MARPE
MARPE in Oakton, VA
Non-Surgical Palatal Expansion for Teens & Adults
Many people think palatal expansion is only possible for young kids — but thanks to advanced technology, that’s no longer true. At Oakton Family Orthodontics, we offer MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion), a safe and effective option for non-surgical jaw expansion in older teens and adults with narrow upper jaws.
Whether you’re dealing with crowding, a crossbite, or breathing issues related to a constricted palate, MARPE may be the solution you didn’t know existed.
What Is MARPE?
MARPE stands for Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expander. It’s a special type of palatal expander designed to widen the upper jaw by applying gentle pressure to the mid-palatal suture — even after jaw growth has mostly stopped.
Unlike traditional expanders used in children, MARPE is anchored to the bone with small, temporary miniscrews (TADs), which allow the appliance to generate enough force to create true skeletal change in older patients — without the need for jaw surgery.
Who Is MARPE For?
We’ll assess your bite, airway, and skeletal development during your consultation to determine if MARPE is the right fit.
MARPE is most commonly recommended for:
Older teens and adults whose upper jaw has stopped growing
Patients with a narrow upper arch or crossbite
Those experiencing crowding due to lack of space
Patients with nasal airway constriction or mouth breathing
Individuals looking to avoid orthognathic surgery
Benefits of MARPE
- Non-surgical solution for patients beyond the typical age for expansion
- Can significantly improve airway function and nasal breathing
- Creates space to help align crowded teeth
- Helps correct posterior crossbites
- May reduce the need for extractions or more invasive procedures
- Supported by strong clinical evidence for teens and adults
What to Expect With MARPE Treatment
Evaluation & Planning
We begin with digital scans, imaging, and a full exam to assess your bite and jaw structure. If MARPE is recommended, we’ll refer you to a specialist for the placement of miniscrews — and we’ll collaborate closely throughout your care.
Placement of MARPE Appliance
The appliance is custom-fitted and anchored to the palate using 2–4 small TADs. This process is quick and well-tolerated under local anesthetic or mild sedation, depending on the case.
Activation Phase
You’ll use a small key to turn the appliance daily — typically for 2–4 weeks. This slowly widens the palate as bone fills in behind. You may notice a small gap between your front teeth (a normal sign that it’s working!).
Retention Phase
Once expansion is complete, the MARPE remains in place for several months to allow new bone to stabilize the change.
Why Choose Oakton Family Orthodontics for MARPE?
- Expertise in complex bite and airway cases
- Collaborative approach with trusted oral surgery and TAD placement partners
- Personalized, one-on-one care with a focus on comfort and education
- Advanced diagnostics for accurate planning and successful outcomes
Book a Consultation to See if MARPE Is Right for You
If you’ve been told jaw surgery is your only option — or if you’ve aged out of traditional palatal expanders — MARPE may offer a non-surgical alternative worth exploring. Let’s evaluate your case and talk through your options.
Proudly serving patients of all ages in Oakton, VA and Northern Virginia
FAQs
About MARPE
Is MARPE painful?
Most patients report only mild discomfort or pressure during the first few days after MARPE placement and while turning the key. The process is gentle and gradual — and far less invasive than jaw surgery. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually enough to manage any soreness.
How is MARPE different from a regular palate expander?
Traditional palatal expanders are used in younger children whose jawbones are still developing. MARPE uses small miniscrews (TADs) to anchor the appliance directly to the bone, making it effective for older teens and adults who need non-surgical jaw expansion.
Am I too old for MARPE?
You’re likely a candidate for MARPE if you’re a teen or adult with a narrow upper jaw and your growth is complete — even into your 20s or 30s. We’ll use digital imaging to assess your bone and suture development before recommending treatment.
Will I need surgery if MARPE doesn’t work?
In some rare cases, if the mid-palatal suture has fully fused, jaw surgery may still be required to achieve the desired expansion. However, MARPE has high success rates in late teens and young adults — and we’ll evaluate your specific case carefully before starting.
How long will I wear the MARPE appliance?
The active expansion phase typically lasts 2–4 weeks, followed by a retention phase of 3–6 months. After that, the appliance is removed, and you’ll continue with braces or aligners if needed.
Does insurance cover MARPE?
Coverage varies depending on your plan and whether the treatment is considered medically necessary (especially if airway issues are involved). Our team will help you review your benefits and provide all documentation needed for claims.
Have more questions?
Book a free consultation and let’s find out if MARPE is the right solution for your smile and airway health.
