MARPE
A non-surgical maxillary expansion technique using an appliance supported by miniscrews. It enables skeletal expansion in late adolescents and young adults without the need for surgery.
Evaluate Upper Jaw Narrowness with a More Controlled and Powerful Approach Using MARPE
Upper jaw narrowness can be associated with crowding, bite irregularities, a narrow smile appearance, and in some patients, functional imbalances. Especially when upper jaw expansion is planned after the growth and development period, the treatment approach must be determined more carefully. MARPE is an orthodontic option that, thanks to its special appliance system supported by miniscrews, helps evaluate upper jaw expansion more effectively in suitable patients. The goal is to make a more comprehensive plan that considers not only the teeth but also the jaw structure.
A CBCT scan evaluates the midpalatal suture maturity and bone density. This determines whether the patient is a suitable candidate for non-surgical expansion with MARPE.
Four miniscrews are placed into the palate under local anesthesia. The expansion appliance is anchored to these screws, directing force to the bone rather than the teeth.
The patient turns the expansion screw daily as instructed. Progress is monitored through regular appointments to ensure controlled, symmetrical skeletal expansion.
After active expansion, the appliance remains in place for several months while new bone forms. Orthodontic treatment with Invisalign or braces then begins to align the teeth.
What Is MARPE?
MARPE stands for "Mini-implant Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion." It can be described as a miniscrew-supported rapid upper jaw expansion system. In this method, the appliance specifically planned for the upper jaw is supported by miniscrews, aiming to deliver the expansion force in a more controlled manner. It can be an important option especially for evaluating upper jaw narrowness in suitable patients after the growth and development period.
It can be considered for patients with upper jaw narrowness who are past the growth and development period and are found suitable after detailed orthodontic analysis.
In suitable cases, it can be an option where upper jaw expansion is planned without surgery. However, it cannot be applied the same way in every patient; the final decision is made after analysis.
MARPE aims to deliver the expansion force with a different biomechanics thanks to miniscrew support. For this reason, it can offer different advantages especially in older age groups.
Create the Right Expansion Plan with Detailed Orthodontic Analysis
The most important aspect of MARPE treatment is properly evaluating the degree of upper jaw narrowness and the patient’s suitability for this method. Because not every upper jaw narrowness is treated the same way. The patient’s age, skeletal structure, tooth positions, bite relationship, and facial structure must all be analyzed together. For this reason, the detailed planning done before treatment forms the foundation of success.
- The level of upper jaw narrowness is evaluated in detail.
- Dental and skeletal relationships are analyzed together.
- Age, bone structure, and orthodontic needs are taken into consideration.
- Suitability for MARPE is planned on a custom basis.
Which Patients Is MARPE Applied To?
MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) is a technique preferred for late adolescent and young adult patients where traditional rapid palatal expansion is insufficient. Thanks to miniscrews placed in the palate, the expansion force is transmitted directly to the bone; this way, the jawbone itself is expanded rather than just tilting the teeth.
Upper jaw narrowness lies at the root of many orthodontic problems. A narrow upper jaw can cause crossbite, crowding, narrow smile aesthetics, and in some patients, nasal breathing difficulty. When the upper jaw is expanded with MARPE, many of these problems improve simultaneously.
The Difference Between MARPE and SARPE
Both methods aim for upper jaw expansion, but their approaches differ:
MARPE is a non-surgical procedure. Miniscrews are placed into the palate under local anesthesia and the expansion appliance works through these screws. It is effective in late adolescent and young adult patients (generally ages 15-25) where the bone has sufficient flexibility.
SARPE is surgically assisted expansion. The midpalatal suture is surgically released and then the expansion appliance is activated. SARPE is planned for older adults when MARPE is insufficient due to bone hardening.
Which method is suitable is determined based on the patient’s age, suture maturity status, and 3D tomography findings.
Orthodontic Treatment After MARPE
MARPE is not a standalone treatment; orthodontic treatment is needed after expansion to straighten the teeth. After the upper jaw is expanded, teeth are brought to the ideal position and the bite is aligned with Invisalign or braces.
If lower jaw retrusion is also present, the treatment plan becomes more comprehensive. The combination of lower jaw retrusion treatment with MARPE aims to correct both the upper jaw width and the upper-lower jaw relationship.
Upper Jaw Expansion in Children
In growing children (generally ages 7-14), upper jaw expansion can be done with traditional rapid expansion appliances without the need for MARPE because the palatal suture has not yet closed. For this reason, early detection and timely intervention are critically important.
Upper jaw narrowness is detected early through regular pediatric dentistry check-ups. Mild expansion and early orthodontic correction can be done with Invisalign First; for more pronounced narrowness, traditional expansion appliances are preferred.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have compiled the questions we receive about this treatment and answered them as openly and transparently as possible.
No. MARPE is not suitable for every patient. Suitability is determined based on age, jaw structure, the degree of narrowness, and the results of orthodontic analysis.
In some suitable patients, it can be an option that may reduce the need for surgery. However, it is not correct to expect the same result in every case.
There may be a pressure sensation during new activation periods. This may vary from person to person and can be considered a natural part of the treatment process.
The primary goal is to evaluate upper jaw narrowness with a more skeletal focus. However, the achieved effect may vary depending on the patient's structure.
In many cases, yes. After expansion, orthodontic treatment planning for tooth alignment and bite relationship may continue.
Yes. In some patients, MARPE can be considered as part of a more comprehensive orthodontic treatment.
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Content Information
This page was prepared by the Dore Medical Editorial Board and medically reviewed by Dr. Merve Özkan Akagündüz, DDS, MSc.
