What is MARPE?

Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion is a non-surgical method for correcting a narrow maxilla. The treatment employs a small appliance affixed to the palatal bone. The patient adjusts the appliance at home, in tiny increments each day, until the palatal suture opens up and the maxilla expands to where we want it. 

Prior to the development of MARPE devices, surgery was the only option for treating a narrow, or underdeveloped, palate in adults. Transverse maxillary deficiency, as it is called clinically, can cause the following comorbidities in adults: 

• Teeth crowding
• TMJ dysfunction
• Nasal respiratory restriction
• Sleep disordered breathing (apnea)
• Underdeveloped facial structure
• Speech problems

Maxillary deficiency may also complicate orthodontic treatment. For example, it’s impossible to correct crowded or protruding teeth if there isn’t enough space for the teeth to sit once aligned. One solution is to extract some teeth, but this can cause bigger problems in the future; plus, we always want to avoid extracting healthy teeth if we can!

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How Does MARPE Treatment Work?

We’ve just described an appliance that we affix to your palatal bone, which expands to make your jaw wider. You probably have some questions! Here is what you can expect during MARPE treatment:

1. Once you’ve thoroughly discussed everything with Dr. Zhou and decided on MARPE, we’ll schedule an appointment to place the expander.
2. On the day of the appointment, we’ll begin by numbing your palate with local anesthesia.
3. When everything is sufficiently numb, we’ll first place bands on two of your molars.
4. Next, we’ll use four tiny screws to secure the expander–a small metal bracket that sits on the roof of your mouth–to your palate. The procedure takes 20 to 30 minutes.
5. Now you’re all set to go home! As you regain sensation from the anesthesia, you may feel a little sore. Most patients find that an over-the-counter NSAID will handle the soreness, as it’s typically mild.
6. Each day, you’ll turn a specialized key to expand the device an incremental amount, and it will place gentle outward pressure on either side of your maxilla.
7. Eventually, the suture between the two halves of your palatal bone will open up. You may hear a pop when it happens. Don’t worry, that’s normal! Most patients report only mild discomfort from the daily adjustments and the suture opening.
8. You’ll continue turning the key each day for a bit longer to achieve the correct width. (We’re with you every step of the way to instruct, guide, reassure, and assist.)
9. Once your maxilla reaches the width set out in your treatment plan, you’ll stop using the key but continue wearing the expander.
10. The appliance will remain for perhaps a few more months while the bone tissue remodels. 
11. Once we take the expander out, you can begin with orthodontia to move your teeth, spreading them evenly across that newly spacious jaw bone!

How Long Does MARPE Take?

The time it takes to achieve the desired movement can vary widely from patient to patient. Your expansion and retention phases combined can add up to several months of wearing the expander. Once you get your braces or Invisalign, they may take up to two years to align your teeth. All told, the entire process could last up to three years, though many patients are finished with treatment sooner than that.

Pediatric Rapid Palatal Expansion (RPE) 

At Level Orthodontics, our commitment to personalized patient care extends to our pediatric patients as well. For young patients experiencing narrow maxilla, Rapid Palatal Expansion (RPE) can prove to be a highly effective orthodontic solution.

Understanding Pediatric RPE

In contrast to MARPE, RPE is specifically designed for children and adolescents whose palatal sutures have not fully fused. By gently and gradually expanding the upper jaw, RPE can:

• Correct maxillary deficiency at an early age
• Help prevent a host of potential developmental, airway, and oral health complications
• Reduce the likelihood of requiring extractions or more extensive orthodontic interventions in the future

Duration and Post-RPE Treatment

Being child-friendly in its approach, the RPE procedure often takes a shorter time than its adult counterpart. Children's braces or Invisalign can then follow to even out and enhance your child's beautiful smile.

Choosing Level Orthodontics for MARPE or RPE

Our commitment to providing value to the community means we are here to walk with you or your child through every step of MARPE or RPE treatment. We will take the time to explain everything, help you make informed decisions, and keep you inspired along the way. 

RPE and MARPE in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Level Orthodontics is proud to offer patients non-surgical options for palatal expansion. Schedule a consultation to learn more about MARPE for you or RPE for your child 16 or younger.