Do you have a narrow upper jaw, crowded teeth, or a crossbite? Have you been told that traditional palate expansion may not be an option because of your age? MARPE may be an option for you.
At Pobanz Orthodontics, we offer MARPE (Mini-Implant Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion), an advanced orthodontic treatment designed to expand the upper jaw at the skeletal level. Dr. Pobanz has been providing MARPE/MSE treatment since 2018 and has completed hundreds of cases, giving patients access to specialized experience right here in our office.
What Is MARPE?
MARPE stands for Mini-Implant Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion. It is an orthodontic appliance designed to widen the upper jaw using small temporary mini-implants for support.
Traditional palate expanders primarily use the teeth for anchorage. MARPE is different because it is anchored to the palate, allowing the expansion force to be directed toward the upper jaw itself. This can make MARPE a valuable treatment option for older teens and adults who may benefit from skeletal expansion but are beyond the age when traditional expanders are typically most effective.
Why Consider MARPE?
A narrow upper jaw can contribute to a variety of orthodontic concerns. Depending on your individual needs, MARPE may help:
- Create More Space. Expanding the upper jaw can create additional room for crowded teeth and may help reduce the need for extractions in some patients.
- Correct a Crossbite. MARPE can be used to address certain types of crossbites caused by a narrow upper jaw and improve the relationship between the upper and lower jaws.
- Expand the Upper Jaw. Unlike traditional orthodontic tooth movement alone, MARPE is designed to create skeletal expansion of the upper jaw, making it a unique option for patients who need more than simply moving the teeth.
- Support Airway and Breathing. In some patients, widening the upper jaw can increase the space available in the nasal passage and may support improved nasal breathing. Your orthodontist can determine whether MARPE may be appropriate based on your individual anatomy and treatment goals.
Is MARPE Right for You?
MARPE isn’t right for everyone, and every patient’s treatment needs are different. During your consultation, Dr. Pobanz will evaluate your teeth, bite, upper jaw, and overall orthodontic needs to determine whether MARPE is an appropriate treatment option.
MARPE may be considered for patients with:
- A narrow upper jaw or palate
- Crowded upper teeth
- Certain types of crossbite
- Limited space in the upper arch
- Orthodontic concerns related to a narrow palate
- A need for skeletal expansion as part of a larger orthodontic treatment plan
Experienced MARPE Treatment
When you’re considering a specialized treatment like MARPE, experience matters. Dr. Pobanz has been an experienced MARPE/MSE provider since 2018 and has completed hundreds of MARPE cases. His experience allows him to carefully evaluate each patient’s unique anatomy and develop an individualized treatment plan.
At Pobanz Orthodontics, we believe orthodontic treatment should be personalized to each patient—not a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether MARPE is the right option for you or another treatment would better meet your needs, we’ll help you understand your options and make an informed decision.
Are You Looking for MARPE Treatment?
If you have been told you have a narrow upper jaw, are dealing with crowding or a crossbite, or simply want to learn whether MARPE could be an option for you, we’re here to help. Schedule a consultation with Pobanz Orthodontics today to find out if MARPE is right for you or if one of our other orthodontic treatments would be a better fit.
