Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE): A New System in Expanding a Constricted Upper Jaw

Many adolescents and even adults may be living with a constricted upper jaw or teeth crowding or a crossbite condition without being aware that this will impinge not only on their smile aesthetics but also their breathing patterns and sleep. Additionally, Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE) is a sophisticated procedure whereby the upper jaw will be expanded using temporary screws.
At American Smiles Dental Clinic, the MARPE procedure is provided to patients seeking a minimally invasive solution for jaw surgery and for patients who would like to have a chance to safely and comfortably enlarge their jaw.

What Is Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion?

MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) is a method utilizing a unique expansion cone that is fixed on minuscule titanium miniscrews inserted in the palate (the roof of the mouth). It is intended to facilitate the application of the expansion force on the bone rather than on the teeth alone.
Since the appliance is bone-anchored, MARPE appliances can also be useful for older teens and adults when the conventional rapid palatal expanders cannot be efficiently used because the mid-palatal suture has already fused. MARPE appliances would therefore be an ideal choice for patients seeking information on “palatal expansion for adults” or “non-surgical jaw expansion”.

When to Use MARPE

Your dentist or orthodontist might advise Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion for cases where you have:

• A small upper jaw with a crossbite. That's when the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth.
• Dental crowding due to an absence of space.
• Mouth Breathing, Snoring, or concerns related to an obstructed airway due to a constricted maxilla.
• Relapse or incomplete correction in previous orthodontic treatment.

MARPE additionally broadens the upper jaws, which will assure better dental alignment and even the relation between the jaws. It will also provide a predictable result for even a brace or Invisalign procedure.

Advantages of MARPE to the Patient

Decision to choose MARPE treatment at a specialized center would have various crucial advantages:

• Alternative when surgery is not needed: MARPE can help alleviate the need for invasive jaw surgery among many grown-ups.
• Better tooth space: There is more room to align teeth when they are crowded. Extraction of teeth may not be required.
• Improved bite and function: Crossbite correction ensures greater efficiency in chewing and eliminates pressures on teeth or joints.
• Airway and breathing assistance: The widening of the upper jaw can be beneficial for patients, as it can expand their nasal airway, making breathing easier and improving their quality of sleep.
• Stable, bone-based change: While bone anchorage using miniscrews targets skeletal expansion rather than tooth tipping.