Our First Kid in Braces

Well, no wires yet, but Alex got a palate extender put on today.  It's quite a contraption.  I am trying to figure out what to feed a tall, slim, always hungry, boy who can only eat soft foods.  He will wear this for six months before the braces go on.  It's quite a contraption, making eating tricky.
MARA
The mandibular anterior repositioning appliance, or also known as the Mara, is also used for correcting Class II malocclusions. The Mara is banded to the upper and lower first molars. “Elbows” slide into tubes on the upper part of the appliance and when the mouth closes these elbows guide the bite into the correct position. The Mara appliance is used to enhance the growth of the lower jaw in a forward direction, while at the same time applying pressure to the upper jaw in a backwards direction.  The patient wears the Mara appliance for 10-12 months. Like the Herbst appliance, the Mara is successful because the bones and muscles are in proper function and alignment 24 hours a day.

Comments

[Jennifer in TX]

I had the medieval version of this contraption when I was young. I feel for your guy!

[sharon]

Me too. That was probably the worst one to have installed. Mine felt like I had a wad of gum stuck to the roof of my mouth and a key was inserted that had to be turned morning and night to widen the palate. I also didn't have any other appliance that changed my face so dramatically.

[Kimberlee]

The first couple days are rough but eating (and talking) gets easier as they get used to the appliance. He should be able to eat most things (not the no nos like popcorn, hard candy etc. of course). Soups and rice pudding and oatmeal go down easy during those first tough days. Perhaps his sisters will take pity on him and make him some tapioca...(or nice soft brownies!) Great opportunity for mortification, those braces! (his mouth and your wallet, lol)