Widening the upper jaw after growth has matured
Traditional expanders work well while the upper jaw is still growing. For older teens and young adults, miniscrew-assisted expansion, known as MARPE, can widen the upper jaw itself, creating room for the tongue and the teeth and supporting easier breathing through the nose.
Room for the tongue, room for the teeth
When the upper jaw is narrow, the tongue has nowhere comfortable to rest, the teeth crowd, and the nasal passages above the palate can be narrower too. Creating width at the level of the bone addresses the cause of the crowding, rather than only making space between the teeth.
For many older patients, MARPE offers a way to achieve that width in our office, and it can reduce the need to remove healthy teeth to create space.
A good fit when
- The upper jaw is narrow, or there is a crossbite
- The teeth are crowded and there is little room for the tongue
- Growth has matured past the point where a traditional expander works
- Breathing through the nose is difficult
How miniscrew-assisted expansion works
Treatment begins with a records visit and a consultation to confirm that MARPE is right for you.
Placement in our office
With numbing and nitrous oxide for comfort, small miniscrews anchor the expander to the palate. The appointment is quick and minimally invasive.
Gradual activation
You activate the expander at home on a simple schedule. Most patients notice a small gap between the front teeth, a normal sign that expansion is working.
A stable result
Once the width is achieved, the expander stays in place while the new bone settles, then it is removed in the office.
Finishing alignment
Braces or clear aligners then bring the teeth into their final positions within the wider arch.
Frequently asked questions
Is MARPE a surgery?
No. The miniscrews are placed in our office with local numbing and nitrous oxide, without general anesthesia or a hospital visit.
Is it uncomfortable?
Most patients feel pressure in the palate and around the nose during activation, which usually eases within a few days. We explain how to stay comfortable at each step.
How long does the expander stay in?
It varies by patient. The active widening takes weeks, and the expander then stays in place for several months while the new bone matures.
Can adults have MARPE?
Many young adults are good candidates. Whether it will work for you depends on your age and bone maturity, which we assess at the records visit.
We would love to meet your family
A consultation is the best place to start. We will listen, examine, and walk you through what we see, with time for every question you bring.