Face Mask
Aligning Your Facial Bones
What is a Face Mask?
A face mask is an appliance that helps your upper and lower teeth and jaws. This improves your bite and the way you look. Your bite is how your upper and lower teeth and jaws fit together. The face mask most often consists of a wire frame and few face pads.
How does the Face Mask Works?
A face mask is often used to correct an underbite. This is when the upper teeth close behind the lower teeth. The face mask pulls the upper jaw and teeth forward by pushing against your face. This helps align your facial bones.
Wearing Your Face Mask
Your doctor will show you how to put your face mask on and off. Always remove the face mask when eating, playing sports, aor anytime when your mask could get pulled. Please call our office at 705-671-6261 if your face mask doesn't fit right, breaks or get lost.
What you can expect
Wearing your face mask may make your teeth or gums feel tender or sore at first. Or, you may feel some pressure from the face pads. Your doctor may suggest over-the counter pain medicines to help relieve any soreness. Also, putting a medicated gel on your gums where you hurt may help ease soreness. Try putting on your face mask by first hooking the elastics to your braces or bands. Then stretch the elastics around the mouthbow.
Cleaning Tips
The tips below will help you keep your teeth and face mask clean.
Remove the face mask before brushing your teeth. Try to brush them each morning and night, and after you eat too. Floss your teeth at least once a day. Use any rinses and gels your doctor may prescribe.
Follow your doctor's advice on how to keep the pads off your face mak clean. This will help you avoid facial skin problems.
Brush the metal parts of the face mask with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
When to Wear Your Face Mask
Most people will need to wear their face mask for at least 12-14 hours each day. Remind yourself that the longer you keep mask on, the sooner it will come off. Here are some tips for when to wear your face mask:
- Put it on while doing homework or watching TV.
- Wear it while sleeping. Place your pillow so that the mouth bow doesn't push into your mouth.
- Try wearing it at school.
- Wear your face mask as often as you can each day and night. Remember, each hour your wear it counts.
Your doctor may want you to wear a face mask at various times during your treatment. Work with your doctor and wear the face mask as advised. Your reward will be healthy teeth and a great smile.