When we think about orthodontics, many of us presume it’s simply a cosmetic procedure, fixing teeth that are out of alignment. However, with innovative treatments such as MARPE, orthodontists like Dr. Matthew Durschlag of San Diego Smile Pros can now provide solutions to problems that could previously only be treated with surgery. MARPE is a non-invasive alternative for widening an undersized jaw, suitable for adults and older teens.
MARPE stands for Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion, and it’s an innovative procedure that will, over time, expand the upper jaw, correcting problematic back teeth crossbites, dark spaces during smiling, allowing for better chewing, and widening the nasal passage to allow for better breathing. MARPE is also an effective alternative to extractions in cases of dental crowding.
MARPE is a non-invasive treatment, so it doesn’t require a hospital stay or general anaesthetic. It works by slowly applying pressure to the upper jaw via an adjustable custom appliance. It applies expansion forces directly to the bone, which allows even mature adult bone to expand, a process that was previously not possible without surgical intervention.
MARPE Can Successfully Address a Wide Range of Issues
MARPE has been proven to help with a variety of dental and medical conditions, including…
Sleep Apnea
A potentially dangerous condition where breathing can stop during sleep due to narrow or obstructed airways.
Dental Crowding
A condition that occurs when the jaw isn’t sufficiently large to accommodate the teeth, causing them to twist and overlap.
Unbalanced facial growth
A developmental condition that can lead to noticeably asymmetrical facial features.
Crossbite
A dental alignment condition where the upper teeth fit inside, rather than outside, the lower teeth.
Snoring
Snoring can result in tiredness, headaches, and irritability for the sufferer and their family.
Dark buccal corridors (dark space to the sides of the smile)
When the jaw and teeth are too narrow, it affects the smile aesthetics, and the teeth don’t totally fill the smile.
How MARPE Works to Improve Breathing Difficulties
Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion utilizes a custom-made, 3d printed device to carefully expand the upper jaw. There is a close correlation between jaw size and the size of your nasal passages. A narrow upper jaw leaves less space within the nose, which can make it harder to breathe. This can be particularly noticeable at night, when those affected may find it hard to sleep, may snore, grind their teeth, or feel tired throughout the day.
The MARPE treatment widens the jaw, and with it, the nasal cavity. With improved airflow through the nose, many conditions resulting from breathing difficulties can be overcome, including snoring and sleep apnea.
Your MARPE Journey With San Diego Smile Pros
It all starts with a visit to our practice, where your needs will be fully assessed by a highly trained orthodontic specialist. We’ll discuss your problems and your goals, as well as using our modern intraoral scanner and 3D CBCT machine to gain a thorough overview of your jaw size, your airway, the bite relationship, and your dental condition to identify any problems and find the perfect solution.
If it is decided that MARPE is the best course of action for you, we’ll take careful measurements so your custom-made device will be a perfect fit.
Next, Dr. Durschlag meets with a technician to virtually design the exact position of the expander based on your individual anatomy as identified on the CBCT scan. Every single MARPE appliance is customized to each patient’s jaw size and shape. This process greatly enhances the predictability of success with these appliances.
Once the expander is 3D printed in metal and fine-tuned, it’s ready for the delivery appointment. With numbing gel and local anaesthetic, we’re able to place the appliance during a routine office visit, without any need for invasive surgery!
Over the next few weeks, the device will be activated at home gradually and gently widening the jaw. The adjustments are easy and can be done at home without multiple needless trips to the office. As much as we like to see you, we know you’ll love the convenience of MARPE!
The ultimate expansion is usually achieved in around 2-4 weeks. After this, the device is left in place for a few months so the jaw can settle and stabilize, ensuring the expansion is permanent. During this waiting period, you’re able to get started with the braces or Invisalign part of your treatment plan. Once the expansion has set, the expander can be removed, and the alignment and bite correction can be completed!
The Benefits of MARPE Compared with Surgical Solutions
Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion is an effective alternative to surgery. Should you opt for MARPE instead of taking the surgical route? Of course, every case is different, but we believe that MARPE is an excellent option for many patients, and here are some of the reasons why…
You don’t need a hospital stay
Your MARPE treatment all takes place at our comfortable premises at times that suit you. There’s absolutely no requirement for a hospital stay, so it’s the most time-efficient choice. Staying overnight in a hospital can be highly disruptive and stressful, but with MARPE this can be avoided entirely.
There’s no general anaesthetic involved
When you opt for MARPE over invasive surgery, numbing gel and local anaesthetic are all that’s needed. This is excellent for those who don’t want to undergo a general anaesthetic, or who are unable to for medical reasons.
There’s no lengthy recovery time
Invasive surgery always comes with a substantial post-operative recovery period. MARPE is non-invasive, so you’re eliminating the slow recovery period associated with surgery.
You’ll have fewer appointments to attend
Surgery and general anaesthetics have more associated risks than MARPE treatment, which is a non-invasive option. Surgery is complex and requires a high level of intervention, so when you choose surgical expansion, you can expect to attend multiple pre- and post-operative appointments. If you instead opt for MARPE treatment, you’ll spend far less time at appointments and more time getting on with your life!
It’s the most cost-effective option
Jaw expansion surgery is likely to be very involved, with a hospital stay, general anaesthetic, and a lot of appointments. Not only is this time-consuming and inconvenient, but it can also be very expensive. MARPE is a highly effective, lower-cost alternative that delivers fantastic results.
It’s the least disruptive and lowest-stress choice
All in all, MARPE is simply the easiest choice to address a narrow upper jaw. Cut out the stress and anxiety of surgery and a hospital stay and opt for the non-invasive choice with minimal disruption to your daily routine.
MARPE FAQs – Your Questions Answered
Q – What does MARPE stand for?
A – MARPE stands for Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion, referring to the rapid speed of the procedure for expanding the upper palate, using tiny screws to elicit the slow and gentle process of jaw expansion.
Q – Is MARPE permanent?
A – Yes, after the initial expansion treatment, the MARPE device will be left in for several months. It is this retention phase that ensures the jaw has adapted to the expansion and stabilized. After this period, it is highly unlikely that the results will be undone.
Q – Can you see the MARPE expander once it’s fitted?
A – No, the device is fitted to the roof of your mouth, and so it’s very discreet. You’ll be able to see it easily in the mirror when it’s time to make your daily adjustments, but no one else will notice it.
Q – Is MARPE suitable for young children?
A – MARPE is usually only recommended for people who have finished growing, so generally adults and adolescents. If your younger child has a narrow jaw problem, we will determine an alternative treatment more suited to their developmental stage.
Q – Is the treatment very painful?
A – No, MARPE is not a very painful procedure. Patients sometimes report some discomfort during the initial activation process, but this is mild and is generally successfully managed using over-the-counter pain medications.
Q – How long will the treatment take?
A – The actual period of expansion can take between 2 and 4 weeks. This non-invasive process is gradual and gentle, so you can have the results you need with minimal discomfort. Following this activation phase, the MARPE expander will be left in place for several months. This is to ensure that the jaw has fully settled into its new position and the expansion becomes permanent.
Q – Can MARPE really cure sleep apnea?
A – In some cases, yes, MARPE treatment has been proven to increase airflow in the nostrils. With this extra airflow, breathing difficulties associated with sleep apnea can be reduced or even eliminated. There are many factors that cause apnea, and all areas must be assessed and potentially addressed for a complete resolution.
Q – Can you eat normal food with a MARPE device in place?
A – For the most part, yes; however, it’s wise to avoid certain foods that may be problematic, for example, sticky toffee. Don’t worry, we’ll give you plenty of advice on how to take good care of your MARPE device.
Interested in Finding Out More About MARPE?
Do you think MARPE could be the dental solution you’ve been looking for? If you’d like to discover if you’re a good candidate for treatment, the first step is to book a consultation. We’ll discuss your problems, examine your teeth and jaw, and determine if MARPE is the right choice for you. Whether you ultimately opt for MARPE or another of our advanced treatment options, you’re in the best hands with San Diego Smile Pros.
San Diego residents can depend on Dr. Durschlag from San Diego Smile Pros to deliver the highest-quality orthodontic treatment. Dr. Matthew Durschlag is a board-certified orthodontist with a wealth of experience and a whole host of happy clients with beautiful smiles. His specialist skills ensure the successful treatment of even the most complex conditions, including all types of orthodontics, MARPE, Invisalign, clear and metal braces, lingual braces, TADs (temporary anchorage devices), fixing open bites, crowding, overbites, surgical cases, and more!
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