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
Frequently Asked Questions About MARPE
Am I a candidate for MARPE?
MARPE can be an excellent option for older teens and adults who need upper jaw expansion but are no longer candidates for traditional palatal expanders. During your consultation, I’ll evaluate your bite, jaw development, airway concerns, and overall orthodontic needs to determine whether MARPE is the right treatment option for you.
Can adults really expand their palate without jaw surgery?
In many cases, yes. Traditional expanders are most effective while the jaw is still developing, but MARPE was designed to help skeletally mature patients achieve expansion using small temporary anchorage devices placed in the palate. For some adults who have been told surgery is their only option, MARPE may provide a non-surgical alternative. I’ll carefully evaluate your anatomy to determine what approach will provide the best result for your smile and health goals.
What is the difference between MARPE and traditional palate expanders?
The biggest difference is how the appliance creates expansion. Traditional expanders primarily rely on tooth support and are typically used in younger patients who are still growing. MARPE uses small miniscrews that anchor into the palate, allowing me to target the upper jaw itself rather than relying only on the teeth. This makes MARPE a valuable option for many older teens and adults.
Is MARPE painful?
Most patients describe MARPE as feeling like pressure or tightness rather than pain. Since everyone’s experience is different, I take time to explain each step of treatment and make sure you know what to expect before beginning. Any initial discomfort is typically temporary as your mouth adjusts to the appliance.
How long does MARPE treatment take?
The active expansion phase of MARPE is typically completed over several weeks, followed by a stabilization period to allow the bone to adapt and strengthen. Your total treatment timeline will depend on your individual needs, including how much expansion is needed and whether additional orthodontic treatment is part of your plan.
Is MARPE better than SARPE jaw surgery?
MARPE and SARPE are different approaches to expanding the upper jaw. SARPE involves a surgical procedure, while MARPE uses orthodontic anchorage to attempt expansion without traditional surgery in appropriate patients. Whether MARPE is a suitable alternative depends on your age, anatomy, and the amount of expansion needed. I’ll help you understand all available options so you can make an informed decision.
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.