A narrow upper jaw is not just an orthodontic problem. It affects your bite, your breathing, and your face. MARPE delivers true skeletal expansion for adults - without surgery.
The upper jaw, or maxilla, forms the roof of your mouth and the floor of your nasal cavity. When it is too narrow, the nasal cavity above it is compressed, increasing resistance to airflow. The result can be chronic nasal obstruction, mouth breathing, snoring, and in some cases obstructive sleep apnoea. The dental consequences include crowding, posterior crossbite, and a high arched palate.
In children, the mid-palatal suture is still open and responds well to conventional expansion. By the mid-teens this suture begins to fuse, and by the early twenties it is typically interlocked. Adults were historically told that expansion was only possible surgically. Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE) changed that.
MARPE uses small titanium screws called TADs (Temporary Anchorage Devices) placed directly into the palate bone under local anaesthetic. These anchor a custom expansion appliance to the bone rather than the teeth. When the appliance is activated, force is applied to the bone itself rather than tipping the teeth outward - the distinction that makes non-surgical adult expansion possible.
MARPE achieves true skeletal expansion in many adult patients without the need for surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE) or Le Fort osteotomy.
Force applied directly to bone produces skeletal movement rather than dental tipping. Results are more stable, more predictable, and better for long-term bite alignment.
Our CBCT scanner provides a 3D map of your palate, bone thickness, and suture anatomy before any appliance is designed. TAD placement is planned precisely based on your individual anatomy.
Widening the palate lowers the nasal floor and increases the transverse dimension of the nasal cavity. Many patients report improved nasal breathing during and after treatment.
TAD placement is performed under local anaesthetic and takes approximately 30 minutes. Most patients are surprised by how straightforward the procedure is.
MARPE creates the arch width. Comprehensive orthodontic treatment then aligns the teeth into the new space. We offer Damon braces and clear aligners to complete your treatment.
MARPE is suitable for adults with a narrow upper jaw, posterior crossbite, or dental crowding that has a skeletal component. It is also considered for patients with nasal airway restriction that may be contributed to by maxillary constriction. Not every patient is suitable - palatal anatomy, bone density, and suture morphology are all assessed via CBCT before a recommendation is made.
Patients who were previously told they needed jaw surgery to correct a narrow bite may find that MARPE is a viable alternative. We provide an honest assessment of what MARPE can and cannot achieve for your specific anatomy, with no obligation.
Yes. MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) delivers true skeletal expansion in many adults using small titanium screws placed in the palate, avoiding the need for surgical jaw procedures.
Narrow upper arch, posterior crossbite, crowding with a skeletal cause, and nasal airway restriction. Many patients also notice improved nasal breathing as a result.
TAD placement is done under local anaesthetic and takes about 30 minutes. Most patients are surprised by how straightforward it is. Mild pressure during the expansion phase is common.
Active expansion typically runs 3-6 months, followed by a consolidation period of 6-12 months before the appliance is removed and orthodontic treatment begins.
Suitability depends on your palatal anatomy, bone density, and suture structure. We assess this with a CBCT scan at your free consultation and give you an honest view of what MARPE can achieve for your case.
Your consultation includes a CBCT assessment, a full explanation of your options, and an honest view of what expansion can achieve for your specific anatomy. No obligation.