Hearing that you or your child may need jaw surgery can feel overwhelming — and trying to sort through the different types of expanders (RPE, MARPE, MSE) can be just as confusing.
At Wall Orthodontics in Statesboro, GA, Dr. Wall has more than 20 years of experience helping families understand their treatment options. He offers several types of palatal expanders designed for different ages and stages of development — and the benefits of treatment have been life changing for many patients.
If you’re wondering whether an RPE, MARPE, or MSE is right for you or your child, we’re here to help you make sense of the options:
First of all, what is a palatal expander?
A palatal expander is a small orthodontic/dental appliance designed to gently widen the upper jaw. By creating extra space where the two halves of the upper jaw (the maxilla) meet, an expander can make room for crowded teeth, improve the way the bite fits together, and support healthier, easier breathing.
Different expanders anchor in different ways: some are anchored to the teeth and others are anchored directly to the bone with miniscrews. The right type for you ultimately comes down to whether you’re a child, teen, or adult, and your developmental/growth stage.
Here’s an overview of each expander, who it’s for, and what it can do:
RPE: Rapid Palatal Expander (for children)
- Who it’s for: Children and young teens, while the jaw is still growing.
- How it works: The rapid palatal expander (RPE) is a tooth-borne device anchored to molars. Turning the screw applies gentle pressure, separating the midpalatal suture and widening the arch.
- New option: Dr. Wall also offers the new advanced Invisalign palatal expander, a clear, removable device for kids. This innovative treatment provides the same expansion benefits as a traditional RPE but with the comfort and removability of Invisalign®.
- Benefits: Creates space for crowded teeth, guides jaw growth, and corrects crossbites early.
- Limitations: Once the bones fuse (typically mid-teens), an RPE is no longer effective for skeletal change.
MARPE: Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (for older teens & adults)
- Who it’s for: Older teens and adults who can’t benefit from a traditional RPE.
- How it works: The MARPE expander uses miniscrews (TADs) in the palate to anchor to bone, applying force directly where it’s needed.
- Benefits: Produces true palatal expansion for adults, not just tooth tipping. Corrects crowding, improves bite function, and can enhance airway space.
- Best for: Patients with narrow arches who need a palate expander for adults but want to avoid surgery.
MSE: Maxillary Skeletal Expander (for adults)
- Who it’s for: Adults with fully fused palatal sutures or more severe skeletal discrepancies.
- How it works: The MSE expander is a specialized type of MARPE that uses four miniscrews placed farther back in the palate. By anchoring in denser bone, it delivers powerful skeletal expansion.
- Benefits: Creates dramatic changes even in mature jaws. May improve breathing and facial harmony, while avoiding jaw surgery in many cases.
- Best for: Adults seeking reliable palatal expansion for adults with advanced, non-surgical technology.
Signs You Might Need a Palatal Expander
Not sure if you or your child could benefit from palatal expansion? Here are some common signs that you could have a narrow jaw, based on your development stage:
Children (RPE candidates):
- Crowded baby or permanent teeth that don’t have enough room to come in
- Crossbite (upper teeth fitting inside lower teeth)
- Mouth breathing or snoring at night
- Narrow smile or a high, arched palate
- Thumb-sucking history that has affected jaw growth
Teens (possible MARPE candidates):
- Persistent crowding despite losing baby teeth
- Crossbite or asymmetrical bite that affects chewing
- Difficulty with nasal breathing or frequent mouth breathing
- Teeth shifting or overlapping due to lack of jaw space
Adults (possible MARPE or MSE candidates):
- Long-standing crowding or bite issues that braces or Invisalign® alone could not fix
- Narrow arches causing airway concerns, snoring, or sleep apnea symptoms
- Jaw pain, uneven bite, or speech difficulties related to jaw structure
- Being told jaw surgery is necessary for correction — but looking for non-surgical alternatives
If these signs sound familiar, your Statesboro orthodontist, Dr. Wall, is here to evaluate whether a rapid palatal expander (RPE), miniscrew-assisted expansion (MARPE), or a maxillary skeletal expander (MSE) is right for you.
Which palate expander is right for you?
When determining the right treatment option to meet your goals, Dr. Wall will perform a detailed, complimentary orthodontic exam, and consider:
- Your age and whether the palatal suture has fused
- The severity of your jaw width discrepancy
- Your treatment goals (bite correction, airway health, aesthetics)
Every patient’s needs are unique, which is why Dr. Wall uses advanced imaging and careful planning to recommend the right solution.
What about palate expander costs?
At Wall Orthodontics, we believe in transparency and flexibility when it comes to the cost of orthodontic treatment. Whether your child needs RPE, your teen needs MARPE, or you need adult palate expansion, your costs will be clearly outlined before treatment begins — 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!
Our team will walk you through every option to create a custom payment plan that fits your needs and covers the full cost of your care.
Why Choose Wall Orthodontics
With more than 20 years of experience serving families in Statesboro, Dr. Wall has guided patients of all ages toward healthier, more confident smiles. His expertise isn’t just built on years of hands-on care — it’s also backed by his commitment to staying at the forefront of orthodontics.
As an active member of multiple professional orthodontic associations, and a certified Diamond Invisalign Provider, Dr. Wall continually studies the latest research and treatment techniques, ensuring every patient benefits from modern, effective solutions.
When you choose Wall Orthodontics, you’re choosing a doctor who combines experience, knowledge, and cutting-edge technology to determine the best treatment path for your needs — and who takes the time to help you understand every option available.
Start with a complimentary consultation!
If you’ve been told surgery is your only option, or you’re worried about crowding, bite issues, or breathing concerns, it’s time to explore your choices.
Schedule a complimentary consultation with our Statesboro orthodontic office to learn which type of palatal expander or other orthodontic treatment could improve your quality of life. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (912) 764-6737 with any questions!
