MARPEIn Eastvale & Ontario
MARPE is a modern orthodontic technique used to widen a narrow upper jaw in adolescents and adults. Unlike traditional expanders that rely only on teeth, MARPE uses small temporary miniscrews placed in the palate to create true skeletal expansion. This approach allows for more stable and effective widening of the upper jaw, even after growth has slowed.
What Is MARPE Used For?
MARPE is recommended for patients with a constricted upper jaw. This may present as crossbites, dental crowding, a narrow smile, or difficulty achieving a proper bite. Expanding the upper jaw creates space, improves alignment, and helps establish better balance between the upper and lower jaws.
A custom MARPE appliance is secured to the upper molars and supported by small miniscrews placed in the palate. The appliance is gently activated over time, which gradually separates the midpalatal suture and widens the upper jaw. This process promotes true skeletal change rather than just tooth movement.
Who Is a Good Candidate for MARPE?
MARPE is ideal for older teens and adults whose upper jaw (maxilla) has stopped growing and can no longer be expanded with traditional orthodontic appliances. You may be a good candidate for MARPE if you:
- Have a narrow upper jaw or crossbite
- Experience crowding of teeth due to lack of space
- Suffer from airway or breathing issues related to a constricted palate
- Have been told you may need jaw surgery to widen your upper arch
- Are looking for a non-surgical alternative to improve jaw alignment
Because MARPE anchors directly to the bone with miniscrews, it offers a more stable and effective solution for skeletal expansion in patients whose bones have matured past the point where traditional expanders are effective. Schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Phan Huynh so we can discuss if MARPE may be right for you
Why Choose Trident Orthodontics for MARPE?
MARPE treatment requires advanced training, precise planning, and careful monitoring throughout the expansion process. At Trident Orthodontics, Dr. Phan Huynh uses detailed imaging and a comprehensive bite analysis to determine if MARPE is the right solution and to ensure the appliance is positioned for safe, effective skeletal expansion.
We focus not only on creating space, but on improving overall facial balance, bite function, and long-term stability. Every MARPE case is fully customized, from appliance design to activation schedule, so treatment is tailored to your unique jaw structure and goals.
Our team prioritizes patient comfort and education. We explain each step, show you how to activate the appliance properly, and closely track progress to make sure expansion is happening as planned. You are supported at every stage of treatment.
The Benefits of MARPE Treatment
Creates More Room for Your Smile
MARPE widens the upper jaw by gently expanding the bone itself, providing space for crowded teeth and helping improve bite alignment without relying on just tooth movement. This can reduce the need for extractions or more complex procedures later.
Improves Airway Function
Expanding the palate can also increase nasal cavity volume and oral space, which may help improve nasal airflow and breathing — including benefits for patients with sleep-disordered breathing symptoms.
Less Invasive Than Surgery
For many patients, MARPE offers an alternative to surgical palatal expansion. It can achieve significant widening of the upper jaw without invasive surgery, general anesthesia, or surgical recovery time.
Board-Certified MARPE Provider
Dr. Phan Huynh is a board-certified orthodontist, a distinction that represents the highest level of achievement in orthodontics. This credential from the American Board of Orthodontics reflects his dedication to exceptional patient care and his advanced expertise in modern orthopedic techniques such as MARPE. His training and precision are especially important in procedures like miniscrew-assisted expansion, where careful planning and execution are key to safe, effective skeletal results.
Precision Appliance Design
Each MARPE appliance is custom designed and created via 3D laser sintering technology for ideal fit and optimal force distribution. This ensures proper positioning of the miniscrews and assist with successful skeletal expansion.
Advanced Diagnostic Planning
We use detailed digital imaging and intra-oral scans to evaluate jaw structure, airway considerations, and skeletal maturity before recommending MARPE treatment. This ensures expansion with your custom-made MARPE appliance is both safe and effective.
The MARPE Treatment Process
Initial Consultation and Evaluation
Your MARPE journey begins with a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Phan Huynh. We’ll take detailed digital scans, X-rays, and a bite analysis to understand your jaw structure, palatal width, and overall orthodontic needs. This allows us to determine whether MARPE is the best approach for improving your bite, creating space, and addressing jaw width issues. If MARPE is recommended, we’ll design a custom appliance specifically for your palate and orthodontic goals. Precise planning ensures the miniscrews and expansion mechanism are placed in the ideal position to safely and effectively widen your upper jaw.
Appliance Placement & Activation
The MARPE device is placed in a single appointment under local anesthesia for comfort. Small temporary miniscrews are gently inserted into the palate to anchor the expander, and the appliance is secured to your upper teeth. Once in place, you’ll receive instructions on how and when to activate the screw for gradual expansion. Over the next several weeks, you or a caregiver will turn the MARPE screw as directed. This controlled activation applies gentle force to the midpalatal suture, gradually widening the upper jaw. A temporary gap may appear between your front teeth during this phase, which is a normal sign that expansion is occurring.
Stabilization & Orthodontic Treatment
Once the desired jaw width is achieved, the appliance stays in place for a period of months to allow new bone to form and stabilize. During this time, we’ll monitor your progress with regular check-ins to ensure everything is healing properly. During stabilization, the next phase of orthodontic treatment begins. This may involve braces or clear aligners to align your teeth fully within your newly expanded arch and close any temporary spacing created during expansion.
Before & Afters
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See real patient success stories.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
