MARPE Explained: A Modern Orthodontic Solution for Expanding Smiles
MARPE stands for Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion . It is a contemporary orthodontic treatment modality used to widen a narrow upper jaw (palate). Unlike traditional palatal expanders that are effective mainly in children, MARPE is specifically designed for adolescents and adults , whose palatal bones have already fused. How MARPE Works in Orthodontics In orthodontics, MARPE helps create space by widening the upper jaw. The appliance is attached to the upper teeth and anchored to the palate using small stainless steel or titanium screws (called miniscrews ). This allows true skeletal expansion , rather than merely pushing the teeth outward. Because of this skeletal effect, MARPE serves as a viable non-surgical option for adolescents and adults to treat a narrow dental arch, crowding, underbite, and certain breathing-related problems. Once the device is anchored to the palate, gentle pressure is applied using a key provided by the manuf...