The MARS appliance. Report of a case.
Inconsistent wearing of functional appliances, intermaxillary Class II elastics, and headgear during the treatment of Class II malocclusions is a common concern of many orthodontists. The MARS (Mandibular Advancing Repositioning Splint) is a functional device designed to overcome many such cooperation deficiencies. The MARS appliance is a fixed functional device which is attached to the arch wires of a multibanded orthodontic appliance. It is composed of a piston and cylinder which attach to the lower canine and the upper molar region of the dental arch wires on each side of the jaw. It forces the patient to maintain the mandible in a protruded position 24 hours a day and yet allows full and complete opening and closing as well as lateral excursive movement. The design, method of attaching, and adjustment of the appliance during treatment are discussed, and the results achieved in a single case are described. The results being achieved in the pilot study so far are encouraging and are being pursued further.
D000202:Activator Appliances; D002508:Cephalometry; D002648:Child; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000628:therapy*; D008312:Malocclusion, Angle Class II / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008334:Mandible / Q000473:pathology; D009968:Orthodontic Appliances, Removable; D010349:Patient Compliance