Understanding the MARA Appliance: A Comprehensive Guide

MARA stands for Mandibular Anterior Repositioning Appliance. It is a fixed functional device that is designed to address overbites and eliminate overbite issues such as pain, discomfort, and eating problems. 

Orthodontist are constantly on a mission to create the perfect smile. The MARA appliance, an acronym for Mandibular Anterior Repositioning Appliance, is one of our secret weapons to combat the common issue of an overbite.

“The MARA appliance is not just another orthodontic device; it’s a game-changer in the journey towards achieving the ideal alignment of teeth and jaws.”

Our journey today will take us through its unique design, the way it works, and why it might be the best solution for you.

MARA Design and Construction 

The MARA device is made of metal and is fixed to the back of the mouth near the molars; this makes it both functional and discrete. Overbites are corrected with MARA devices, which shift the lower jaw forward over time.

Imagine a standard crown on a molar at the back of the mouth. These crowns anchor MARA devices. As the patient bites down, the elbow meets the lower crown, causing the jaw to shift forward. The top crown features a horizontal arm that leads to a vertical elbow design.

By encouraging the jaw to shift forward and correct the bite, the Mara devise corrects an overbite and improves dental health and overall well-being. With one on, an overbite is impossible.

Impact on MARA Patients  

Any foreign device in the mouth can feel uncomfortable initially and requires adjustment. The mouth is an extremely sensitive area, with around 30-40% of the body’s sensory and motor nerves located here, so it’s normal to find a MARA device uncomfortable in the first weeks.

Your mouth might feel strange, and your cheeks can puff up, but don’t be alarmed; this will normalize quickly. At first, you might have difficulty eating, so be patient and cut food into small pieces. There are few to no issues in the longer term.  

Advantages and Disadvantages of MARA

There are advantages and disadvantages, but the good news is that the disadvantages are short-lived and tend to appear only in the first week of wearing one.  

Advantages

• One of the main benefits of using a MARA appliance over traditional braces is that it can correct overbites without the need for headgear. This can be a major advantage for patients who are self-conscious about wearing headgear or who find it uncomfortable.
• Another benefit of using the appliance is that it can often reduce the amount of time that a patient needs to wear braces. This is because the appliance is designed to correct the bite in a more efficient manner than traditional braces alone. This can be a major advantage for patients who are looking to achieve their desired results as quickly as possible.
• Using a MARA appliance can also help to improve the overall appearance of a patient’s face. This is because the appliance is designed to move the lower jaw forward, which can help to create a more balanced and symmetrical facial profile. This can be a major benefit for patients who are concerned about the aesthetic impact of their orthodontic treatment.
• Finally, using a MARA appliance can help to reduce the risk of developing certain dental problems later in life. This is because the appliance is designed to correct the bite in a way that helps to distribute the forces of chewing more evenly across all of the teeth. This can help to reduce the risk of developing problems such as tooth wear, gum disease, and TMJ disorders.

Disadvantages 

• Most of the disadvantages of MARA devices appear in the first days and weeks of installing one. Initially, a MARA device might irritate the cheeks and cause them to well; it also increases the amount of saliva in your mouth and makes it difficult to eat in the short term. 
• Another potential side effect of the  appliance is an increase in saliva production. This is also normal and should decrease as the patient’s mouth adjusts to the appliance.
• In rare cases, the  appliance can cause some speech difficulties, particularly with pronouncing certain sounds. However, most patients adjust to the appliance quickly and any speech issues usually resolve within a few weeks.

Importance of Dental Alignment 

Dental alignment is important for cosmetic reasons but also crucial for dental hygiene and general health. Having an overbite makes it more challenging to eat certain foods and maintain proper dental health; it can also cause issues with grinding and dental damage. MARA devices offer a simple and effective solution to overbite issues; they are also discrete and comfortable.  

Conclusion

The MARA appliance, a marvel in the orthodontic world, is a subtle yet highly functional device that rectifies overbites and enhances dental health. Crafted from metallic crown anchors, the MARA appliance sits comfortably over the molars at the back of your mouth. The upper mechanism interacts with the lower crown, nudging your teeth forward to correct an overbite, and can work in conjunction with braces. 

Whether the MARA appliance is used as a pre-treatment step before braces or as an independent solution to manage an overbite, its effectiveness stands unquestioned. While its main action is to reposition the teeth, it is also likely to influence the position of the jaw. If you believe a MARA appliance may be the key to your perfect smile, don’t hesitate to consult your orthodontist. They will guide you towards the best decision for your dental health.