What is the MARA device?

A child’s smile is a reflection of their joy, but an overbite can cloud that happiness. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, an overbite is where the upper front teeth significantly overlap the bottom front teeth when the jaws are closed. Various factors, such as excessive pacifier use or thumb-sucking, contribute to this common pediatric dental issue.

In this article, we’ll discuss a profound solution for overbite correction: the MARA device. MARA stands for mandibular anterior repositioning appliance. This fixed orthodontic appliance guides the lower jaw forward to align the top and bottom teeth for a healthier, happier smile. Join us as we explore exactly how this innovative device works and what makes it such a beneficial treatment.

Understanding How the MARA Device Works

The MARA device is a practical solution for fixing overbites. Unlike removable options, it stays put to get the job done. Its main task is moving the lower jaw forward gently to align the upper and lower teeth properly.

Think of the MARA as an architect guiding your child’s lower jaw into the right position. It has a horizontal arm on the lower part connected to a metal crown on the lower first molar. On the upper side, there’s a vertical elbow on the crown of the upper first molar. Together, they require the patient to shift the lower jaw forward in order to close correctly.

Using the MARA is like solving a puzzle. To bite down, your child will slide their lower jaw forward so that the lower arms smoothly slide in front of the elbows. This process helps correct the default jaw position over time. The MARA doesn’t just help fix the overbite but also improves oral health, setting the stage for a happier, healthier smile for your child.

The Benefits of MARA Treatment

MARA devices bring many advantages, revolutionizing the landscape of overbite correction with effectiveness, subtlety, and practicality. One key advantage is the permanence of attachment. Your child cannot remove their MARA device, which ensures consistent correction. Moreover, its complete invisibility from the outside of the mouth adds a discreet touch to the corrective process.

Unlike some treatments that limit jaw movement, the MARA device allows your child to open their mouth as wide as they want. This flexibility improves oral function, making daily activities like eating and speaking more comfortable. What’s more, your dentist can seamlessly integrate the MARA device into orthodontic treatment either before or during the braces phase.

However, like any treatment, there are some things about the MARA device to consider. Some patients may experience cheek irritation. Usually, orthodontic wax solves this problem. Another thing to keep in mind is that the MARA is not always effective in fixing severe overbite or open bite cases. Your child’s dentist or orthodontist can determine whether the MARA device is right for your child during their orthodontic evaluation.

Early intervention is crucial for long-term dental health, and dentists and orthodontists recommend an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This proactive approach helps identify potential issues before they escalate, enabling timely treatment or vigilant monitoring for concerns that may require attention in the future. In children who are good candidates for MARA, this treatment corrects overbites effectively and proactively moves them toward optimal dental health.

The MARA Treatment Process

MARA treatment is a comprehensive process that encompasses initial assessment, appliance usage, and follow-up appointments. The first step involves thoroughly evaluating your child’s bite to determine the suitability of the MARA device for effective correction.

For children and teens dealing with misaligned teeth, the MARA device is a promising solution. Its fixed nature ensures consistent correction, making it a reliable option for family dentists in Virginia Beach. Appliance use may either precede or accompany braces to effectively shift teeth and address overbites.

Once the MARA device is in place, it will gradually move your child’s jaw into proper alignment by forcing a proper closing position. Regular follow-up appointments are essential so that your child’s dentist or orthodontist can monitor progress, make necessary adjustments, and ensure treatment stays on track. Patients typically complete MARA treatment within one year.

In the hands of skilled practitioners like Dr. King, the best dentist in Virginia Beach, the MARA treatment process not only straightens teeth but also contributes to the overall well-being of young patients, fostering healthier smiles for the future.

Request an orthodontic evaluation for your child at King Dental.

The MARA device is an excellent solution for correcting your child’s or teen’s overbite, offering a discreet and practical orthodontic approach. With the ability to shift teeth and improve oral function, MARA treatment brings lasting benefits.

To stay on top of your child’s dental health, consider the merits of the MARA device. We encourage you to explore how MARA treatment can contribute to your child’s well-being. Take a proactive step toward a brighter, healthier smile for your child and schedule an orthodontic evaluation at King Dental today.