When it comes to early intervention for Class II malocclusions, functional appliances play a vital role in guiding jaw growth and correcting overbites. While the Bionator has historically been one of the options for this type of treatment, many practices and labs today are moving toward more modern, versatile, and predictable alternatives that can provide equally effective, if not superior, results.
At DDS Lab, we focus on fabricating functional appliances that support clinical success and patient compliance. Our current portfolio includes the Twin Block, Herbst, and MARA appliances—each offering unique features designed to treat growing patients with Class II discrepancies.
The Twin Block appliance is a widely used and well-tolerated removable device designed to encourage lower jaw advancement. Comprising separate upper and lower bite blocks, it positions the mandible forward while allowing for natural vertical dental development. It’s ideal for patients who can reliably wear a removable appliance and is known for its high success rate when patient compliance is good.
Key Benefits:
The Herbst appliance is a fixed, non-removable option that uses telescopic rods to maintain forward mandibular posture. It is particularly beneficial for patients who may struggle with compliance or for clinicians who prefer a more passive, full-time correction protocol.
Key Benefits:
The MARA (Mandibular Anterior Repositioning Appliance) is another fixed solution used to correct Class II malocclusions by posturing the lower jaw forward. It allows for more natural lateral jaw movement than some other fixed appliances, making it a good choice for certain cases.
Key Benefits:
The Twin Block provides functional jaw advancement benefits with enhanced modularity and greater customization options. Likewise, fixed appliances like the Herbst and MARA eliminate the compliance challenge altogether, offering consistent results with less reliance on patient behavior.
These modern alternatives allow clinicians to tailor their treatment approaches based on each patient’s skeletal maturity, dental development, and lifestyle—leading to more predictable outcomes.
Our team at DDS Lab is committed to helping you select the right appliance for your case. Whether you’re treating a compliant 10-year-old with growth potential or a teen who needs a fixed option, we have the experience and technical knowledge to guide you through appliance selection, setup, and fabrication.
Let us know how we can support your treatment planning.
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