05/11/2025
What is a Protraction Facemask?
The device commonly referred to as a protraction facemask (also called a reverse-pull headgear or orthodontic facemask) is an extra-oral orthodontic appliance used primarily in growing children.
Purpose
It’s used when the upper jaw (maxilla) is under-developed or positioned too far back relative to the lower jaw (mandible) — essentially in a skeletal Class III malocclusion.
The facemask applies forward and downward traction on the maxilla (via elastics hooked to a fixed intra-oral appliance) to encourage maxillary advancement.
By doing this early, the hope is to reduce the severity of the discrepancy and possibly reduce the need for more invasive treatment (e.g., jaw surgery) later.
What it Can (and Cannot) Do
✅ Potential Benefits
Can advance the maxilla forward (modestly) and help correct or reduce the underbite/crossbite.
Improve dental occlusion (overjet, overbite) in growing patients.
Possibly reduce the extent of more invasive treatment later (e.g., surgery) in some cases
