If you’ve been told that you need jaw surgery to correct a narrow upper jaw, we have good news… you may have non-surgical options at Wall Orthodontics.
Dr. Wall provides advanced techniques in palatal expansion for adults, teens, and kids. For our teen and adult patients, we offer advanced solutions like MARPE and the MSE expander.
But what’s the difference between these two? And how do you know which is right for you?
Let’s take a closer look at MARPE vs MSE, how they work, and how Dr. Wall helps adult patients widen their upper jaw, improve facial harmony and breathe easier, without surgery.
Understanding Palatal Expansion in Adults and Teens
Palatal expansion is a treatment that expands the palate (creates more space in the upper jaw.)
While traditional palate expanders (and the advanced Invisalign® Palate Expander Dr. Wall offers) work well in children whose jaws and bones are still developing, these palatal expanders are generally not effective for older teens or adults whose bones have already fused.
That’s where advanced techniques, like MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) and MSE (Maxillary Skeletal Expander), come in.
These devices go beyond simply moving teeth. They work at the structural level, gently widening the upper jaw by applying pressure at the center of the palate.
This type of expansion can significantly improve crowding, bite issues, and airway function.
What is an MSE Expander in Orthodontic Treatment?
The MSE (Maxillary Skeletal Expander) is a specialized type of MARPE designed for adults with fully fused palatal sutures or more severe skeletal discrepancies.
It uses four miniscrews (TADs) placed farther back in the palate, anchoring into denser bone to deliver stronger, more stable expansion.
MSE is typically recommended for patients who:
- Have fully fused palatal sutures
- Have more severe skeletal discrepancies
- Need powerful, reliable skeletal expansion
Because of its design, MSE can create significant changes even in mature jaws, often helping patients avoid jaw surgery while improving airway function and facial balance.
What is MARPE in Orthodontic Treatment?
MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) is an advanced, non-surgical expander designed for older teens and adults who are no longer candidates for traditional expanders.
It uses miniscrews (TADs) to anchor directly to bone, allowing for true skeletal expansion rather than just tooth movement.
Dr. Wall may recommend MARPE for patients who:
- Have a narrow upper jaw
- Need skeletal expansion without surgery
- Are not candidates for traditional expanders
MARPE can correct crowding, improve bite function, and support better airway health, all while avoiding the need for jaw surgery.
Which Adult Palate Expander is Right for You?
Both MSE and MARPE are excellent tools for non-surgical jaw expansion, but the right choice depends on:
- Your age and stage of jaw development
- The severity of your skeletal discrepancy
- Your treatment goals
No matter which treatment you need, you’ll be in expert hands with Statesboro’s experienced orthodontist of over 20 years, Dr. Michael Wall.
During your complimentary consultation, he’ll use advanced imaging to evaluate your bite, airway, and jaw structure.
Dr. Wall will recommend the right type of expander based on your anatomy, growth stage, and the level of skeletal correction needed.
How Much Do MSE and MARPE Cost?
If you’re wondering how an MSE expander cost compares to the cost of MARPE, the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Both treatments are highly customized and your treatment will be 100% personalized to your needs, which means your orthodontics cost varies depending on the complexity of your case.
At Wall Orthodontics, we provide a transparent, personalized treatment plan during your consultation, and we offer flexible payment options to help make your care affordable.
Once we calculate your total treatment cost on your first visit, we’ll walk you through our flexible financing plans, including 0% interest, in-house financing and CareCredit financing, and develop a customized plan with a down payment and monthly payments that meet your needs.
Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation
If you’ve been told that surgery is your only option, or if you’re struggling with crowding, breathing issues, or bite discomfort, schedule a complimentary consultation with us today. You might be surprised at what’s possible with non-surgical jaw expanders.
We’ll help you understand all of your options and choose the right path for your smile, health, and quality of life.
Book a complimentary consultation to explore MSE and MARPE treatment at our orthodontic office in Statesboro, GA.
