Upper Jaw Expansion With MARPE

Yes. MARPE is specifically designed for adults and older teenagers whose upper jaw bones have become more resistant to conventional expansion. In suitable patients, MARPE may provide a non-surgical alternative to surgically assisted upper jaw expansion procedures. Eligibility depends on skeletal maturity, palate anatomy, and overall orthodontic requirements.

MARPE may help support improved nasal breathing by widening the upper jaw and increasing space within the nasal airway. Patients with narrow upper arches, mouth breathing habits, or airway-related concerns may notice improvements in airflow and breathing comfort following treatment. Individual results vary depending on anatomy and diagnosis.

Restricted upper jaw development may sometimes cause decreased airway space and mouth breathing during sleep. In appropriately selected patients, airway-focused orthodontic treatment based on MARPE may improve upper jaw width and nose airflow. Orthodontic treatment does not treat medical sleep disorders directly, but expansion may facilitate improved airway function in the context of a more comprehensive assessment.

Most patients report MARPE as causing pressure rather than significant pain. Tightness, temporary palate sensitivity or pressure around the nose and cheeks are common during the expansion phase, especially in the first few days post-activation. These symptoms are usually manageable and temporary.

The active expansion phase typically occurs over weeks, although total treatment time is dependent upon the amount of expansion needed, and braces or clear (removable) aligners are normally added following that. Many patients continue treatment with orthodontic alignment after expansion for long-term bite stability.

Often, yes. MARPE is used first in orthodontic treatment to create extra space and to improve upper jaw development, before braces/clear aligners are used for final tooth positioning and bite alignment.

For older teens and adults with constricted upper jaws, dental crowding, posterior crossbites, mouth breathing, restrictive tongue room or airway issues, MARPE treatment may be an option. Suitability is established by a detailed medical examination, electronic scans and orthodontic imaging performed by our specialist orthodontist.

Yes. Perfect Smile offers flexible dental finance options for private orthodontic treatments, including interest-free 0% APR finance for eligible patients with shorter repayment terms, as well as extended monthly payment plans with subsidised rates for longer treatment periods. Finance applications are completed digitally, and treatment can usually begin once approval has been confirmed.