Orthodontics today addresses more than just crooked teeth. For many patients, improving how they breathe and how their jaws grow is just as important.
One of the most exciting tools making this possible is the MARPE, a treatment designed to expand the upper jaw and support airway health in older teens and young adults.
What Is a MARPE and Why Does It Matter?
The Role of Jaw Expansion in Airway Health
Some patients have narrow palates or small airways, which can lead to snoring, dry mouth in the morning, and chronic mouth breathing. Expanding the upper jaw helps create more space in the mouth and airway, improving overall breathing—especially during sleep.
How MARPE Works
MARPE stands for Mini-Implant Assisted Rapid Palatal Expander, pronounced “MAR-pee.” It combines two trusted technologies:
- Mini-implants or TADs (Temporary Anchorage Devices)
- Rapid Palatal Expanders (RPEs)
Together, they allow for true skeletal expansion of the upper jaw by opening the mid-palatal suture.
Unlike traditional expanders that mostly push against the teeth, MARPE works at the bone level. It creates more space in the upper arch, and once expansion is achieved, teeth can be guided into better positions.
Who Is a Candidate for MARPE Treatment?
Common Orthodontic Signs
Certain dental alignment issues can point to underlying skeletal limitations in the upper jaw. When these signs are present, MARPE may be considered as a way to correct the root structural problem through expansion at the bone level.
Patients may be recommended for MARPE if they show any of the following:
- Crowding: Not enough space in the upper arch causes teeth to overlap or rotate.
- Crossbites: When the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth, often due to a narrow upper jaw.
- Underbites: The lower front teeth extend beyond the upper front teeth, which may relate to skeletal imbalance.
- Overjets: Upper front teeth protrude too far forward, sometimes due to jaw discrepancies.
- Narrow dental arches: Limited space in the upper jaw, affecting both tooth alignment and airway size.
Airway and Breathing Symptoms
In some cases, breathing-related issues can be traced back to a constricted upper jaw and reduced nasal volume. MARPE may be appropriate for patients whose symptoms suggest structural airway resistance that could be improved through skeletal expansion.
Patients who may benefit from MARPE often experience:
- Snoring during sleep
- Mouth breathing
- Waking up with a dry mouth
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
Other Factors to Consider
MARPE is especially beneficial for older teens and young adults who are no longer in their growth phase. It offers a non-surgical solution to expand the upper jaw and is well suited for patients dealing with both bite alignment and airway issues.
Those who prefer less invasive treatment or who were previously not candidates for expansion may now have an option through MARPE.
Key Benefits of MARPE Treatment
MARPE offers unique advantages for patients who need skeletal jaw expansion but are beyond the typical growth window. By targeting the bone rather than just the teeth, it provides a comprehensive solution to both structural and functional concerns.
Below are some of the most important benefits patients can expect from MARPE treatment:
- Non-surgical jaw expansion
- Improved breathing and nasal airflow
- More room for crowded or misaligned teeth
- Fuller, more balanced smile
- Expanded treatment options for non-growing patients
- Minimally invasive, modern approach to care
The MARPE Treatment Process
Treatment begins with an evaluation to determine if MARPE is appropriate. If so, the appliance is placed using mini-implants and activated gradually to expand the upper jaw.
Once the desired expansion is reached, the orthodontist will move the teeth into their proper positions as needed.
Patients are encouraged to talk to their orthodontist to learn more about what to expect and how MARPE can benefit their specific case.
Conclusion
MARPE treatment has transformed how orthodontists approach jaw expansion, especially for older teens and young adults who were once considered past the ideal treatment window. By expanding the upper jaw at the bone level without surgery, MARPE offers long-term improvements in both bite alignment and breathing.
If you or your child have signs of jaw crowding, a narrow palate, or airway concerns, this modern treatment option may be worth exploring. Talk to your orthodontist to see if MARPE is the right fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does MARPE stand for?
MARPE stands for Mini-Implant Assisted Rapid Palatal Expander. It’s a modern orthodontic appliance that expands the upper jaw using a combination of mini-implants and a traditional expander.
How is MARPE different from regular expanders?
Unlike traditional expanders that mostly push against the teeth, MARPE works at the skeletal level to open the mid-palatal suture. This allows for true jaw expansion, even in patients who are no longer growing.
Who is the ideal candidate for MARPE?
MARPE is best suited for older teens and young adults who have finished most of their facial growth and are experiencing crowding, bite issues, or airway-related symptoms like snoring or mouth breathing.
Is MARPE a surgical procedure?
No, MARPE is considered a non-surgical treatment. It uses mini-implants to anchor the appliance and gradually expand the jaw without the need for invasive surgery.
Does MARPE help with breathing problems?
Yes, MARPE can help improve nasal airflow and reduce airway resistance by widening the upper jaw. This is especially helpful for patients who snore, breathe through their mouth, or wake up with a dry mouth.
Start Your Smile Journey With Wise-Lee Orthodontics
Ready to take the next step toward a healthier, more confident smile? At Wise-Lee Orthodontics, our expert team provides personalized treatment plans using the latest technology—including MARPE and other advanced options.
Call 972-712-6862 today to schedule your consultation. Appointments fill up fast, so don’t wait to get the care you deserve.