MARA stands for Mandibular Anterior Repositioning Appliance. It's a fixed appliance attached to your back molars that corrects overbites by encouraging the lower jaw to grow forward.

The MARA prevents your lower jaw from closing too far back, gradually training it into a more forward position. This corrects overbites without headgear or surgery!

Function: Provide stable attachment points

Function: Guide jaw into correct position

Function: Prevent jaw from closing too far back

Corrects overbites without uncomfortable, visible headgear that requires patient compliance.

Fixed in place, so it works constantly—even while you sleep. No need to remember to wear it!

Because it works continuously, many patients see results faster than with removable appliances.

Modern MARA appliances are smaller and more comfortable than older bite-correcting devices.

Fixed appliances provide consistent force, leading to predictable, reliable overbite correction.

Hard Foods

Can break crowns or bend arms

Hard candy, Ice, Nuts, Hard pretzels, Hard cookies, Raw carrots/apples

Sticky Foods

Extremely difficult to clean from MARA

Gum, Caramel, Taffy, Gummy candy, Bagels, Starburst

Chewy Foods

Can dislodge or damage appliance

Tough meats, Jerky, Licorice, Hard rolls

This is the #1 challenge! Use a water flosser after every meal. Carry one for school/work. It's essential for keeping the MARA clean.

Prevention: Rinse vigorously after eating. Use water flosser 3+ times daily. Avoid sticky foods completely.

Completely normal initially. Practice speaking aloud, read books out loud, and be patient. Most patients adjust within 3-7 days.

Prevention: This is temporary. The more you talk, the faster you'll adapt! Don't get discouraged.

Your jaw muscles are adjusting to the new position. Take OTC pain reliever, eat soft foods, and use warm compresses. Soreness fades in 3-5 days.

Prevention: This is normal and means the appliance is working. Massage jaw muscles gently.

Call our office immediately! A loose crown needs to be re-cemented. Don't wait—the longer you wait, the more likely it becomes fully dislodged.

Prevention: Avoid hard/sticky foods. Follow care instructions. Attend all appointments.

Apply orthodontic wax to any sharp edges or areas causing irritation. Call office if a component has broken or bent.

Prevention: Keep wax with you always. Most irritation resolves within first week as tissues toughen.

A water flosser is the #1 tool for MARA success. Use it after every meal without exception!

Always cut food into bite-sized pieces. Never bite into whole apples, sandwiches, or corn on the cob.

Gum, caramel, and sticky candy are your MARA's worst enemies. Just don't risk it!

The more you talk, the faster you'll adjust. Read aloud, sing, practice tongue twisters!

MARA treatment typically takes 9-15 months. Trust the process—it works!

The beauty of the MARA is that it works 24/7 without any effort from you. Unlike headgear or removable appliances, you can't forget to wear it—it's always working to correct your overbite!