Mini-screw Assisted Rapid Palatal Expander (MARPE)

The MARPE at Textbook Orthodontics is used to correct jaw width, dental crowding, breathing and cross bites. The MARPE is used on both teens and adults when the conventional expander can no longer be used. The inter-maxillary suture fuses around the age of 15 for boys and 13 for girls making the conventional rapid palatal expander no longer effective. After this age, the MARPE can make skeletal changes allowing us to avoid both orthognathic surgery and removal of teeth.

MARPE Expander

The MARPE expander is used to widen your arch in order to correct a crossbite or create room for your teeth. To use the expander the key/wrench must be used to turn the screw towards the back of the mouth (throat). This completes one turn.

For the MARPE we require 1 turn per day until suture splits (A space will appear between your upper front teeth) then 1 turn every other day

  • If you turn the MARPE 1x per day for 2 weeks and don’t see a space between your front teeth, please come into our office for evaluation.

It is best to turn the expander at night before you go to sleep. While expanding we need to see a space between your front teeth. This is how we know the expander is opening the suture, If a space does not form after 1-2 weeks it is possible you are not turning the key correctly so it is best to contact your orthodontist.

It is very common to experience some pressure or tingling in the roof of your mouth or on your nose for a short time while using a MARPE.

It is very important to brush your expander and its arms thoroughly every time to brush your teeth. If you see that the gums around your expander are getting red and inflamed please contact your orthodontist.

Most Orthodontists keep the MARPE in for 6 months to 1 year after the final turn to allow the sutures to heal and prevent any relapse.

What is MARPE?

The MARPE appliance is a modern orthodontic device used to widen the upper jaw (maxilla) in patients where conventional methods may not be sufficient. Unlike traditional rapid palatal expanders (RPE), MARPE utilizes miniscrews that anchor to the palate, providing additional stability and direct skeletal expansion. This method is especially beneficial for older teens and adults whose jaw growth has slowed or stopped.

How Does MARPE Work?

MARPE applies gentle, controlled pressure to separate the two halves of the upper jaw, expanding the mid-palatal suture. The miniscrews ensure the force targets the bones rather than just the teeth, promoting effective skeletal changes.

The appliance is custom-made and secured to your upper molars, with miniscrews inserted into the palate by your orthodontist or oral surgeon. Over time, gradual expansion creates more space, improving both function and appearance.

Benefits of MARPE

  1. Non-Surgical Option for Adults
    MARPE provides an effective alternative to surgery for many patients, making jaw expansion possible even after growth has ceased.

  2. Improved Airway Function
    By expanding the upper jaw, MARPE can increase the airway space, helping patients who experience breathing issues such as sleep apnea.

  3. Enhanced Smile and Bite Alignment
    MARPE creates room for crowded teeth and improves bite relationships, ensuring a healthier, more balanced smile.

  4. Minimally Invasive Procedure
    The miniscrews used in MARPE are small and minimally invasive, with a quick recovery time for most patients.

  5. Stable Long-Term Results
    MARPE’s direct impact on the skeletal structure ensures more predictable and stable outcomes.

Who Can Benefit from MARPE?

MARPE is ideal for patients who:

  • Have a narrow upper jaw that causes bite issues (crossbite, crowding, or asymmetry).

  • Are teens or adults for whom traditional expanders are less effective.

  • Experience breathing or airway problems that may improve with jaw expansion.

  • Prefer a minimally invasive approach to upper jaw correction.

What to Expect During Treatment

  1. Consultation and Examination
    During your first visit, we’ll evaluate your jaw structure, teeth alignment, and overall oral health. Digital imaging and X-rays may be used to determine if MARPE is right for you.

  2. Appliance Placement
    The MARPE appliance is custom-fitted and secured in a single visit. Miniscrew placement is quick and straightforward, with local anesthesia to ensure your comfort.

  3. Activation Phase
    You’ll activate the expander daily using a provided key. This gradual process allows for controlled expansion over several weeks.

  4. Retention Phase
    After achieving the desired expansion, the MARPE remains in place for a few months to stabilize the results.

Why Choose Textbook Orthodontics for MARPE?

At Textbook Orthodontics, we are committed to providing personalized care with the latest orthodontic technology. Dr. Nathan Nourian and our expert team will guide you through every step of your MARPE treatment, ensuring a comfortable and successful experience.

With our patient-centered approach, we prioritize your goals, comfort, and confidence. We understand that every smile is unique, and we’re here to help you achieve the best possible results.

 FAQs

  • A MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expander) is an orthodontic device designed to widen the upper jaw using small, temporary screws for added stability. Unlike traditional expanders that rely solely on teeth, MARPE engages the bone directly, making it effective for older teens and adults whose sutures are more mature.

  • The MARPE applies gentle, controlled pressure across the upper jaw using a screw mechanism anchored to mini-implants. This pressure stimulates bone growth in the mid-palatal suture, gradually creating more space in the upper arch. Patients typically activate the expander with a small key as directed by the orthodontist.

  • A MARPE is typically recommended for patients with a narrow upper jaw, crossbite, or crowding who are too old for traditional expansion alone. It’s ideal for teens and adults who need skeletal (not just dental) expansion. Dr. Nathan Nourian often recommends MARPE when the goal is to avoid surgical options like SARPE (surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion).

  • MARPE offers several advantages:

    • Works effectively in older patients who have finished growing

    • Widening is more stable and bone-based, not just tooth movement

    • May prevent the need for jaw surgery

    • Can improve nasal breathing and facial symmetry

  • Most patients experience mild pressure or tightness for a few days after each activation but not significant pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods help during the adjustment period. Discomfort typically subsides quickly as the jaw adapts.

  • Active expansion usually lasts 2–4 months, depending on the patient’s needs, followed by a retention phase where the appliance stays in place for several months to allow bone stabilization. The total time MARPE remains in the mouth is usually 9-12 months.

  • Yes. MARPE is specifically designed for adults and late teens, allowing expansion even after jaw growth is complete. At Textbook Orthodontics in Los Angeles, Dr. Nourian frequently uses MARPE to help adult patients achieve results that were once only possible with surgical methods.

  • Yes — in a positive way. By widening the upper jaw, MARPE can create a more balanced facial structure, enhance smile width, and sometimes improve nasal airflow. The changes are subtle but often make the face appear more harmonious.

  • You can eat most foods, but it’s best to avoid sticky, hard, or crunchy foods that could loosen the appliance. Softer foods are recommended during the first few days after activation. Dr. Nourian provides patients with a complete list of what to eat and what to avoid.

  • Once the desired width is achieved, the MARPE is left in place for a few months to stabilize the bone. After removal, patients often transition into braces or clear aligners to fine-tune tooth alignment. The expansion achieved with MARPE is typically permanent and stable long-term.

  • The cost of MARPE in Los Angeles typically ranges between $2,500–$4,500, depending on case complexity and whether additional orthodontic treatment (like braces or aligners) follows. Textbook Orthodontics offers flexible payment plans to make treatment affordable for all patients.

  • You may notice a small gap forming between your front teeth — this is a normal and positive sign of expansion. Some patients also feel slight pressure in the nose or cheek area. Dr. Nourian monitors progress closely through follow-up visits and 3D scans.

  • Yes, widening the upper jaw can also expand the nasal airway, which can improve nasal breathing and, in some cases, reduce snoring or mild sleep apnea symptoms. MARPE can be both a functional and cosmetic improvement.

  • Risks are minimal but can include minor gum irritation, screw loosening, or nasal pressure. These are typically temporary and manageable. Dr. Nourian uses 3D imaging and precise planning to ensure safe, predictable results.

  • Yes. MARPE is an excellent treatment for posterior crossbites caused by a narrow upper jaw. By expanding the arch, it aligns the bite and improves overall occlusion.

  • You can receive expert MARPE treatment at Textbook Orthodontics in Los Angeles, led by Dr. Nathan Nourian, an orthodontist specializing in both child and adult expansion cases. The office combines advanced technology and compassionate care to help patients achieve confident, healthy smiles.

  • If your MARPE expander isn’t turning, don’t force it. First, try using two activation wrenches together to give you a little more leverage — sometimes that extra grip helps the key engage properly. If it still doesn’t turn smoothly, stop and contact Textbook Orthodontics in Los Angeles right away. Dr. Nathan Nourian or a team member will check the expander and, if needed, provide a new wrench or adjust the appliance in-office to get it working again.