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Maxillary Skeletal Expander MSE/MARPE
A maxillary skeletal expander (MSE/MARPE) is a specialized type of palatal expander designed specifically for adults.
Palatal expanders are powerful orthodontic tools that widen the upper jaw to align it properly with the lower jaw, creating a balanced bite and healthy positioning for permanent teeth. However, in adults whose permanent teeth have already settled, traditional palatal expanders can sometimes cause the teeth to flare outward. Additionally, MSE/MARPE applicances can help to create a larger oral cavity, allowing muscles and the tongue to move forward, increasing the dimensions of the airway – to breathe and sleep better.
With the MSE/MARPE appliance, adults can achieve non-surgical palatal expansion. MSE treatment not only prevents unwanted tooth flaring but also helps avoid the need for more invasive procedures, such as surgically-assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE), which is often recommended for widening the adult jaw.
Who could benefit from a maxillary skeletal expander (MSE/MARPE)?
This appliance is ideal for teens and adults whose jaws are fully developed but have a narrow upper jaw, also known as the maxilla. The maxilla is the bone that makes up the upper jaw, and when it’s narrower than the lower jaw, it can limit airflow and lead to issues like crooked or crowded teeth.
In cases like these, braces or Invisalign® alone may not be enough to create a well-aligned smile. If there isn’t enough room in the jaw for the teeth to align properly, Dr. Jacob Zitterkopf often recommends MSE/MARPE treatment to widen the upper jaw and achieve balanced, lasting results.
How Does MSE/MARPE Treatment Work?
If Dr. Jacob Zitterkopf recommends maxillary skeletal expander (MSE/MARPE) treatment for you, he’ll walk you through each step of the process to make sure you’re fully comfortable and informed!
We partner with the best oral and maxillofacial surgeons to place our MSE/MARPE appliances and help guide the entire process. To start, four small, temporary micro-screws are gently placed into the roof of the mouth to anchor the expander. The device is then positioned at the center, ready for activation. Using a special key, you’ll ‘activate’ the device by turning it once or twice a day, based on your unique treatment plan.
With each turn, the device expands just a bit, gradually widening the jaw bone. This process is typically painless; you may feel a light tingling around your nose, which quickly fades within minutes.
Active treatment with the MSE/MARPE appliance generally takes one to three months, followed by an additional six months to ensure the new jaw width is stable. Once the expansion is complete, you may notice a small gap as the jaw is now broader and ready to accommodate properly aligned teeth.
To finish the transformation, braces or Invisalign® are often recommended after MSE/MARPE treatment, aligning your teeth beautifully to complete your new, confident smile!
How Much Does the MSE/MARPE Appliance Cost?
Since every patient has unique needs, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all price for treatment with us. Please schedule your visit with us today and we can discuss!
We’re committed to making your care affordable and accessible. We offer flexible financing options, including in-house payment plans and CareCredit for outside financing.
At your first visit, Dr. Jacob Zitterkopf will develop your customized treatment plan, and our treatment coordinator will work with you to create a financing plan that fits your budget—so you can focus on achieving the smile you deserve without stress!