If you’re reading this blog post, chances are Dr. James has recommended a MARPE as part of your treatment plan. This is a relatively new and advanced technique for palatal expansion with profound benefits that can not only optimize your orthodontic treatment, but also improve your overall health and facial appearance.
Allow us to tell you more!
MARPE stands for Microimplant (or some say Mini-Implant or Mini-Screw) Assisted Rapid Palatal Expander. It’s an appliance that allows the orthodontist to expand the upper jaw, or the maxilla, without surgery or extractions. Unlike a traditional palatal expander, a MARPE utilizes mini-implants to anchor directly into the palate – specifically, the midpalatal suture or where the two halves of the jaw come together. After placement, the MARPE is “turned” by the patient daily, slowly and gently separating the maxillary bone and promoting expansion.
What makes a MARPE so groundbreaking is its ability to expand the maxilla (or widen the upper jaw) even after the midpalatal suture has fused together – something a tooth-borne expander cannot do. The midpalatal suture typically fuses between the ages of 10 to 15, making the MARPE a total game-changer for teen and adult treatment.
Another benefit, whereas a traditional expander can lose up to 50-70% of space created, there is little relapse with the MARPE technique. So even for younger children whose palates are still in development, if they have a considerably narrow palate or intense crowding, Dr. James might recommend a MARPE to avoid the need for multiple rounds of expansion.
Additionally, the MARPE technique has fewer side effects to the teeth, avoiding unwanted teeth movement (tooth tipping) as well as alveolar bone and gum tissue loss than can be associated with conventional expanders.
Many reasons. From a dental perspective, first and foremost expansion creates space for crowded teeth and allows all your permanent teeth to fit properly in the mouth. It also corrects bite issues, bringing the upper jaw into proper relation with the lower jaw, improving how the teeth fit together (occlusion).
Additionally (and equally game-changing), by widening the upper jaw, you also open up the oral and nasal cavities, improving airflow and reducing nasal congestion, mouth breathing, and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, among other benefits.
Aesthetically, expansion creates wider, more beautiful smiles! See this “before and after” as an example.
The MARPE is relatively new in orthodontics. Dr. Won Moon is credited with developing the technique in the early 2000s. He later became a professor at UCLA where he published extensive literature and laid the groundwork for today’s MARPE protocols through the UCLA Orthodontics program. Dr. James was lucky enough to be at UCLA for his orofacial pain residency around the same time Dr. Moon’s work was taking off into the mainstream. Dr. James became an early adopter of the technique going into his own orthodontics residency, and since has placed hundreds of MARPEs – and seen hundreds of lives changes.
As mentioned, the MARPE technique overcomes age limits by creating space in the mouth even for those whose midpalatal suture has fused and whose facial development is complete. This expansion of the maxilla resolves crowding and widens smiles, while also vastly increasing the size of the oral and nasal cavities, improving airflow. The impact of improved airflow cannot be overstated. Better breathing alleviates a whole host of health issues. It creates better quality sleep, which gives you more daytime focus and energy and an overall better quality of life.
In addition, many patients enjoy enhanced facial features including broadened cheekbones, a stronger jawline and profile, and overall better symmetry.
Like any dental treatment, results may vary based on factors like the patient’s age, initial facial structure, and the severity of issues to correct. During the procedure you can expect similar discomfort to other dental procedures, but the palate will be numbed with a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. For younger children, Dr. James may also use nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or prescribe a medication to help littles relax.
After the procedure, there is an adjustment period as the palate heals and the tongue adapts to the appliance. Dr. James will provide a pain relief regimen (primarily a schedule for ibuprofen and acetaminophen) for 48 hours up to one week.
Although the placement of the appliance takes only 20-30 minutes, you will likely be booked for a 90-minute appointment to allow for extra time to ensure your comfort and review your instructions thoroughly. As mentioned, after the appointment there will be an adjustment and healing period for the tongue and palate that can usually be soothed with over-the-counter painkillers.
The duration of the MARPE treatment varies based on factors such as the patient’s age and complexity of the case. Typically, the desired expansion occurs over 3-5 months, after which time approximately 60% of the appliance is removed. The remaining portion stays intact to maintain the expansion while new bone forms in the suture. This process can take up to 6 months, after which time the appliance is removed completely.
A commonly asked question: Will I have a gap? The answer is yes, but it’s short-lived. As the appliance splits the suture, a small diastema (gap) will form between the two front teeth. It is a positive sign indicating the treatment is working as intended. Dr. James will design your aligners to begin closing the gap shortly after the space opens. When you’re wearing your aligners, the gap will hardly be noticeable.
The MARPE is a groundbreaking and extremely valuable orthodontic technique that not only corrects dental problems but can also improve the airway and overall health, along with other aesthetic benefits. Dr. James is one of the most experienced practitioners in the country with this technique and has seen truly life-changing results for his patients over the years. If you have further questions or think you could be a good candidate for expansion with the MARPE, come see us for a consultation!
Yes, even Dr. James has undergone MARPE treatment! Notice his broader smile on the right.
This blog post is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content is not intended to replace professional medical judgment or consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. Every patient’s medical situation is unique, and outcomes may vary based on individual circumstances. Do not rely on the information in this post to make healthcare decisions. If you have questions about your health or a specific medical condition, please schedule a consultation with Dr. James or contact a licensed medical professional. Reading this blog does not establish a doctor–patient relationship.