MARPE
(Palatal Expander for Adults)
Breathe easier. Sleep better. Smile wider.
At Senties Family Orthodontics, we’re proud to take a modern and comprehensive approach to adult orthodontic care.
If you’ve been told that jaw surgery is your only option to fix a narrow jaw, crowded teeth, or airway concerns, there may be another path.
Dr. Senties offers MARPE orthodontic treatment, an advanced, non-surgical palate expander that can be used on many adults to create real skeletal change without the need for invasive jaw surgery.
A Modern Solution for Adult Palate Expansion
MARPE, or Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion, is an advanced treatment that allows us to widen the upper jaw without traditional jaw surgery.
For many adults, this means creating the space needed to breathe more easily, improve bite function, reduce crowding, and enhance facial balance, all without an invasive surgical procedure.
Who is a candidate for MARPE orthodontics?
A MARPE expander is recommended for skeletally mature patients (meaning patients whose teeth and jaws are done developing), including:
- Some adults who may have been told they need jaw surgery (SARPE) but want a non-surgical alternative
- Older teens and many adults with a fully developed jaw
- Patients with a narrow upper jaw or crossbite
- Older teens and many adults with crowded teeth that may otherwise require extractions
- Patients with the dental problems described above who have also been diagnosed with sleep-disordered breathing or mouth breathing
- Individuals with the dental problems described above who are also struggling with nasal obstruction or airway concerns
Because the upper jaw stops growing in the late teen years, traditional palatal expanders are no longer effective for adults.
MARPE offers a safe, non-surgical way to achieve skeletal expansion, meaning the actual bone is expanded, not just treatment for the teeth.
How MARPE (Adult Palatal Expansion) Works
Dr. Senties customizes and places your MARPE appliance right here in our San Antonio orthodontic office.
Unlike traditional expanders that only rest on teeth, a MARPE is anchored directly to the bone using small temporary anchors (TADs). This allows us to create true skeletal expansion.
Over a few weeks, the device is gradually activated, placing gentle pressure on the mid-palatal suture and encouraging the upper jaw to widen.
The result: more space, improved airflow, and a healthier, more balanced bite.
What to Expect with MARPE Orthodontics
Your treatment begins with a detailed clinical exam, including radiographs. If MARPE is right for you, we’ll design a custom appliance and place it in-office.
Once your appliance is in:
- You’ll activate it at home as instructed by Dr. Senties.
- Expansion typically takes 4-8 weeks.
- The appliance stays in place for a few months to allow the bone to stabilize.
How much does a MARPE expander cost?
We believe in full transparency when it comes to the cost of the MARPE appliance and your smile investment. Your MARPE cost will be clearly outlined in your personalized treatment plan, with no hidden fees.
- 0% interest, in-house financing
- Sunbit financing options
- Cherry financing options
- Insurance accepted and paperwork handled for you
- FSA and HSA compatibility
We’ll walk you through your options to create a custom payment plan that covers the full cost of your care.
Custom Clear Aligners
MARPE vs. SARPE: What’s the difference?
If you’ve been told you need SARPE (Surgically-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion), you’re not alone, but you may not need full jaw surgery after all.
The key difference is how the upper jaw is expanded:
- SARPE requires a surgical procedure to separate the jaw before expansion
- MARPE uses small, temporary anchors to apply pressure directly to the bone, allowing expansion without surgery in many adult cases
Start With a Consultation for MARPE Orthodontics in San Antonio, TX
If you’ve been told jaw surgery is your only option, or you’re struggling with a narrow palate, MARPE may offer a non-surgical path forward.
Let’s start with a consultation and in-depth evaluation. We’ll answer your questions, walk you through your options, and help you choose the right approach for your health and your smile.
Book a complimentary consultation with our San Antonio, TX, orthodontic office.