MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) at Town Hall Dental
At Town Hall Dental, we are proud to offer innovative treatments that enhance both the function and aesthetics of your smile. One such treatment is MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion), a modern orthodontic solution designed to address narrow upper jaws and improve dental health for both children and adults. If you’re seeking a way to achieve a broader, healthier smile with greater comfort and efficiency, MARPE may be the solution you’ve been looking for.
What is MARPE?
Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE) is an advanced technique used to widen the upper jaw (palate) by using small, temporary titanium screws (miniscrews) that are placed in the bones of the palate. These screws are attached to a custom expander that gently applies pressure to the palate, gradually creating space between the two halves of the upper jaw. This process allows for expansion of the palate, which is essential for improving bite alignment, facilitating better breathing, and enhancing overall dental health.
MARPE is a cutting-edge solution designed to deliver faster, more effective results compared to traditional palate expanders, offering a more comfortable treatment experience with fewer side effects.
How MARPE Works
- Initial Consultation
Your journey with MARPE begins with a comprehensive consultation at Town Hall Dental. Our experienced orthodontists will conduct a thorough evaluation, including digital X-rays, scans, and a detailed examination of your bite. Based on this information, we’ll determine whether MARPE is the right treatment option for your specific needs. - Placement of the Miniscrews
Under local anesthesia, small miniscrews are carefully placed in the bones of your upper palate. These screws serve as anchors for the palatal expander, which is custom-designed to fit your mouth. - Activation of the Expander
Once the expander is in place, the treatment begins. Over time, the expander is gradually adjusted, typically by turning a small screw in the device to widen the palate. This expansion process typically takes a few weeks to a few months, depending on the individual needs of the patient. - Completion of the Treatment
Once the desired level of expansion is achieved, the expander remains in place for a few months to stabilize the new jaw position. After this phase, the miniscrews are removed, and the expander is no longer necessary. Follow-up visits will help monitor your progress and ensure that the expansion is maintained.
Benefits of MARPE
- Efficient Palate Expansion
Unlike traditional methods, which rely on the pressure of the expander alone, MARPE utilizes the assistance of miniscrews to create a more effective, faster expansion of the palate. This means less discomfort and a quicker, more predictable result. - Non-Surgical Solution for Adults
MARPE is an ideal solution for both children and adults. For adults, palatal expansion can be more challenging due to the fusion of the palate bones. However, with MARPE, adults can still achieve the benefits of expansion without the need for invasive surgery. - Improved Bite Alignment
By expanding the upper jaw, MARPE can help correct bite issues, including crossbites, crowding, and teeth misalignment. This leads to a more functional and aesthetically pleasing smile. - Enhanced Breathing and Airway Health
In addition to improving dental alignment, palatal expansion with MARPE can also improve airflow by widening the nasal passageways. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who suffer from breathing difficulties or conditions like sleep apnea. - Less Discomfort Compared to Traditional Methods
MARPE is less invasive and more comfortable compared to traditional palatal expanders, which often require more frequent adjustments and can cause more discomfort. The use of miniscrews allows for precise control of the expansion, reducing the risk of unwanted side effects. - Shorter Treatment Time
MARPE typically requires a shorter treatment period than traditional methods of expansion, allowing patients to achieve the desired results more quickly.
Who is a Candidate for MARPE?
MARPE is suitable for a wide range of patients, including:
- Adolescents: MARPE is especially effective for growing children whose palates are still flexible and can be expanded more easily.
- Adults: Although more challenging due to fully fused palatal bones, adults can still benefit from MARPE for expanding a narrow palate, improving their bite, and relieving issues such as chronic congestion or sleep apnea.
- Patients with Narrow Palates: If you have a narrow upper jaw or a crossbite, MARPE can help create the necessary space to align your teeth properly.
At Town Hall Dental, we offer a personalised treatment plan that takes into consideration your age, dental history, and specific needs. Our orthodontists will work with you to determine whether MARPE is the best solution for you.
MARPE vs. Traditional Palatal Expansion
While traditional palatal expanders have been a reliable treatment method for many years, MARPE offers distinct advantages.
- Miniscrews vs. Traditional Expanders: Traditional expanders apply pressure on the palate using an adjustable screw mechanism. However, they don’t use miniscrews to anchor the device, which can lead to slower and less predictable results. MARPE’s use of miniscrews provides additional anchorage, making the process more efficient.
- Faster Treatment: Due to the added support of the miniscrews, MARPE generally requires less time to achieve the desired level of expansion compared to traditional methods.
- More Comfortable: MARPE is designed to be less invasive and more comfortable than traditional expanders, minimizing discomfort and side effects.
Aftercare and Maintenance
Once the expansion is complete and the miniscrews are removed, it is essential to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your orthodontist to ensure that the results are maintained. Retainers may be recommended to keep your palate in its new position and prevent relapse. Regular follow-up visits will help monitor your progress and ensure that your dental health remains on track.
Why Choose Town Hall Dental for MARPE?
At Town Hall Dental, we pride ourselves on offering advanced orthodontic treatments like MARPE that can help you achieve a healthier, more beautiful smile. Our team of experienced orthodontists and dental professionals are here to guide you through every step of your treatment. We provide a supportive and caring environment to ensure that you feel comfortable and well-informed throughout your orthodontic journey.
We use the latest technology and techniques to deliver the best results with the least amount of discomfort and downtime. Our goal is to help you achieve optimal dental health with treatments that fit your lifestyle.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you’re considering MARPE as a solution for your orthodontic needs, contact Town Hall Dental today to schedule a consultation. We’ll assess your specific needs and create a personalised treatment plan to help you achieve a broader, healthier smile.
Contact Information
Phone: 01481 723 788
Email: info@townhalldental.com
Website: www.townhalldental.com