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PALATAL EXPANSION · NASHVILLE & HENDERSONVILLE
MARPE Palatal Expansion
in Nashville
A personalized approach to a narrow upper jaw.
For selected teens and adults, miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion may help create a better foundation for a balanced bite. Dr. Jay Burton will help you understand your options and what is realistic for your smile.
What Is MARPE?
MARPE stands for miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion. The appliance uses small temporary anchorage devices, often called miniscrews or TADs, to deliver expansion forces more directly to the upper jaw. This differs from a traditional tooth-supported expander, which places more of the force on the teeth.
MARPE may allow meaningful orthopedic expansion in some older teenagers and adults whose palatal suture is less responsive to a conventional expander. It is not right for everyone, and success depends on skeletal maturity, anatomy, appliance design, and individual treatment goals.
Who May Be a Candidate?
A MARPE evaluation may be appropriate for a teen or adult with one or more of the following:
- A narrow or constricted upper jaw
- Posterior crossbite
- Crowding related to limited arch width
- A bite that does not coordinate well from side to side
- Buccal corridors or a smile that appears narrow
- Nasal breathing concerns that warrant coordinated evaluation
- A desire to explore expansion before considering jaw surgery
Why 3D Planning Matters
The palate, nasal cavity, tooth roots, cortical bone, and nearby anatomic structures vary considerably from person to person. When clinically indicated, SmileMaker Orthodontics uses cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and digital treatment planning to evaluate the available bone and select an appliance design suited to the individual patient.
This helps answer the important questions before treatment begins: Is skeletal expansion realistic? Where can anchorage be placed safely? How much correction is appropriate? Will braces or clear aligners be needed afterward?
Potential Benefits of MARPE
- Improved upper-jaw width and transverse bite coordination
- Correction of selected posterior crossbites
- Additional space that may help manage certain crowding patterns
- A broader dental arch and smile in appropriate cases
- Less reliance on dental tipping than with some tooth-borne expanders
- A nonsurgical expansion option for some older patients
What to Expect During MARPE Treatment
1. Comprehensive evaluation
We assess the bite, facial balance, dental development, periodontal health, and treatment goals. Imaging is prescribed only when clinically justified.
2. Individualized design
Your expander is selected or designed around your anatomy and the type of correction needed. Some cases require coordination with another dental or medical specialist.
3. Expansion phase
The appliance is activated according to a specific schedule. Most patients feel pressure or tightness rather than sharp pain. A temporary space between the front teeth may be an expected sign of expansion.
4. Stabilization and finishing
After active expansion, the appliance usually remains in place while new bone forms. Braces or clear aligners may then align the teeth and refine the bite.
MARPE Frequently Asked Questions
Is MARPE painful?
Placement and activation can cause pressure, tenderness, or a feeling of fullness for a few days. Experiences vary. We provide detailed care instructions and monitor the appliance throughout treatment.
Am I too old for MARPE?
Age alone does not determine candidacy. Skeletal maturity and palatal anatomy matter. Some adults respond well, while others may need a different approach, including surgically assisted expansion.
How long does treatment take?
The active expansion phase is usually measured in weeks, but the appliance typically stays in place for several months for stabilization. Total treatment time depends on the bite and whether braces or aligners are also needed.
Will MARPE create a gap between my front teeth?
A temporary space between the upper central incisors is common when true expansion occurs. It often begins to reduce naturally and can be managed during orthodontic finishing.
Can MARPE improve breathing?
Expansion changes the width of the nasal floor and may improve nasal airflow in some patients. The response is variable. MARPE should not be presented as a cure for sleep apnea or other medical breathing disorders.
Does everyone need braces after MARPE?
Many patients need braces or clear aligners to align the teeth and coordinate the bite after expansion. The complete sequence is discussed before treatment starts.
Why Choose SmileMaker Orthodontics?
- Treatment directed by Dr. Jay B. Burton, a board-certified orthodontist
- Advanced CBCT imaging and 3D digital treatment planning when indicated
- Careful evaluation of skeletal expansion and temporary anchorage options
- Individualized treatment rather than a one-size-fits-all protocol
- Convenient offices in East Nashville and Hendersonville
Let’s Talk About Your Smile
If you have been told your upper jaw is narrow, a consultation is the first step toward understanding your options. Get a personalized evaluation and a clear explanation of whether MARPE may be right for you.