Upper jaw development can affect much more than how straight your teeth appear. A narrow upper jaw may contribute to crowding, crossbites, limited space for the teeth, and an imbalance between the upper and lower dental arches.
Traditional palatal expanders are commonly used while children are still growing. For older teens and adults, Dr. Isaak Yelizar may recommend MARPE, a specialized approach designed to achieve skeletal expansion after conventional childhood expansion becomes less predictable.
At Beyond Smiles Orthodontics in Syosset, we evaluate the complete relationship between the teeth, jaws, and surrounding structures before determining whether expansion should be part of your orthodontic treatment.
MARPE stands for Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion. It uses a specialized expansion appliance supported by small temporary anchorage devices, often called miniscrews, that engage the bone of the palate.
This additional skeletal anchorage distinguishes MARPE from a conventional tooth-supported palatal expander. Rather than placing expansion forces primarily on the teeth, MARPE is designed to direct more of that force toward the upper jaw itself.
The goal is to widen a narrow upper jaw and create a better foundation for the teeth and bite.
The upper jaw does not always develop with enough width to properly coordinate with the lower jaw. When this occurs, simply straightening the teeth may not address the underlying skeletal relationship.
Depending on the patient, a narrow upper jaw may be associated with:
MARPE gives us a way to consider the width of the underlying upper jaw rather than focusing exclusively on moving the teeth within the existing space.
If Dr. Yelizar determines that MARPE is appropriate, a customized expansion appliance is positioned in the upper arch and stabilized using small miniscrews placed in the palate.
The expander is gradually activated according to a specific schedule. As the appliance expands, it applies controlled forces intended to widen the upper jaw.
Once the desired expansion has been achieved, the appliance typically remains in place for a period of time while the expanded area stabilizes and new bone develops.
MARPE may be incorporated into treatment with braces or clear aligners. In other cases, expansion may occur first and tooth alignment follows afterward.
For appropriately selected patients, MARPE can address a structural problem that tooth movement alone may not fully correct.
The upper jaw also forms part of the anatomy surrounding the nasal cavity, which is one reason airway considerations may be discussed when evaluating a narrow maxilla.
MARPE is first and foremost an orthodontic treatment for appropriately diagnosed maxillary constriction. Changes in nasal anatomy and breathing may occur in some patients following expansion, but MARPE should not be viewed as a universal treatment for sleep apnea or other breathing disorders.
When significant airway or sleep concerns are present, orthodontic care may be coordinated with the appropriate medical specialists as part of a broader evaluation.
MARPE is most commonly considered for older teens and adults with a narrow upper jaw who are no longer ideal candidates for conventional childhood expansion.
However, age alone does not determine whether MARPE is appropriate. Dr. Yelizar will evaluate your jaw structure, bite, dental arch width, bone anatomy, and overall treatment goals before recommending expansion.
Some patients may be better treated with another orthodontic approach or with treatment coordinated with an oral surgeon or other specialist.
Placing and activating a MARPE appliance creates a different sensation than simply wearing braces or clear aligners. Pressure and temporary tenderness can occur as your mouth adjusts to the appliance and expansion begins.
You may also notice a space developing between the upper front teeth during expansion. While this can initially be surprising, it can be a normal sign that expansion is occurring. The position of the teeth can then be addressed as the orthodontic phase of treatment progresses.
Our team will give you detailed instructions for activating and cleaning your appliance and will monitor your progress throughout treatment.
The active expansion phase is only one part of MARPE treatment. After the necessary width has been achieved, the appliance generally needs to remain in place while the expanded upper jaw stabilizes.
Your complete orthodontic timeline will depend on the amount of expansion required and whether MARPE is being combined with braces, clear aligners, or another treatment.
Dr. Yelizar will explain the expected sequence and timeline after evaluating your individual case.
If you have been told that you have a narrow upper jaw, significant crowding, or a crossbite, the solution may involve more than simply straightening your teeth.
Dr. Yelizar can evaluate your jaw structure and bite to determine whether MARPE, another form of expansion, or a different orthodontic approach provides the right foundation for your treatment.
Schedule a MARPE consultation at Beyond Smiles Orthodontics in Syosset.
