MARPE Palatal Expansion in Greeley CO

What Is Palatal Expansion and Why Is It Needed?

Palatal expansion in Greeley CO is a treatment used to widen a narrow upper jaw (maxilla). A narrow maxilla can contribute to problems such as crossbite, dental crowding, nasal breathing issues, and even airway obstruction. Traditional expanders work by applying outward pressure through bands or attachments on the teeth, aiming to separate the midpalatal suture and widen the upper jaw.

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Is There an Age Limit for Traditional Palatal Expanders in Greeley CO?

Yes. Traditional expanders are most effective in children and early teens, typically before the midpalatal suture starts to fuse (usually before age 13–15). After this point, skeletal resistance increases significantly, making traditional expanders much less effective. In fact, even in younger patients, studies show that only about 50% of the expansion is true skeletal change; the rest is dental tipping and alveolar bending due to anchorage limitations.

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What Is MARPE and How Is It Different?

MARPE (Mini-Implant Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) is a modern alternative that allows true skeletal expansion even in adults. Instead of relying solely on dental anchorage, MARPE uses mini-implants (temporary anchorage devices, or TADs) placed directly into the palatal bone to distribute expansion forces to the skeletal structures. This dramatically improves efficiency and allows expansion well beyond the typical age limits of traditional expanders.

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How Is MARPE Customized for Each Patient?

In our clinic, every MARPE case begins with precise data collection:

• We take a digital intraoral scan of the teeth and arch.
• We obtain a CBCT scan to analyze the exact bone thickness, nasal floor anatomy, suture status, and nerve locations.

Using these detailed 3D records, we collaborate with a specialized laboratory to design a fully customized MARPE device. The appliance is then 3D printed in metal to ensure an exact fit for each patient’s unique anatomy.

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What Is the Treatment Timeline?

From the initial scan to placement, the process generally takes about four weeks. The patient returns to the office, and the MARPE device is installed during a single appointment.

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Is the Procedure Painful?

The MARPE placement is done entirely under local anesthesia. Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure. The mini-implants are placed into the bone without significant trauma.

If the patient requires additional skeletal assistance, we may recommend a corticotomy, which involves making small, controlled cuts in the bone along the midpalatal suture using a piezotome. This technique allows for easier expansion and is typically bloodless, thanks to the precision of the ultrasonic surgical instrument. The corticotomy is also performed using a 3D-printed surgical guide, which ensures highly accurate cuts while minimizing risk.

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What Is the Recovery Like?

• Post-procedure pain is generally mild, lasting 1–3 days.
• Most patients resume normal daily activities by the following day.
• Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or Tylenol are usually sufficient for managing discomfort.

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Is There an Age Limit for MARPE Palatal Expansion in Greeley CO?

No. Unlike traditional expanders, MARPE can be used successfully in adults, even into their 40s and 50s. This technology bypasses the limitations caused by a fused suture, allowing expansion well beyond the typical adolescent growth window.

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Can MARPE Improve Breathing and Airway Function?

Yes. One of the most exciting benefits of MARPE is its positive effect on nasal airway function:

• Widening the maxilla lowers the nasal floor, increasing nasal volume.
• Airway resistance decreases, often improving nasal breathing.
• Studies have shown MARPE to be helpful for patients with obstructive sleep apnea or nasal obstruction by increasing the space in the nasal cavity.

(References: Zhao et al., 2010; Starnbach & Bayome, 2017; Celenk-Koca et al., 2018)