Overview
About This Procedure
MARPE — Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion — is an advanced technique that allows for non-surgical widening of the upper jaw (maxilla) in adult patients. Traditionally, palatal expansion was only reliably achievable in growing children and adolescents, whose midpalatal suture had not yet fully fused. In adults, the suture is typically fused, making conventional expanders ineffective without surgery.
MARPE overcomes this limitation by using small titanium miniscrews that anchor directly into the palatal bone, providing the mechanical force needed to gradually separate the fused suture and widen the palate. This technique can correct narrow arches, improve nasal airway function, create space for crowded teeth, and enhance outcomes for orthodontic treatment — all without the need for a traditional surgical procedure called SARPE (surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion).
The Process
What to Expect
MARPE is a collaborative procedure performed in partnership with your orthodontist. The oral surgeon places four small miniscrews into the palatal bone under local anesthesia — a procedure that typically takes less than 30 minutes and is well tolerated. The orthodontist then attaches a custom-fabricated expander appliance to the miniscrews, which the patient activates by turning a small key each day according to the prescribed protocol.
Over the course of several weeks to months, the palate gradually widens as the midpalatal suture is separated. A gap between the upper front teeth is a normal and expected sign that expansion is occurring. Once the desired width is achieved, the appliance is left in place for a consolidation period to allow new bone to form across the expanded suture before it is removed. Orthodontic treatment typically continues following expansion to align the teeth in the newly widened arch.
Outcomes
Results & Long-Term Care
MARPE has shown excellent results in adult patients who were previously considered poor candidates for palatal expansion. Benefits include improved nasal breathing, reduced sleep-disordered breathing symptoms in some patients, creation of space that eliminates the need for tooth extraction in orthodontic treatment, and improved facial balance. Results are stable when the expansion is followed by an appropriate consolidation period and proper orthodontic retention.
Ready to Learn More?
Schedule a Consultation
If you or your orthodontist are considering palatal expansion and have been told it is not possible due to your age, MARPE may be the solution. Our surgeons work in close partnership with orthodontic providers to evaluate candidacy, plan the procedure, and achieve outstanding outcomes. Contact NorthStar to schedule a consultation and learn more.