What Does a MARA Appliance Do?
A MARA appliance is a dental device used to correct overbites. It works by encouraging the patient to reposition the lower jaw forward into its correct position, putting differential pressure to move the upper teeth backward and the lower teeth forward. This helps to correct excess front to back overbite that is seen in many young patients.
The MARA appliance has many other benefits including improved speech clarity, reduction in front tooth protrusion, broadening of the smile, and better facial aesthetics.
What Type of Condition Does a MARA Appliance Treat?
The MARA appliance is a powerful tool in treating the most common type of malocclusion, an “overbite” (otherwise known as a Class II malocclusion).
By repositioning the bite into its proper position, it helps achieve a situation where teeth fit together properly.
Overbites have several different etiologies, including:
- A jaw size mismatch where the lower jaw sets behind the upper jaw excessively or the upper jaw sets forward of the lower jaw excessively.
- Tooth position problems where the upper front teeth tip forward excessively, or the lower front teeth tip backwards excessively.
In most cases, overbites result from a combination of both jaw and tooth position abnormalities.
An expander device can be built into the MARA appliance which can help to correct a back tooth crossbite and ensure the widths of the upper and lower jaw are well coordinated. Crossbite is a condition where the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when the mouth is closed. This often results from the upper palate being too narrow.
Duration Of Treatment Time
MARA is a relatively quick and effective way of achieving results with minimal compliance needed. The device is typically worn for 6-8 months. The timeline depends on the severity of the case, but most patients experience significant improvement within this period. It is a “fixed” appliance, meaning it stays within the mouth for the duration of treatment. This is a great advantage in young patients who would not be good candidates for compliance-based overbite correction methods like rubber bands.
During treatment, it is important to maintain regular appointments with Dr. Ryan Redford at Burke & Redford Orthodontists located in Temecula and Lake Elsinore, so progress can be monitored, and any necessary adjustments can be made to ensure that optimal results are achieved.
Life-Changing Results
The MARA appliance is a life-changing device that can help individuals suffering from significant overbites. It effectively corrects poor bite alignment with minimal discomfort while also helping to prevent further problems in the future. The effects are lasting and provide stability for long periods of time, allowing patients to enjoy improved oral health and better quality of life.
Contact our orthodontic office at (951) 699-8011 for a free consultation with Dr. Redford today and find out if the MARA (Mandibular Anterior Repositioning Appliance) is your child’s best treatment option for their overbite.
Find out more about the types of braces Burke & Redford Orthodontists recommends (and does not recommend) for the best orthodontic results.
| Type | Description | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Metal Braces | Traditional braces made of stainless steel | Most common, highly effective |
| Ceramic Braces | Made of translucent ceramic material | Less visible, more discreet option |
| Lingual Braces | Attached to the back of the teeth | Invisible from the outside, customized fit |
| Self-Ligating Damon Braces | Similar to traditional braces, but use clips instead of elastic bands | Less friction, more comfortable, fewer dental visits for adjustments |
| Clear Aligners (e.g., Invisalign) | Removable, custom-made clear plastic trays | Virtually invisible, worn 20-22 hours per day |