Children with Underbites: Growth Correction with a Face Mask, Then Invisalign

Hello! I’m Dr. Yoon Jeong-won, the director of Yonsei Jeongwon Dental Clinic in Daechi-dong, specializing in orthodontics.

Yonsei Jeongwon Dental Clinic, Gangnam orthodontic clinic

In my previous post, I explained a case in which a child with a recessed chin underwent growth correction and was then treated with Invisalign.

Today, let’s take a look at a case in which an underbite was corrected with a face mask during growth, followed by Invisalign for orthodontic treatment.

Face mask growth correction

A face mask device is a growth appliance worn to encourage upper jaw growth in cases of Class III malocclusion, where the lower jaw is developed and the upper and lower front teeth bite in reverse.

After the upper jaw has grown and the crossbite has been resolved, a Frankel appliance (FR III) is worn to block the forces from the upper lip and cheeks that hinder upper jaw growth, thereby naturally guiding upper jaw development. It is also often used as a retention appliance after face mask treatment.

FR III (Frankel appliance)

This patient had undergone first-phase treatment with a face mask appliance five years ago, but the bite relationship of the front teeth had recurred. The patient came in for a consultation to ask whether second-phase orthodontic treatment was needed, saying that the upper and lower front teeth were biting together.

Initial visit on 2024.8.12

At the initial visit, the front teeth showed an edge-to-edge bite, and there was a large gap between the lower front teeth. On the cephalometric X-ray, the patient showed a Class III malocclusion (underbite) with a well-developed lower jaw, and the wrist X-ray growth plate test showed SMI stage 7–8, meaning the peak pubertal growth spurt had already passed.

Cephalometric X-ray

We decided to close the spacing between the lower front teeth and move the upper molars backward by about 1 mm to improve the molar bite. Since the patient had a habit of pushing the lower front teeth with the tongue, education on correct tongue posture was also provided.

Daechi-dong orthodontic clinic, Yonsei Jeongwon Dental Clinic

Two months after the start of treatment, the space between the lower front teeth is gradually closing. As the space closes, the edge-to-edge bite of the front teeth is also gradually improving. Due to movement of the upper molars, the molar bite is slightly open.

Two months after the start of treatment

In the photo taken six months after the start of treatment, the space between the lower front teeth was almost closed, and the molar bite had improved significantly compared with four months earlier. The midlines of the upper and lower front teeth still do not match.

Six months after the start of treatment

In the photo taken eight months after the start of treatment, almost all of the spacing between the teeth had closed, and the molar bite had also improved. The midlines of the upper and lower teeth are now aligned. We are currently fine-tuning tooth positions and finishing the treatment.

Eight months after the start of treatment

The figure below is an overlay of the X-rays taken before treatment and recently. Compared with before treatment, you can see that the spacing between the lower front teeth has closed and they have moved backward, and the lower lip has also moved inward by about 1 mm.

X-ray superimposition

Intraoral photos before and after treatment

This was a case in which the anterior crossbite recurred after first-phase treatment, so a second-phase orthodontic treatment was carried out. Although the patient is near the end of growth, growth has not completely finished yet, so it will be important to manage the retainer well after orthodontic treatment is completed to prevent recurrence.

At Yonsei Jeongwon Dental Clinic, we have all the latest equipment needed for Invisalign orthodontic treatment, including the iTero Lumina 3D oral scanner, growth plate testing, and pre- and post-treatment simulation through the Morpheus facial scanner. This allows for more precise and systematic orthodontic treatment.

In addition, the costs for orthodontic treatment include the precision diagnostic fee and monthly fees (retainer costs excluded), so you do not need to worry about additional expenses. We also have a general dentistry department, so all necessary treatments for orthodontics, such as extractions and cavity treatment, can be completed in one place. We also offer an installment payment system to reduce the burden of paying a large sum at once, which makes it even more attractive.

Yonsei Jeongwon Dental Clinic, Daechi-dong orthodontic clinic

Director Yoon Jeong-won, the chief doctor, is in charge of the orthodontic department and has specialized only in orthodontics during 16 years of clinical practice, with experience in many complex cases. Therefore, we can effectively treat a wide range of orthodontic problems, including malocclusion, protruding mouth, underbite, recessed chin, and more.

Many of you who are considering orthodontic treatment or double-jaw surgery due to protruding mouths, crowded teeth, malocclusion, recessed chins, or underbites have probably already gathered a lot of information through searches for nearby orthodontic clinics. Even so, comparing different appliances in person and hearing detailed explanations about whether extractions are needed can be very helpful in making your decision.

Yonsei Jeongwon Dental Clinic, Daechi-dong Invisalign

During a consultation, you can compare various appliances in person, such as Clarity, Clippy-C, and Invisalign clear aligners, and hear detailed explanations about the pros and cons, orthodontic treatment fees, and the types of orthodontic treatment. We encourage you to feel free to call or visit for a consultation.

Daechi-dong Yonsei Jeongwon Dental Clinic, a Gangnam orthodontic clinic, is conveniently located near Samseong Station, Hakyeoul Station, Daechi Station, and Hanti Station, making it very convenient for visits from Samseong-dong, Daechi-dong, Gaepo-dong, Dogok-dong, Yeoksam-dong, Ilwon-dong, and Jamsil.

Building next to BMW at the Daechi-dong Woosung Apartment intersection

(opposite Starbucks / Samsung Store)

Yonsei Jeongwon Dental Clinic, Daechi-dong orthodontic clinic

Parking is convenient and free

Consultation and inquiries: 02-501-2879