Treatment
Airway, TAD Expanders & MARPE
For those seeking conservative treatment for skeletal expansion past adolescence, we offer conservative treatment with TAD expanders/MARPE to address maxillary constriction. Traditionally, surgical expansion is used (SARPE); however, with the advent of TAD expansion and MARPE, we can accomplish similar results without the need for surgical intervention.
How Airway, TAD Expanders & MARPE works
A clear, step-by-step look at what to expect during treatment.
- 1
Evaluation
An exam, digital scans, and imaging help your orthodontist measure the width of your upper jaw and decide whether TAD-supported expansion is right for you.
- 2
Placement
A custom expander is anchored to the roof of the mouth with small temporary anchorage devices (TADs), placed with local numbing in the office.
- 3
Expansion & stabilization
The expander is gradually widened on a set schedule, then left in place while the new bone stabilizes. Braces or aligners often follow to fine-tune the bite.
Who it's for
- Older teens and adults with a narrow upper jaw
- Crossbites caused by a narrow upper jaw
- Patients looking for an alternative to surgical expansion (SARPE)
- Narrow jaws that are being evaluated alongside breathing concerns
Benefits
Non-surgical
Can achieve skeletal expansion without the surgery that SARPE requires.
Skeletal expansion
TADs direct the expansion to the jaw itself rather than only tipping teeth.
Works past adolescence
An option for patients whose jaw has finished growing.
Airway-aware planning
We look at your airway as part of planning and coordinate with your physician when needed.
Airway, TAD Expanders & MARPE FAQs
What are TADs and MARPE?
TADs (temporary anchorage devices) are small titanium mini-screws placed temporarily in the bone. MARPE (miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion) uses TADs to anchor an expander to the roof of the mouth, so the expansion force goes to the upper jaw itself.
How is this different from a regular palatal expander?
Traditional expanders work well in children, whose upper jaw hasn’t fully fused. In older teens and adults, a tooth-supported expander mostly tips teeth outward. Anchoring the expander with TADs allows true skeletal expansion past adolescence.
Does it hurt?
TADs are placed with local numbing, and most patients describe pressure rather than pain. You may feel tightness in the first days of expansion; over-the-counter pain relievers usually help.
Can MARPE help with breathing or sleep apnea?
A narrow upper jaw can be linked to breathing concerns, and widening it may improve nasal airflow for some patients. MARPE is not a stand-alone treatment for sleep apnea — diagnosis and treatment of sleep-related breathing problems involve your physician or a sleep specialist, and we’re happy to coordinate with them.
Am I a candidate?
It depends on your age, jaw anatomy, and bone. We’ll evaluate you at a consultation and explain whether TAD-supported expansion, another approach, or a referral is the best fit.
Ready to explore Airway, TAD Expanders & MARPE?
Your first consultation is complimentary. Book a visit and we'll walk you through your options.