Mini-Screw Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE)
A modern, non-surgical approach to widening the upper jaw in teenagers and adults
What is MARPE?
MARPE is an advanced orthodontic technique that widens a narrow upper jaw using an expander supported by small temporary miniscrews placed in the palate. This is often an adjunct procedure to orthodontic treatment with either braces or aligners.
Unlike traditional expanders that rely mainly on teeth, MARPE allows forces to be focused on the palate which is especially important in older patients where the sutures are increasingly interdigitated.
In selected cases, MARPE offers a less invasive alternative to surgical-assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE), as it is performed without jaw surgery and is typically carried out within the dental clinic setting. This can reduce treatment complexity while still achieving meaningful skeletal expansion.
Why Might Expansion Be Needed?
Expansion may be indicated when the upper jaw is narrow and does not align well with the lower jaw. This can present as crossbites and contribute to limited space for the teeth.
By widening the upper jaw, expansion can normalise the transverse jaw relationship and potentially help create additional space for crowded teeth and, in some cases, may provide functional benefits such as improved nasal airflow.
MARPE in Family Dental Surgery
MARPE in Family Dental Surgery is carefully planned and fabricated through an advanced fully digital in-house workflow, with no part of the process having to be outsourced to an external dental laboratory. From planning to appliance fabrication, the entire process is overseen by our dentists to ensure accuracy and consistency.
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What Is The Treatment Process Like?
1. Assessment & imaging
4. Expansion phase
2. Appliance design
5. Stabilisation phase
3. Appliance placement
Am I suitable for MARPE?
Suitability depends on individual anatomy, age, and treatment goals. A proper clinical assessment is essential to determine whether MARPE is appropriate.
Book a consultation to find out if this procedure is suitable for you.