Orthodontic care in Las Vegas
MARPE Palatal Expansion in Las Vegas
A skeletal expansion option for selected older teens and adults with a narrow upper jaw.
MARPE is one expansion tool. It is not automatically better than a conventional expander, and it is not appropriate for every skeletal discrepancy. Dr. Camy Kwok evaluates each case individually.
What Is MARPE?
MARPE stands for miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion. Avocabo uses a conventional MARPE approach, not one named proprietary system. Small temporary anchorage devices, or TADs, are used to expand the upper jaw in patients whose growth plates have matured.
Why Might Someone Need Upper-Jaw Expansion?
Reasons to evaluate upper-jaw expansion can include a narrow upper jaw, a crossbite, an arch-width discrepancy, crowding related to width, other bite concerns, or a developmental maxillary deficiency.
MARPE vs a Regular Palatal Expander
Growing children may often be treated adequately with a conventional palatal expander, which relies on the teeth and surrounding bone. MARPE is not routinely used in growing children when conventional expansion is adequate; it is generally reserved for patients whose growth has matured.
Who May Be Considered for MARPE?
Selected older adolescents and adults may be considered for MARPE. There is no rigid age cutoff; suitability depends on the individual evaluation.
How Dr. Camy Plans MARPE
CBCT is routinely used for MARPE planning. Dr. Camy assesses upper-jaw anatomy, available bone, periodontal support, surrounding structures, and potential TAD positions before recommending treatment. Airway concerns may be considered as part of the overall evaluation, though MARPE is not presented as a guaranteed airway treatment.
TAD Placement at Avocabo
Dr. Camy Kwok can place the temporary anchorage devices himself, which supports continuity, fewer handoffs, and coordinated treatment planning.
What Treatment Involves
- Evaluation
- CBCT
- Appliance planning
- TAD placement
- Activation
- Monitoring
- Stabilization
- Transition to braces or aligners
When MARPE May Not Be Appropriate
- A regular palatal expander can adequately solve the problem
- Insufficient or unsuitable bone for TAD placement
- Maxillary anatomy limits safe placement
- Periodontal condition is inadequate
- Oral hygiene cannot support the appliance
- The patient cannot reasonably tolerate or manage the appliance
- The skeletal discrepancy is too extensive and surgery is more appropriate
What If Surgery Is the Better Option?
Surgery is not a failure of MARPE. When the skeletal discrepancy is too extensive for expansion alone, Dr. Camy will explain the reasoning honestly and neutrally and discuss appropriate next steps.
What Happens After Expansion?
After MARPE, patients generally proceed into braces or clear aligners to position the teeth and finish the bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Services
Ready to Discuss Upper-Jaw Expansion?
Schedule an orthodontic evaluation with Dr. Camy Kwok to discuss whether MARPE is appropriate.
Request an Appointment