For many years, adults with narrow upper jaws were told the same thing: jaw expansion isn’t possible without surgery. Traditional palate expanders worked well in children, but once growth was complete, options were limited.
Today, that has changed.
Advances in orthodontics now allow many adults to expand their upper jaw without surgery using a technique called MARPE, short for Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion. At Strouse Orthodontics, this is one of the ways we help adult patients who were previously told “nothing could be done.”
What Is MARPE?
MARPE is a type of orthodontic expander designed specifically for adults and older teens. Unlike traditional expanders that rely on teeth alone, MARPE uses small, temporary anchor screws placed in the bone of the palate. These anchors allow the appliance to apply force directly to the upper jaw, making true skeletal expansion possible even after growth has finished.
In simple terms, MARPE helps widen the upper jaw by working with the bone, not just tipping the teeth outward.
Why Traditional Expanders Don’t Work in Adults
In children, the two halves of the upper jaw are still connected by a flexible growth seam called the midpalatal suture. This allows traditional expanders to work easily.
In adults, that suture becomes more rigid over time. Traditional expanders in adults often result in:
- Tooth tipping instead of jaw expansion
- Gum recession or discomfort
- Unstable or short-term results
MARPE was developed to overcome these limitations by providing support directly from the bone.
Who May Be a Candidate for MARPE?
Not every adult needs jaw expansion, but MARPE can be helpful for patients with:
- A narrow upper jaw
- Crossbites (upper teeth biting inside the lower teeth)
- Severe crowding
- Airway or breathing concerns
- A history of being told surgery was the only option
A proper evaluation by an orthodontic specialist is essential. Success with MARPE depends on factors like age, bone density, and jaw anatomy—not just symptoms.
MARPE vs Jaw Surgery
For some adults, jaw surgery is still the best option. However, MARPE can sometimes reduce or eliminate the need for surgery, depending on the case.
The difference comes down to:
- How fused the jaw is
- How much expansion is needed
- Overall facial and bite goals
An orthodontic specialist can determine which approach is safest and most effective for long-term stability.
Why MARPE Requires a Specialist
MARPE is not a routine orthodontic procedure. It requires:
- Advanced diagnosis
- Understanding of skeletal vs dental expansion
- Interpretation of 3D imaging
- Careful appliance design and activation
General dentists typically do not diagnose transverse skeletal deficiencies or perform MARPE. This type of treatment falls squarely within the scope of orthodontic specialty care.
What Does MARPE Feel Like?
Most patients describe a feeling of pressure during activation, similar to traditional expanders. Some experience temporary soreness or nasal pressure early on, which usually resolves quickly. Because the appliance is anchored to bone, many patients find it more controlled and predictable than tooth-borne expanders.
The Bottom Line
Adult jaw expansion is no longer off the table. MARPE has opened the door for many adults who were once told their only option was surgery—or no treatment at all.
If you’ve been told you’re not a candidate for expansion, or if you’re struggling with crowding, bite issues, or breathing concerns, a specialist evaluation may reveal options you didn’t know existed.