Bite Correctors

Enhancing Lower Jaw Growth
The Twin Block appliance is designed to encourage growth of the lower jaw. The Twin Block works by holding the lower jaw in its new forward position while the muscles and bone grow to support the new forward position. Since the Twin Block is a removable appliance, it requires good cooperation in order to be effective. Wearing a Twin Block appliance can help correct jaw imbalances that cause "overbites." For more detailed information about the Twin Block, click here.

MARA (Mandibular Anterior Repositioning Appliance)

Enhancing Lower Jaw Growth
Similar to the Twin Block, the MARA appliance is designed to encourage growth of the lower jaw. The MARA also works by holding the lower jaw in its new forward position while the muscles and bone grow to support the new position. Unlike the Twin Block, however, the MARA gets cemented in place with a special fluoride-releasing tooth adhesive. Since it cannot be removed, the MARA continuously functions to encourage the lower jaw to grow, making it very effective at correcting "overbites". For more detailed information about the MARA, click here.

Enhancing Upper Jaw Growth
A Reverse Pull Headgear is designed to encourage growth of the upper jaw to correct jaw imbalances that cause an "underbite". This appliance can be used in young patients to improve the existing pattern of growth, guiding the upper jaw forward and creating a normal overbite relationship between the front incisor teeth. If an "underbite" is not corrected in a timely manner, then damage can be done to the front incisor teeth and gums due to the traumatic bite. A Reverse Pull Headgear, also called a protraction facemask, is composed of two pieces: 1) the Bonded Expander which is an appliance attached to the upper teeth, and 2) the Headgear which is a framework for guiding the upper jaw into the desired position. The Headgear attaches to the Bonded Expander by connecting elastics as directed by Dr. Mitchell and Dr. Bartlett. The Reverse Pull Headgear is worn at nights until the upper jaw has grown forward to the desired position and the "underbite" is corrected. For more detailed information about the Reverse Pull Headgear, please contact Mitchell & Bartlett Orthodontics.

Timing
In order to maximize the desired skeletal effect of growth modification, the customized appliance of choice must be delivered at the appropriate time. Typically, the ideal time to start correcting significant jaw imbalances is prior to a child's growth spurt. Dr. Mitchell and Dr. Bartlett will determine and discuss with patients / parents the ideal timing to start interceptive bite correction.

Compliance
In order for bite correctors to work effectively, cooperation is essential. It is very important for patients to wear the appliance as instructed by Dr. Mitchell and Dr. Bartlett. When the appliance is delivered, we teach the patient how to wear their bite corrector and review proper home care instructions. Good cooperation involves not only wearing the bite corrector as instructed, but brushing the teeth, gums, AND appliance after each meal.