PALATAL EXPANSION · NASHVILLE & HENDERSONVILLE
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.
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.
A MARPE evaluation may be appropriate for a teen or adult with one or more of the following:
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?
We assess the bite, facial balance, dental development, periodontal health, and treatment goals. Imaging is prescribed only when clinically justified.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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