MARA Appliance in Springfield, OR

The MARA appliance is a fixed orthodontic device used to improve certain Class II bite problems by guiding the lower jaw into a more forward position. Dr. Matthew Epperson provides MARA appliance treatment in Springfield, OR, for growing patients whose lower jaw is positioned farther back than the upper jaw.

Dr. Epperson has experience treating approximately 150 cases involving growth modification and functional appliances and most often uses the MARA for more significant Class II jaw relationships. Because the appliance remains fixed in place, it works throughout the day without depending on patients to remember to wear a removable device.

MARA Appliance Explained

MARA stands for Mandibular Anterior Repositioning Appliance. It is a fixed functional orthodontic appliance commonly used for growing patients with a Class II malocclusion, where the upper teeth and jaw sit farther forward than the lower jaw.

When the patient closes their mouth, the appliance encourages the lower jaw into a more forward position. This helps our orthodontist address the relationship between the upper and lower jaws while growth is still occurring.

The MARA is attached to the teeth, so patients do not remove and replace it throughout the day. This can be especially useful when a bite correction requires more consistent guidance than removable appliances or elastics alone can provide.

Who Can Benefit From a MARA Appliance

Dr. Epperson most commonly considers MARA treatment for preteens and teens with a more significant Class II bite caused by a lower jaw that sits too far back.

Growth is an important part of treatment planning. MARA treatment is generally used between approximately ages 11 and 15, when patients may still have enough growth remaining to help improve the jaw relationship.

Our orthodontist will evaluate:

• The relationship between the upper and lower jaws

• The severity of the Class II bite

• The position of the lower jaw

• The patient's stage of growth

• Tooth alignment and available space

• The overall orthodontic treatment plan

For less severe Class II bite problems, traditional elastics may provide enough correction without a MARA appliance.

Benefits of MARA Treatment

The MARA is designed to address the jaw relationship rather than simply straighten individual teeth. Potential benefits include:

• Continuous guidance because the appliance remains fixed in place

• Less dependence on daily patient compliance than removable appliances

• Improvement in certain Class II bite relationships

• Forward positioning of a retruded lower jaw during growth

• Reduction of excessive horizontal overlap between the upper and lower front teeth

• Ability to coordinate jaw correction with comprehensive orthodontic treatment

The specific goals of treatment depend on the patient's bite, growth pattern and orthodontic needs.

How the MARA Appliance Works

The MARA uses components attached to the upper and lower back teeth to influence how the jaws come together.

Placement

Before recommending a MARA, our orthodontist evaluates the patient's teeth, bite and jaw relationship and determines whether growth modification should be part of treatment. Once placed, the appliance guides the lower jaw forward when the mouth closes.

Adjustments

The appliance can be adjusted during treatment as the bite changes. Regular orthodontic visits allow Dr. Epperson to monitor growth, jaw position and tooth movement and make changes when needed.

Coordination With Braces

The MARA and braces serve different purposes. The MARA primarily addresses the relationship between the jaws, while braces control the position and alignment of individual teeth.

For patients who need both jaw correction and comprehensive tooth movement, these treatments may be coordinated as part of the same orthodontic plan.

MARA Appliance vs. Elastics

Both the MARA appliance and orthodontic elastics can be used to help correct certain Class II bite relationships, but Dr. Epperson uses them for different levels of correction.

Traditional elastics may be recommended for less severe bite discrepancies. The MARA is generally reserved for patients with a more significant lower-jaw deficiency who may benefit from a fixed functional appliance.

One practical difference is compliance. Elastics must be worn according to instructions, while the MARA stays attached to the teeth and continues working without the patient having to remember to put it back in.

What to Expect During MARA Treatment

Comfort and Speech

Mild pressure or soreness is common when the MARA appliance is first placed and after adjustments. Speaking may also feel different for the first few days while the tongue and cheeks become accustomed to the appliance. Most patients adapt as they become familiar with how the MARA feels when speaking, eating and closing their mouth.

Eating and Diet

Softer foods can make the first few days of treatment more comfortable. Patients should avoid hard, sticky or chewy foods that could damage or loosen the appliance. Foods such as ice, hard nuts, caramel and taffy should be avoided. Cutting firmer foods into smaller pieces can also make eating easier and help protect the appliance.

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is especially important while wearing a MARA appliance. Patients should brush carefully around the bands, crowns and metal components where plaque and food can collect. A soft toothbrush and interdental brushes can help clean around the appliance. Flossing with a floss threader may also be recommended, and routine professional dental cleanings should continue throughout orthodontic treatment.

Sports and Activities

Most sports and musical activities can continue during MARA treatment. Patients who participate in contact sports should use an appropriate mouth guard to protect both the teeth and the appliance.

If part of the MARA becomes loose or begins irritating the cheek, orthodontic wax can help provide temporary relief until our orthodontic team can evaluate the appliance.

Experience With Growth Modification

Growth-modification treatment requires careful timing because the amount of growth remaining can influence what an orthodontic appliance can accomplish. Dr. Epperson has treated approximately 150 cases involving growth modification and functional appliances and has experience using the MARA to address more significant Class II jaw relationships.

Our orthodontist personally evaluates and monitors patients throughout treatment, allowing changes in the bite and jaw relationship to be assessed directly as treatment progresses.

What if the MARA Becomes Loos or Uncomfortable?

Call 541-852-2552 if part of the MARA becomes loose, damaged or begins causing persistent irritation.

Do not try to remove, bend or repair the appliance yourself. Orthodontic wax may provide temporary relief from an irritating area until our team can evaluate it.

If the problem occurs outside regular office hours, our office provides urgent and after-hours support for orthodontic concerns when needed.

Ready To Learn More About the MARA Appliance?

If your child has a Class II bite or a lower jaw that appears positioned too far back, our orthodontist can evaluate their teeth, bite and growth to determine whether a MARA appliance in Springfield, OR, may be the right treatment option. Call 541-852-2552 today to schedule a consultation and learn more about growth-modification treatment.