MARPE + Airway Orthodontics
An Innovative Alternative to Corrective Jaw Surgery
Did you know that the width of the upper jaw is tied to your health and overall wellbeing? When the upper jaw, or maxilla, is too narrow or small, it causes a misaligned bite and interferes with breathing. In the past, adults usually had to resort to jaw surgery to fix the problem.
Well, not anymore. At Cronin & Czarnik Orthodontics, we can treat many cases using miniscrew‑assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE). This in‑office approach helps widen the upper jaw, open the airway, and improve breathing in adults. Our board‑certified orthodontists, Dr. Carolyn Cronin and Dr. Scott Czarnik, tailor every treatment plan to your unique anatomy and goals.
The Link Between Your Upper Jaw and Breathing
After the industrial revolution, diets became softer and packaged foods were introduced. This meant less chewing and, thus, less jawbone stimulation, which contributed to changes in facial growth. A narrower upper jaw can make the nasal passages and airway smaller and create less room for the tongue, potentially leading to chronic mouth breathing, snoring, and sleep‑disordered breathing, including obstructive sleep apnea.
How Does MARPE Work?
MARPE uses a small palatal (roof‑of‑mouth) expander that’s anchored with four tiny, temporary miniscrews. Placement is quick, done in our office, and typically requires only local anesthetic. Once the expander is in place, you’ll use a key to activate it. With each turn, gentle force widens the mid‑palatal suture to expand the upper jaw. When expansion is complete, we can use braces or Invisalign® to align the teeth and fine‑tune your bite.
Piezo‑Assisted Expansion for Older Adults (Piezocision)
For some adults—especially those with more mature sutures—we can pair MARPE with a simple piezo‑assisted procedure (often called piezocision). Using a piezoelectric surgical handpiece, your surgeon or our clinical team creates a few micro‑incisions and ultra‑precise, shallow corticotomies in the gum tissue next to the upper jaw. This helps:
- Facilitate easier, more predictable skeletal movements
- Encourage true skeletal expansion
- Place less stress on the teeth and periodontal tissues
- Reduce overall discomfort and recovery time compared to traditional methods
Most patients describe the procedure as minimally invasive. It’s typically performed under local anesthesia in a single short visit, with simple after‑care instructions.
Expanding the Mandibular Arch Work?
While MARPE addresses the upper jaw, our approach also considers the mandibular (lower) arch. Through strategic expansion and alignment of the lower arch, we create more space for the tongue, improving posture and reducing the risk of airway collapse during sleep. A properly developed mandibular arch enhances oral function, balances the bite, and supports overall airway health.
Health Benefits of Mandibular Expansion:
- Increases tongue space, promoting nasal breathing over mouth breathing
- Reduces risk of sleep‑disordered breathing and obstructive sleep apnea
- Improves chewing efficiency and digestion
- Supports long‑term stability of orthodontic results by harmonizing upper and lower arches
Associated Health Benefits of Airway‑Focused Expansion
The benefits of MARPE, mandibular arch expansion, and piezo‑assisted support extend well beyond straighter teeth:
- Improved airflow and nasal breathing
- Reduction in snoring and sleep apnea symptoms
- Better oxygenation during sleep for more restful nights
- Decreased risk of periodontal stress and tooth damage
- More room for the tongue, improving oral function and speech
- Enhanced posture and craniofacial balance
- Long‑term protection of teeth and gums by distributing forces evenly
Who Can Benefit From MARPE?
While candidacy is always individualized, upper‑jaw expansion with MARPE may help adults who have:
- A crossbite
- Excessive crowding of the upper teeth
- Snoring or sleep‑disordered breathing, including obstructive sleep apnea
- Difficulty breathing properly through the nose
A Simple Step‑by‑Step Guide to the Whole Process
- Complimentary Consultation
Meet with Dr. Cronin and Dr. Czarnik to discuss symptoms (snoring, mouth breathing, crowding), medical and dental history, and your goals. - Diagnostics & Airway Evaluation
We take photos, a 3D digital scan, and CBCT imaging (as indicated) to assess jaw width, airway volume, and dental/periodontal health. - Personalized Treatment Plan
Your doctors review your case together and design an airway‑focused plan. If indicated, the plan may include MARPE alone or MARPE plus piezo‑assisted micro‑incisions, as well as lower arch considerations. - Appliance Day (MARPE Placement)
Local anesthetic is used as needed. The small expander is placed and secured with four miniscrews. You’ll learn how to turn the key at home. - Optional Piezo Procedure (Same Day or Coordinated Visit)
For older adults or tighter sutures, precise piezo micro‑incisions are made next to the upper jaw to facilitate true skeletal expansion with less stress on the teeth. - Mandibular Arch Development
Lower arch expansion techniques are applied to ensure harmony, balance, and sufficient tongue space. - Activation at Home
You’ll turn the key as prescribed (for example, 1–2 turns/day). Expect light pressure across the palate and between the front teeth—that’s a sign of expansion. - Check‑Ins & Comfort Tips
We see you regularly to monitor progress, make fine adjustments, and share hygiene/comfort tips. Call us anytime with questions. - Holding/Retention Phase
After the desired expansion is reached, the appliance is kept passive for several months to stabilize new bone growth. - Align and Finish
Braces or Invisalign® aligners straighten the teeth and refine the bite. - Retainers & Long‑Term Follow‑Up
You’ll get custom retainers and airway‑focused guidance to maintain your results and breathing improvements.
Note: Every patient is unique. Some may not require piezo assistance; others may benefit from coordination with an oral surgeon or periodontist. We’ll explain the best option for you.
Ready to Start MARPE Treatment?
To find out if you’re a candidate for miniscrew‑assisted rapid palatal expansion, schedule a complimentary consultation at Cronin & Czarnik Orthodontics in Westminster or Winter Park, CO. Our board‑certified orthodontists can help you breathe easier and smile confidently.
Before & After MARPE Treatment
Confident Smiles Start With Expert Care
Don’t let your smile insecurities hold you back! As a top orthodontic team in Westminster and Winter Park, CO, we have the knowledge and expertise to achieve fantastic results for patients of all ages. Whether you have slightly crooked teeth, severe orthodontic concerns, or anything in between, our doctors will tailor treatment to your unique needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Does MARPE hurt?
A: Most patients feel only mild pressure or tightness when turning the expander. Any discomfort usually resolves within a few days.
Q: How long does MARPE treatment take?
A: Active expansion typically lasts a few weeks. The appliance then stays in place passively for several months to allow new bone to stabilize.
Q: Do I need surgery for MARPE to work?
A: Not usually. In older adults, we may recommend piezo‑assisted micro‑incisions to help facilitate expansion, but this is a minimally invasive in‑office procedure, not traditional jaw surgery.
Q: Can both my upper and lower jaws be expanded?
A: Yes. MARPE is used for the upper jaw, and specific orthodontic techniques can also expand the mandibular arch to create harmony and more tongue space.
Q: What health improvements can I expect?
A: Patients often report better sleep, less snoring, improved nasal breathing, enhanced chewing, and more balanced facial aesthetics.
Q: Am I too old for MARPE?
A: There is no strict age limit. With the addition of piezo‑assisted techniques, even adults with mature sutures can benefit from expansion.
