MARPE
Palatal Expander for Adults
At Wall Orthodontics, we’re proud to take a modern and comprehensive approach to adult orthodontic care.
A Modern Solution for Adult Palate Expansion
MARPE, or Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion, is a powerful treatment that allows us to widen, or expand, the upper jaw without traditional jaw surgery.
For many people, palate expansion is necessary to create sufficient room in the mouth in order to support better airflow, improve bite function, straighten teeth, and improve facial balance.
Dr. Wall personally places each MARPE appliance and collaborates with a trusted ENT or oral surgeon when needed to ensure that your treatment is efficient, comprehensive, and performed by highly-qualified experts.
Who is a candidate for MARPE?
A MARPE expander is recommended for skeletally mature patients (meaning patients whose teeth and jaws are done developing), including:
- Older teens and adults with a fully developed jaw
- Patients with a narrow upper jaw or crossbite
- Adults who have crowded teeth that could not otherwise be corrected without extractions
- Patients diagnosed with sleep-disordered breathing or mouth breathing habits
- Individuals struggling with nasal obstruction or airway concerns
- Those who’ve been told they need SARPE (surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion) but want a non-surgical alternative
Because the upper jaw stops growing in the late teen years, traditional palatal expanders are no longer effective for adults. MARPE offers a safe, non-surgical way to achieve skeletal expansion — meaning the actual bone is expanded, not just treatment for the teeth.
MARPE vs. SARPE
If you’ve been told you need SARPE (Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion), you’re not alone, but you may not need full jaw surgery after all.
Dr. Wall has helped many adults achieve true skeletal expansion using MARPE, often avoiding surgery altogether. During your initial consultation, Dr. Wall will review all of your treatment options with you to help you make the best decision for your smile, health, and future.
How MARPE Works
Dr. Wall customizes and places your MARPE appliance right here in our Statesboro orthodontic office!
Placement & TREATMENT
MARPE uses a highly customized palatal expander that’s anchored to the upper jaw with miniscrews, also called temporary anchorage devices (TADs). These small screws are gently placed into the palate to provide direct contact with the jawbone.
Over the course of a few weeks, the device is turned gradually, placing outward pressure on the mid-palatal suture and encouraging the upper jaw to widen. This process creates more space in the upper arch and improves the overall function and aesthetics of the bite and airway.
MARPE EXPANDER COST
We believe in full transparency when it comes to the cost of the MARPE appliance and your smile investment. Your MARPE cost will be clearly outlined in your personalized treatment plan, with no hidden fees.
We offer flexible financing options:
- 0% interest, in-house financing
- We take CareCredit
- We accept insurance and will file your claims for you!
- FSA and HSA compatibility
- Ask us about our discount opportunities!
We’ll walk you through your options to create a custom payment plan that covers the full cost of your care.
What to Expect with MARPE
1. Initial Consultation
Your treatment begins with a detailed clinical exam, airway assessment, and 3D imaging. If MARPE is right for you, we’ll design a custom appliance and place it in-office.
2. Treatment
Once your appliance is in:
- You’ll activate it at home as instructed by Dr. Wall.
Expansion typically takes 4-8 weeks. - The appliance stays in place for a few months to allow the bone to stabilize.
3. Smile Beautifully, for life
Many patients report improved nasal breathing, facial harmony, and smile aesthetics soon after treatment.
There’s no hospital visit or general anesthesia involved. This is a minimally invasive, well-tolerated process. And you’ll be guided by an experienced Statesboro orthodontist who’s treated over 10,000 local smiles!
Start with a personalized MARPE consultation!
We’re here to help you expand your options. If you’ve been told jaw surgery is your only choice, or you’re struggling with a narrow palate, MARPE could offer a non-surgical solution to improve your bite, breathing, and facial balance.
Let’s start with a consultation and in-depth evaluation. We’ll answer all of your questions, discuss your options, and help you choose the right path. Book a complimentary consultation with our Statesboro, GA, orthodontic office.
Smile beautifully
And have a good time along the way!
We are your hometown Statesboro orthodontist, providing custom braces and Invisalign® for the whole family. Get started with a complimentary consultation.