See What Your Smile Could Look Like In Seconds - Know Us More

Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE) in Spring, TX

Among modern orthodontic treatments, the Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE) has emerged as an innovative solution for achieving rapid palatal expansion. The popularity of this appliance is due to the fact that it offers a non-surgical and non-extraction approach compared to other alternative treatments. At Adventure Orthodontics in Spring, TX, we make use of Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE) for a variety of purposes, one of which is to effectively address obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Get to know more about our advanced orthodontic services by scheduling an appointment today.

What Is Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE)?

Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE) is a modified form of a conventional rapid palatal expander. It utilizes mini-screws to expand the palatal bone. By gradually expanding the bone, it opens up the nasal passage and enlarges the oral cavity to reduce the complications of obstructive sleep apnea.

Traditional palatal expanders are only used in children because the suture that holds the palatal bones closes around the age of 12 to 15 years. This gives sufficient time to expand the palate to achieve the desired results. Compared to traditional expanders, MARPE is more beneficial because it can also be used among adults whose palatal suture has already been fused.

Our Spring, TX, dentists utilize MARPE as a better alternative to rapid palatal expanders. It helps achieve greater maxillary expansion within a short time period and can be safely used among adults.

What Is The Working Mechanism of MARPE?

The basic principle of MARPE is similar to that of rapid palatal expanders, except that it uses mini-screws that we place directly along the mid-palatal suture. For the procedure, our Spring, TX, experts will first examine your oral cavity and maxillary jaw to determine if MARPE is the best treatment for your case.

The treatment procedure itself takes a single appointment. We will place a custom-fit palatal expander and mini-screws near the palatal suture. We carry out the process under local anesthesia to minimize pain and discomfort. Our dentists will prescribe medications to counter post-treatment pain or swelling.

As the expander works, it will gradually split the mid-palatal suture. As a result, the maxillary arch gains more width, and the airway becomes larger. It gives more room for the tongue to rest in the mouth without blocking the upper respiratory tract. The entire treatment may take 4 to 6 months.

A gap will form in the front teeth as the expander opens the maxillary bone. We can close this gap later with orthodontic treatment to achieve a stable bite and better smile aesthetics.

How Is MARPE Beneficial?

Compared to traditional palatal expanders that can only be used among children, MARPE is an innovative tool that can also be used safely among adults with fewer side effects.

It applies force directly to the mid-palatal suture instead of using teeth as anchors. This helps to achieve greater palatal expansion within a shorter time frame. It also prevents undesirable tooth movements in the maxillary arch.
We use MARPE in Spring, TX, to effectively reduce and prevent the symptoms of sleep apnea. It expands the maxillary bone and enhances proper airflow, thereby improving the overall quality of your sleep.

Schedule An Appointment

To know if MARPE in Spring, TX, is the right choice for you, book an appointment with our dentists today. Call us at (213) 215-2450 for further information.

Skip to content