MARPE EXPANDER
Custom Palatal Expansion for Adults
How does MARPE work?
MARPE stands for Mini-Implant Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion. It is a specialized orthodontic appliance designed to widen a narrow upper jaw (maxilla). Unlike traditional childhood expanders that are used in growing patients and rely on teeth for support, MARPE is anchored with small temporary screws (called mini-implants) placed in the palate. It can be used in patients who are done growing, such as older teens and adults. MARPE can apply expansion force more directly to the upper jaw bone, helping achieve true skeletal expansion rather than just tipping the teeth outward.
MARPE is primarily an orthodontic treatment for transverse maxillary deficiency, or a narrow upper jaw. Expansion also widens portions of the nasal cavity, and some patients notice changes in nasal breathing. However, airway and sleep concerns can have many causes, and MARPE is not a stand-alone treatment for every airway problem. When breathing concerns are part of a patient’s goals, we consider them alongside the bite, jaw anatomy, imaging and recommendations from other healthcare specialists when appropriate.
Why Adults Need a Different Kind of Expander
The upper jaw doesn’t start as one solid bone. It’s actually two halves, joined along a seam called the midpalatal suture, running front to back along the middle of the roof of your mouth. In young, growing children, that suture is open. A traditional expander can easily push against the back teeth to widen the two halves. By the late teens and into adulthood, the suture becomes interlocked — the two halves knit together like puzzle pieces. If we push on the teeth in adults, the teeth simply tip or flare outward. The jaw stays the same width. This can lead to flared molars, gum and bone recession risk, and a result that relapses.
MARPE changes where the force goes. Instead of relying on teeth, the appliance is anchored directly into the bone of the palate with miniature implants. This directs the expansion force to the bone itself, which is what allows true skeletal widening in a patient who is finished growing.
For certain adults, MARPE may provide a more conservative alternative to surgical jaw expansion.
Signs You May Benefit From MARPE
A narrow upper jaw can contribute to several dental and functional concerns, including:
- Severe crowding
- Crossbite
- High palate or narrow upper jaw
- Impacted teeth (teeth are unable to erupt properly)
- Certain sleep-disordered breathing conditions
- Certain malocclusions (misaligned bites)
- Having been told you need jaw surgery to widen your upper jaw
Are You a Candidate for MARPE?
Here’s what your evaluation looks like:
- Smile and bite assessment
- Discussion of your goals
- Airway assesment
- Digital scan
- Collaborative care
- 3D CBCT imaging
- Honest recommendations
MARPE vs. SARPE
Both MARPE and SARPE widen the upper jaw. The difference is how the bone is guided to separate.
SARPE (surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion) involves an oral surgeon making incisions in the bone to release the resistance, performed under general anesthesia, followed by expansion with an appliance. It’s a predictable, proven procedure with a long track record — and for some patients it’s genuinely the right call.
MARPE (mini-implant assisted rapid palatal expansion) skips the surgical release. Because it is anchored to the upper jaw bone, the appliance expansion force can open the suture on its own in appropriately selected patients.
The important factor is selection. MARPE works when the anatomy supports it. A 3D CBCT image can help identify whether it does. Many adults turn out to be reasonable MARPE candidates. Some do not.
WHAT MARPE TREATMENT LOOKS LIKE
If Dr. Godley or Dr. Bradley determines that MARPE treatment is best for your case, we will walk you through the process.
1. Free consultation. Your orthodontist examines your bite, takes digital scans and photos, and discusses the findings and your goals. No referral needed.
2. Collaborative planning with our local oral surgeon. If Dr. Godley or Dr. Bradley determines MARPE is the right approach, we coordinate with a trusted local oral and maxillofacial surgeon, who reviews your case alongside us. A 3D CBCT image lets us assess your midpalatal suture, the bone available for anchorage, and customize your treatment plan. Two specialists evaluate your anatomy before anything is placed.
3. Appliance delivery and mini-implant placement. Your MARPE appliance is fitted in our office. Your oral surgeon then places the temporary mini-implants that anchor it.
4. Activation. You’ll use a special key to turn your MARPE at home on a schedule we design specifically for you. Each turn expands the appliance slightly, and with it the jawbone. Expansion is gradual and purposeful.
5. Stabilization. Once you reach the target width, the appliance stays in place while new bone fills in along the widened suture, much the way a cast holds a healing bone. Expect the appliance to remain for at least six months, and often 9 to 12 months total including the active expansion phase.
6. Finishing. As the jaw widens, spaces usually open between the upper teeth — most noticeably between the two front teeth. This is expected, and it’s the clearest possible sign that the bone itself moved rather than the teeth tipping. A full course of braces or Invisalign then closes those spaces and aligns everything into its final position.
During activation of the MARPE it’s normal for the teeth to spread out a little and create spaces as the jaw is wider and now able to accommodate all teeth when straightened out. A full treatment of braces or Invisalign typically follows this type of expander treatment to align the teeth and perfect the smile.
OUR APPROACH TO MARPE ACTIVATION
MARPE protocols can differ meaningfully between practices. At Godley Family Orthodontics, we take an evidence-based, personalized approach.
The appliance we use is built around a Tiger Power Screw, which gives us fine control over how much expansion happens and when. A full 360° rotation produces roughly 1 mm of expansion; each individual increment is about 0.17 mm.
We utilize stretching turns. For many adult patients, we begin with a cyclic protocol — alternating expansion and slight reversal over a period of one to three weeks before full activation begins. The goal is to gradually mobilize the suture and surrounding structures. It improves comfort, reduces pressure, and in our experience supports a more predictable skeletal response.
Faster isn’t always better. MARPE is a “rapid” technique by name, but in skeletally mature patients we frequently activate slowly and deliberately. A measured protocol tends to mean less discomfort, less stress on the teeth and bone, and fewer complications. The right activation plan is the one built for your anatomy — not a standard schedule handed to everyone.
Once you’re in treatment, we’ll give you full written instructions and walk you through your first turn in the office. You can also review our MARPE activation tips at any point.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
An expander and braces have different purposes. An expander widens the upper jaw and upper arch, while braces or clear aligners move and align the teeth more precisely. Some patients only need expansion, while many later receive braces or aligners to complete bite correction and create the best final smile.
MARPE isn’t a standalone treatment — it’s the first phase of a comprehensive plan that includes braces or aligners to finish your bite. Most patients should plan for a total investment of roughly $6,800 to $8,550, which breaks down as follows:
$6,000–$7,500 — comprehensive orthodontic treatment, including your MARPE appliance, all records, every adjustment visit, and treatment with braces or Invisalign, and retainers.
$300–$450 — consultation and 3D imaging with the oral surgeon.
$500–$600 — placement of the temporary mini-implants (TADs).
The oral surgeon’s fees are billed separately by their office. We’ll give you exact figures for every part of your treatment before you commit to anything.
Most dental insurance plans contribute toward orthodontic treatment, and in cases with documented airway concerns, portions of care may be eligible under medical benefits. We’ll help you understand your coverage, and we offer in-house monthly payment plans with no interest.
A temporary gap between the upper front teeth is a very common and encouraging sign that the palate expander is working. As the upper jaw widens, space may develop between the front teeth, as it gently widens the midpalatal suture that runs in between these teeth. The teeth often begin drifting back toward one another naturally, and any remaining spacing can be addressed with orthodontic braces or clear aligners when appropriate.
MARPE stands for miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion and uses small temporary anchorage devices to provide greater support from the upper jaw rather than relying only on the teeth. It is a fully custom appliance, engineered from a CBCT, digital scan, and your orthodontist’s expertise.
MSE stands for maxillary skeletal expander and is also a type of bone-anchored expander, however it is a stock expander and anchored with four mini-implants. It is not a custom expander, and is best suited for teens and young adults.
Yes. Godley Family Orthodontics offers free orthodontic consultations for all patients. Dr. Godley or Dr. Bradley evaluate your teeth, bite, jaws, and smile, discuss whether MARPE may be beneficial, and explain the treatment options available to you.
No referral is required. Patients are welcome to contact our office directly to schedule a free consultation with our orthodontists to evaluate for MARPE. We are also happy to collaborate with your family dentist and other healthcare providers whenever coordinated care would be helpful.
MARPE Example Patient Case
Questions about MARPE or palatal expanders?
Ready to get started? Call or book online to reserve a complimentary consultation with our orthodontists at our convenient Zionsville office located close to Carmel and Indianapolis, IN.
Written and reviewed by Dr. Danielle N. Godley, DDS, MS, Board Certified Orthodontist, and Dr. Sydney Bradley, DDS, MSD, Board Certified Orthodontist. Last reviewed September 2026.