Your MARPE Providers
Dr. Yakov S. Eisenberger, DDS, MSD
Board Certified Orthodontist
Dr. Arthur Kammerman, DDS
Board Certified Orthodontist
Is MARPE Right for You?
MARPE is designed for adolescents and adults who have completed skeletal growth.
Common reasons patients consider MARPE:
- Narrow upper jaw
- Crowded teeth
- Crossbites
- Breathing issues
- Sleep-related concerns
WHAT IS MARPE?
MARPE stands for Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion.
It is a modern orthodontic procedure used to widen the upper jaw (maxilla) in adolescents and adults whose jaw bones have already fused — patients who previously needed jaw surgery to achieve expansion.
Unlike traditional expanders that rely mainly on teeth, MARPE uses small temporary screws (miniscrews) anchored in the palate to apply force directly to the bone.
This allows safe and effective expansion in teens and adults.
IN SIMPLE TERMS
MARPE uses a custom expander that is anchored to the upper jaw with small temporary screws (miniscrews).
This allows the device to apply force directly to the bone — not just the teeth — so the upper jaw can be safely and effectively expanded.
WHY MARPE IS USED
- Widens the upper jaw
- Improves crowding
- Corrects crossbites
- Helps with breathing
- Improves airway space
- Often avoids major jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery)
HOW MARPE DIFFERS FROM TRADITIONAL EXPANDERS
Traditional expanders push mainly on teeth (best for young children).
MARPE is bone-supported — making it effective for teens and adults.
MARPE VS ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY
MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion)
- Minimally invasive (non-surgical)
- Uses small temporary screws in the palate
- Done in the orthodontic office
- Usually no general anesthesia required
- Faster recovery
- Gradual natural bone widening
- Lower cost & risk
Best for:
- Adults and teens with narrow upper jaws
- Mild to moderate skeletal discrepancies
Orthognathic Surgery
- Requires major surgery
- Performed in a hospital setting
- General anesthesia
- Longer recovery
- Higher cost
- Higher risk
SIMPLE COMPARISON
| Feature | MARPE | Surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Surgery Required | NO | YES |
| Anesthesia | Local | General |
| Recovery | Weeks | Months |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Risk | Lower | Higher |
| Typical Use | Most narrow jaws | Severe skeletal cases |
MARPE is often a preferred first option for many teens and adults with narrow upper jaws.
More severe cases may still require orthognathic surgery.
Schedule a MARPE Consultation
Airway, Breathing, and Sleep Benefits of MARPE
MARPE does more than straighten teeth — by widening the upper jaw, it can also increase the size of the nasal airway, which may lead to improved breathing and better sleep quality for many patients.
Improved Nasal Breathing
The upper jaw forms the floor of the nasal cavity.
When MARPE expands the palate:
- The nasal passages widen
- Airflow resistance is reduced
- Patients often breathe more easily through their nose
Many report less mouth breathing and improved airflow.
Increased Airway Volume
Studies have shown MARPE can:
- Increase nasal cavity width
- Improve upper airway space
- Support better oxygen flow during sleep
This can be especially helpful for patients with narrow palates and airway restriction.
POTENTIAL IMPROVEMENT IN SNORING
- By enlarging the airway
- Turbulence that causes snoring may decrease
- (Some patients notice reduced or eliminated snoring)
SUPPORTS FOR SLEEP-DISORDERED BREATHING
In select patients, MARPE may help improve:
- Mild obstructive sleep apnea
- Sleep quality
- Daytime fatigue
(MARPE is not a replacement for CPAP in severe cases but can be part of a comprehensive airway approach.)
ADDITIONAL HEALTH BENEFITS
Better breathing can contribute to:
- Improved oxygen delivery
- Better exercise tolerance
- Reduced fatigue
- Improved oral health
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR PATIENTS
Results vary by individual.
A thorough orthodontic and airway evaluation helps determine if MARPE is appropriate.
SUMMARY
MARPE is a non-surgical expansion option that can create more space, improve bite, and often enhance breathing — without major surgery.
THE MARPE PROCESS — STEP BY STEP
Your orthodontist will:
- Examine your bite and jaw width
- Take digital scans, X-rays, and often a 3D CBCT scan
- Evaluate bone thickness and airway space
This determines if MARPE is the right option for you.
A custom expander is made to fit your palate precisely.
It includes:
- A small expansion screw
- Attachment points for miniscrews
At the orthodontic office:
- The palate is numbed (local anesthesia)
- Small miniscrews are gently placed into the bone
- The MARPE appliance is secured
Usually takes about 30–60 minutes.
You or a caregiver will:
- Turn the expansion screw slightly each day
- This gradually widens the upper jaw
Typically lasts 2–4 weeks (sometimes longer depending on goals)
You may feel:
- Pressure in the nose or cheeks
- A temporary gap between front teeth (normal and expected)
Once expansion is complete:
- The MARPE appliance stays in place for several months
- New bone forms in the widened area to stabilize results
This is critical for long-term success.
After stabilization:
- Braces or clear aligners align the teeth into their ideal positions
BONUS BENEFITS DURING THE PROCESS
Many patients notice:
- Easier nasal breathing
- Improved airflow
- Less mouth breathing
OVERALL TIMELINE (TYPICAL)
- Evaluation: 1 visit
- Placement: 1 visit
- Expansion: 2–4 weeks
- Stabilization: 3–6 months
- Braces/aligners if needed
Schedule a Consultation or Refer a Patient
One Hanson Place, Suite 702 Brooklyn, NY 11243
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