Mini-Screw Assisted Rapid Palatal Expander
(MARPE)
MARPE is a revolutionary palatal expander designed for patients who require skeletal expansion rather than traditional dental movement. Unlike tooth-borne expanders, MARPE uses Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs)—mini-screws anchored into the palatal bone—for precise skeletal widening. This ensures more effective expansion with fewer undesirable side effects like tooth tipping.
Transform Your Breathing, Function, and Esthetics
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Maximized Skeletal Expansion: Achieves significant skeletal widening for stable, long-term results.
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Minimized Side Effects: Reduces risks of dental tipping and other complications.
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Effective for All Ages: Ideal for patients as young as 12 and highly effective for adolescents and adults.
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Alternative to Invasive Surgery: Often eliminates the need for SARPE (Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) surgery.
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Custom-Fabricated for Precision: Designed to fit each patient’s unique anatomy for maximum comfort and functionality.
Benefits of MARPE
How It Works
The MARPE procedure is straightforward, quick, and minimally invasive:
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Placement: The device is placed in-office under local anesthesia in about 20–30 minutes.
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Activation: Patients gradually activate the expander daily for 4–6 weeks to achieve the desired expansion.
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Comfortable Recovery: Most patients experience minimal discomfort, easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
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Custom MARPE Design
What sets a custom MARPE apart is its tailored design and precision fabrication. Unlike stock expanders, custom MARPE devices are specifically created to:
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Target Bone Strength: Leverage areas with optimal bone quality and volume for anchorage.
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Optimize Fit and Functionality: Provide a snug, rigid fit, ensuring greater comfort and efficiency.
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Incorporate Orthodontic Features: Include additional hooks and attachments for orthodontic work, such as cross elastics to align lower molars.
Ideal Candidates for MARPE
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Adolescents and Adults: Particularly effective in individuals over 12 years old.
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Younger Patients: While younger patients often benefit from traditional expanders, MARPE provides enhanced skeletal expansion with fewer side effects.
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Adults Requiring Expansion: MARPE is the go-to solution for adults, offering superior results compared to tooth-borne expanders, even in cases requiring surgical support.
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Female Patients: Most female patients achieve predictable expansion with MARPE alone, without additional surgical intervention.
When MARPE Isn't Enough
For rare cases where MARPE alone doesn’t achieve sufficient expansion, particularly in some adults or patients with complex skeletal structures, a MIND procedure (Minimally Invasive Nasal and Dental Expansion) may be recommended. This complementary technique ensures symmetrical, predictable expansion with minimal force on surrounding structures.