It’s completely okay to tell your orthodontist directly what you’re concerned about — but the key is to explain your symptoms and goals, not request a specific device. Orthodontists prefer to decide the treatment based on diagnosis, and sometimes a reverse-pull headgear (facemask) is not effective after certain ages.
What you can say to your orthodontist
It’s completely okay to tell your orthodontist directly what you’re concerned about — but the key is to explain your symptoms and goals, not request a specific device. Orthodontists prefer to decide the treatment based on diagnosis, and sometimes a reverse-pull headgear (facemask) is not effective after certain ages.
What you can say to your orthodontist
If you want, I can help you write a script
Thank you bro this is very helpfulIt’s completely okay to tell your orthodontist directly what you’re concerned about — but the key is to explain your symptoms and goals, not request a specific device. Orthodontists prefer to decide the treatment based on diagnosis, and sometimes a reverse-pull headgear (facemask) is not effective after certain ages.
Here’s how you can communicate your concerns clearly and productively:
1. Describe your concerns
You can say something like:
- “I feel like my upper jaw is very recessed, and it affects my facial balance.”
- “My midface looks sunken, and it makes my nose look larger or more droopy.”
- “I’m worried about how my profile looks, not just my teeth.”
This tells them your functional and aesthetic concerns, not just a request for a device.
2. Ask whether maxillary protraction is still possible
You can bring up the idea without insisting on it:
- “Is maxillary protraction or a reverse-pull facemask something that could help with my recessed maxilla?”
- “Am I too old for orthopedic correction at this point, and what are my options if not?”
This lets them explain limitations (age, growth stage, bone maturity).
3. Ask about alternatives if facemask isn’t suitable
If you’re past the age where facemasks are effective (usually they work best before ~12–14), you can ask:
- “If a facemask isn’t appropriate for me, what treatments can address a recessed upper jaw?”
- “Would my case be better handled with TAD-supported maxillary protraction, expansion, or orthognathic surgery?”
There are alternatives like:
- TAD-supported protraction (sometimes works in late teens/adults)
- Surgically assisted maxillary advancement
- LeFort I surgery (for adults, if skeletal discrepancy is large)
4. Mention that aesthetics matter to you
This is important; orthodontists often focus on bite unless you tell them:
- “Facial aesthetics are very important to me, not only dental alignment. Can we discuss options to improve the appearance of my midface?”
They won’t judge you — it’s a completely normal concern.
✔ What NOT to do
- Don’t say “I want reverse-pull headgear.”
Instead, say why you think you might need it.- Don’t demand a treatment; orthodontists need clinical justification.
- Don’t assume the device will fix the issue — they can tell you whether it would actually work at your age.
If you want, I can rewrite exactly what to say in a smooth, confident way. Just tell me your age so I can tailor the phrasing (since the options change depending on growth stage).
AnytimeThank you bro this is very helpful
Yo this is so clear and detailed. im so happy you wrote this and not chatgptIt’s completely okay to tell your orthodontist directly what you’re concerned about — but the key is to explain your symptoms and goals, not request a specific device. Orthodontists prefer to decide the treatment based on diagnosis, and sometimes a reverse-pull headgear (facemask) is not effective after certain ages.
Here’s how you can communicate your concerns clearly and productively:
1. Describe your concerns
You can say something like:
- “I feel like my upper jaw is very recessed, and it affects my facial balance.”
- “My midface looks sunken, and it makes my nose look larger or more droopy.”
- “I’m worried about how my profile looks, not just my teeth.”
This tells them your functional and aesthetic concerns, not just a request for a device.
2. Ask whether maxillary protraction is still possible
You can bring up the idea without insisting on it:
- “Is maxillary protraction or a reverse-pull facemask something that could help with my recessed maxilla?”
- “Am I too old for orthopedic correction at this point, and what are my options if not?”
This lets them explain limitations (age, growth stage, bone maturity).
3. Ask about alternatives if facemask isn’t suitable
If you’re past the age where facemasks are effective (usually they work best before ~12–14), you can ask:
- “If a facemask isn’t appropriate for me, what treatments can address a recessed upper jaw?”
- “Would my case be better handled with TAD-supported maxillary protraction, expansion, or orthognathic surgery?”
There are alternatives like:
- TAD-supported protraction (sometimes works in late teens/adults)
- Surgically assisted maxillary advancement
- LeFort I surgery (for adults, if skeletal discrepancy is large)
4. Mention that aesthetics matter to you
This is important; orthodontists often focus on bite unless you tell them:
- “Facial aesthetics are very important to me, not only dental alignment. Can we discuss options to improve the appearance of my midface?”
They won’t judge you — it’s a completely normal concern.
✔ What NOT to do
- Don’t say “I want reverse-pull headgear.”
Instead, say why you think you might need it.- Don’t demand a treatment; orthodontists need clinical justification.
- Don’t assume the device will fix the issue — they can tell you whether it would actually work at your age.
If you want, I can rewrite exactly what to say in a smooth, confident way. Just tell me your age so I can tailor the phrasing (since the options change depending on growth stage).
