cuts, and weeks of recovery.
Early vs. Late Treatment
Face mask treatment during childhood prevents the problem from worsening. Jaw surgery is only performed after growth is complete (age 17-21).
Cost Comparison
Face mask therapy costs a fraction of jaw surgery ($20k-$80k including hospital fees), compared to face mask treatment at $3k-$6k.
Recovery Time
No recovery downtime with face mask therapy. Jaw surgery requires 6-12 weeks of recovery with a liquid/soft diet and restricted activity.
A face mask (reverse pull headgear) is an orthodontic appliance that corrects underbites by applying gentle forward pressure on the upper jaw.
Ages 6-10 are ideal, while the upper jaw is still actively growing. Treatment before age 10 has approximately 75% success rate.
12-16 hours per day, primarily during evenings and overnight while sleeping. Treatment typically lasts 6-14 months.
Yes. In ~75% of cases started during growth years, face mask therapy corrects the underbite without surgery, reducing the need for surgery later.
Mild soreness and pressure are common early on. Discomfort resolves quickly as the child adjusts to the appliance.
Most children transition to Phase 2 orthodontics (braces or Invisalign) around age 11-13 to align permanent teeth within the corrected jaw.
Team Dental offers face mask protraction headgear treatment across 5 locations — New York City, Philadelphia, Swedesboro, Ponte Vedra Beach, and Vermont. Early orthodontic evaluation is recommended by age 7.
We accept 40+ insurance plans including Aetna, Cigna, Delta Dental, MetLife, and United Healthcare. Flexible financing available.
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