MARPE Non-Surgical Palatal Expansion in Rochester & Brockport, NY

MARPE stands for miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion. It is a palatal expander anchored directly to the bone of the palate with small, temporary miniscrews, also called temporary anchorage devices (TADs). Because the expander pushes on bone rather than relying only on the teeth, it can open the midpalatal suture in patients whose palate is too mature for a conventional expander.

The result is true skeletal widening of the upper jaw rather than simply tipping the teeth outward. This creates a wider foundation for the smile and a larger nasal floor.

The upper jaw is made of two halves joined by the midpalatal suture. In young children, this suture is flexible, and a standard tooth-borne expander can open it easily. With age, the suture gradually interlocks and becomes more resistant. Using a traditional expander after this point tends to tip the teeth outward without widening the jaw itself, which can strain the gums and lead to relapse.

In the past, adults who needed true expansion were usually referred for surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE). MARPE offers a non-surgical alternative for many of these patients by using bone anchorage to deliver the expansion force exactly where it is needed.

• Teens and adults with a narrow upper jaw
• Patients with a posterior crossbite
• Crowding caused by limited arch width
• A narrow smile with dark spaces at the corners (buccal corridors)
• Mouth breathing or nasal breathing difficulty related to a narrow palate
• Patients who were told jaw surgery was the only option for expansion
• Adults whose crowding returned after earlier orthodontic treatment

1. Consultation and Records: We examine your bite and palate and take digital records, including iTero® scans and imaging, to evaluate the palatal suture and plan miniscrew placement.
2. Custom Appliance Design: Your MARPE appliance is designed to fit the unique shape of your palate.
3. Placement: After numbing the area, we place the small miniscrews into the palate and attach the expander. Most patients describe pressure rather than pain.
4. Activation: You will turn the expander at home on a set schedule. Many patients notice a small space forming between the upper front teeth, a sign that the suture is opening. This space is temporary and is closed later in treatment.
5. Stabilization: Once the target width is reached, the expander stays in place for several months while new bone fills in and the result stabilizes.
6. Alignment: Braces, Invisalign^®, or our in-house clear aligners are used to align the teeth and close any spaces.
7. Retention: A retainer helps protect your wider arch and new smile for the long term.

• Pressure: Mild tenderness or pressure in the upper jaw and nose is common for a few days after activation. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help, as recommended by our team.
• Speech: A temporary lisp is normal while the tongue adjusts and usually improves within a week or two.
• Eating: Choose soft foods at first and avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods that can damage the appliance.
• Cleaning: Brush carefully around the appliance and rinse after meals. A water flosser can help keep the area clean.
• Front tooth gap: A space between the front teeth is expected during expansion and is closed later in treatment.
• Checkups: Regular visits allow us to monitor progress and make sure expansion is on track.