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Adult Palatal Expansion Without Surgery (MARPE)
What is MARPE?
MARPE (miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion) widens a narrow upper jaw without surgery. A custom-made expander, anchored to the roof of the mouth with small orthodontic mini-implants, gently opens the mid-palatal suture - expanding the jaw itself rather than just tipping the teeth. For adults and older teenagers, it offers an alternative to surgically assisted expansion (SARPE) in suitable cases.
Who is it for?
MARPE may be recommended if you have a posterior crossbite, crowding caused by a narrow upper arch, or you have previously been told that jaw surgery is your only route to expansion. It is also used to create space and a stable foundation before aligner or fixed-brace treatment. Suitability is assessed individually using detailed 3D imaging from our in-house CBCT scanner - not everyone is a MARPE candidate, and we will tell you honestly if another approach would serve you better.
Why have MARPE with us?
MARPE is technique-sensitive, and experience matters. At ONE Orthodontics:
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Treatment is consultant-led - planned and carried out by Dr Chris Donaldson, Consultant Orthodontist and Clinical Director
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We have consistently high success rates across our paediatric and adult MARPE cases, with every case planned and risk-assessed in 3D using our in-house CBCT scanner
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We run a joint orthodontic and maxillofacial clinic with Mr Ash Messiha, Consultant Maxillofacial Surgeon - so if expansion alone is not the answer, surgically assisted techiques are discussed and provided under one roof
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MARPE can also play a part in airway-focused care - see our Upper Airway Procedures page for how expansion fits into breathing and sleep treatment.
What to expect
Treatment starts with a comprehensive assessment, including 3D imaging. If MARPE is right for you, a custom appliance is fitted and expansion happens gradually over a period of weeks with regular monitoring, followed by a stabilisation phase while the new width settles. Most patients describe pressure for the first few days rather than pain. Timescales and fees are individual, and are confirmed at your consultation.
Suitability, and whether any procedure is appropriate, is determined by clinical assessment, and treatment is not a guarantee of a particular result. See also our Upper Airway Procedures and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea pages.
MAIN FAQs
FURTHER FAQS
UNDERBITE FAQs
OVERBITE / DEEP BITE FAQs
TEETH CROWDING FAQs
TEETH SPACING FAQs
CROOKED TEETH FAQs
OPEN BITE FAQs
CROSSBITE FAQs
Book a Free Consultation: Your First Step
Starting orthodontic treatment can feel like a big decision. To help you make an informed choice, we offer free consultations, including a comprehensive exam by our clinical lead and a discussion on diagnosis, treatment options, financing, and insurance.
Schedule your complimentary consultation today.
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