Miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion, or MARPE, is a technique that your NYC functional orthodontist can use to transform your bite, your profile, and even your breathing. MARPE can increase nasal volume by up to 25%, solving previously unsolvable nasal obstruction. Dr. Lena and her team offer palatal expansion in NYC for both children and adults to help them address functional issues with bone growth in the face.
How Does MARPE® Work?
MARPE is a treatment that expands the palate, making more room for your teeth and tongue. Working with a specialized lab to design each case digitally and fit each patient’s needs, Dr. Lena affixes a small expander device to the roof of your mouth using miniscrews. The procedure is a quick, minimally invasive one, and any soreness afterwards can be easily managed with over-the-counter medication.
Once the expander is placed, the patient turns a key periodically to slowly open up the palate. While patients may experience some discomfort, it is minor and temporary. After some months, according to your treatment plan, the expander is removed. At that point, your teeth will have the space they need to be correctly positioned with orthodontics for a perfect and functional smile, and you may experience some other benefits too.
MSE Expander
In some cases, usually for younger patients, Dr. Lena uses a specific version of MARPE, called MSE, or Maxillary Skeletal Expander. MSE was designed by Dr. Won Moon to fit most patients, yet still be versatile and customizable.
Benefits of MARPE
Most patients don’t realize the ways in which their narrow jaw was affecting their experience of life. Some of the common changes patients notice after a minimally invasive palatal expansion include:
- insufficient upper jaw width corrected non-surgically
- crossbite or crowding corrected
- smile widened, improved facial esthetics
- breathing improved, nasal resistance reduced
- mild underbite in for teens and adults corrected
Better Bite
Jaw and bite issues can often be corrected with MARPE, resulting in more comfortable and functional biting and chewing.
Cosmetic Benefits of MARPE
While facial aesthetics is not the primary purpose for maxillary skeletal expansion, many patients notice a subtle improvement in their facial profile once their jaws and teeth sit together properly.
Literally Breathing Easier
The roof of the mouth is the floor of the nose, which is all part of the upper jaw. When we expand the upper jaw, the nasal cavity is also expanded. Most patients are shocked at how much more oxygen they feel they are getting following the procedure, even if that wasn’t their primary treatment goal. Additionally, patients have commented on their improved physical and mental endurance following MARPE/MSE, due to their improved ability to breath and metabolize oxygen.
Improved Sleep
The expanded nasal cavity can help resolve sleep-disordered breathing caused by underdeveloped maxillary bones. Beyond leaving patients feeling tired, the long-term effects of sleep-disordered breathing include increased risks of heart disease, atherosclerosis, and dementia due to inflammation. Beyond just a better night’s sleep, improved nasal breathing can enhance your overall well being, reduce anxiety, and improve your quality of life.
MARPE for Adolescents
If your teen has crowded permanent teeth or a narrow maxilla (upper jaw), this type of palatal expansion would be a great choice for them. In Phase 1 orthodontics, for children under 10, we often recommend a simple RPE device that attaches to their upper back teeth. Since the palatal suture fuses during adolescence, children older than 10 or so require the more stable miniscrew-assisted variety of expanders. See our Growth Focused Orthodontics page for more on orthodontics for children and teens, including growth-appropriate palatal expansion.
Surgically-Assisted MARPE and MSE
Certain patient cases may require additional procedures to achieve maxillary expansion. While previously, these could only be considered for full surgical expansion or SARPE, it has been shown that a minimally invasive, microsurgical technique using a surgical piezo-ultrasonic saw can be used to facilitate the separation of the two halves of the upper jaw in older patients and those with an extremely thick maxillary bone. Dr. Lena will perform a full evaluation of your case records and let you know if you are a good candidate for MARPE or surgically-assisted MARPE.
Come See Dr. Lena
Wondering whether any of this applies to you? Call today to schedule an initial consultation for palatal expansion in NYC and discover whether MSE or another type of MARPE can help you to create more comfort, functionality, and beauty in your smile!
