SARPE (surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion). An oral surgeon makes cuts in the bone to release the fused seam of the palate, in a hospital operating room under general anesthesia. The surgery takes about two hours, and depending on the patient, you may go home the same day or stay overnight. Swelling peaks in the first two to three days and takes two to three weeks to largely settle. Most patients follow a liquid or blended diet for about six weeks, and strenuous activity is restricted for roughly three months.
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Adult palate expansion
Adult Palate Expansion (MARPE) in Jersey City
Widen the upper jaw without jaw surgery.
What is MARPE?
MARPE (mini-implant assisted rapid palatal expansion) widens the upper jaw in adults by anchoring the expander to bone rather than to teeth alone.
Who MARPE can help
- A narrow upper jaw or palate
- Crowding caused by a narrow palate
- A skeletal crossbite
- An underbite
- Dark “black corridors” at the sides of your smile
- Upper teeth that barely show when you smile
- Airway or sleep concerns alongside any of the findings above
How it works
In children, the seam at the center of the palate opens easily. In adults it matures, which is why tooth-anchored expanders often fall short. MARPE attaches a custom expander to your teeth and to small mini-screws (TADs) placed in the bone, so the force reaches the skeleton itself.
Step by step
Our process
- 01Complete records.
A 3D CBCT scan, an intraoral scan, and full photos.
- 02Digital planning.
We overlay your intraoral scan on your CBCT to find the best areas of bone for the mini-screws.
- 03Placement.
Typically 2 to 10 mini-screws, depending on your anatomy, age, and skeletal structure. In some cases we also use precise piezoelectric bone cuts to help the palate open.
- 04Expansion.
Your expander is activated on a schedule tailored to your case.
- 05Alignment.
MARPE is used in conjunction with braces or clear aligners, which align your teeth in the wider arch.
Comparing your options
MARPE vs. surgical expansion
Before MARPE, widening an adult’s upper jaw meant surgery. There were two traditional routes.
Le Fort I osteotomy. For larger jaw discrepancies, the surgeon detaches the whole upper jaw from the surrounding facial bones and repositions it, under general anesthesia with a hospital stay of one to two days. Swelling peaks within two to three days and mostly settles after about two weeks. A soft diet is usually needed for four to six weeks, and most people return to normal activities within six to eight weeks. Numbness in the lip and teeth generally resolves within about three months.
MARPE takes a very different path. The mini-screws are placed in our office with local anesthesia: no operating room, no general anesthesia, and no hospital stay. Some patients return to work the very next day, though most take a few days off to recover from soreness. And because the expander is anchored to bone rather than teeth, the expansion is more skeletal and stable than with tooth-anchored expanders.
Beyond the smile
Many MARPE patients report easier nasal breathing and even better sleep. Widening the palate also widens the base of the nose.
What to expect
- Pressure as the palate widens
- A temporary gap between the upper front teeth, closed later with braces or aligners
- A short adjustment period for speech and eating
- A slightly different cleaning routine around the appliance
Fees
Cost
MARPE is priced separately from comprehensive treatment: $3,500–$6,000+ depending on complexity, in addition to your orthodontic fee. Consultations are free.
Frequently asked
Straight answers.
Am I too old for MARPE?
Age is just one factor in deciding whether MARPE is right for you. Many older patients have been successfully expanded with MARPE. What matters most is your individual bone and skeletal structure, which we evaluate on your 3D scan at your consultation.
Does it hurt?
The mini-screws are placed in our office with local anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel the placement itself. Afterward, most patients describe pressure in the palate, teeth, and nose as the expansion progresses, rather than sharp pain, and it’s typically manageable with over-the-counter medication.
How many mini-screws will I need?
It depends on your case. We typically place between 2 and 10, based on your anatomy, age, and skeletal structure. Every position is planned digitally by overlaying your intraoral scan on your CBCT, so each screw goes into the best available bone.
How is MARPE different from a regular palate expander?
A traditional expander pushes against the teeth, which works well in children but is limited in adults. MARPE anchors the expander to bone with mini-screws, so the force goes into the palate itself. The result is a wider jaw, not just tipped teeth.
Is MARPE surgery?
MARPE is a minimally invasive, in-office procedure, nothing like the hospital-based jaw surgery adults once needed. There’s no operating room, no general anesthesia, and no hospital stay.
Will I still need braces or clear aligners?
Yes. MARPE is always used together with braces or clear aligners and can’t be done on its own. MARPE widens your jaw, and braces or aligners are what shift your teeth into the new jaw size and coordinate your upper and lower jaws so they fit together properly. That’s why comprehensive orthodontic treatment is part of every MARPE plan.
Will it help my breathing or sleep?
Many MARPE patients report easier nasal breathing and even better sleep. Expanding the palate also expands the base of the nose, and that’s where many people notice the difference.
Does insurance cover MARPE?
Insurance doesn’t cover MARPE itself. But comprehensive orthodontic treatment is needed alongside MARPE, and insurance may cover that part. We verify your orthodontic benefits before you begin, so there are no surprises.
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