MARPE Expanders and Clear Braces at the same time
Faster, Equally Effective, and Aesthetic Orthodontic Care. Palatal expansion without the space between the front teeth (diastema)
There is an advanced orthodontic approach that combines MARPE Expansion with clear aligners such as Invisalign or Spark. This integrated treatment method not only shortens overall orthodontic treatment time but also significantly enhances comfort, health, and aesthetics throughout the entire orthodontic process. Long story short, this treatment protocol expands the jaws and straightens the teeth at the same time. Yes, doctors can sometimes walk and chew gum at the same time.
What is MARPE?
MARPE is a cutting-edge orthodontic technique specifically designed for adults who require expansion of the upper jaw (palate). Unlike conventional palate expanders, the MARPE appliance directly utilizes micro-implants anchored into the palatal bone, achieving genuine skeletal expansion rather than merely tipping teeth outward.
Clear Aligners: Invisalign and Spark
Clear aligners gently and discreetly guide teeth into ideal alignment without the inconvenience and visibility associated with traditional braces. Aligners like Invisalign and Spark provide a comfortable, nearly invisible method to correct dental misalignments precisely and efficiently.
Advantages of Combining MARPE with Clear Aligners
By integrating MARPE and clear aligner therapy simultaneously, patients experience two significant advantages:
- Dramatically Shortened Treatment Time:
- Traditionally, palatal expansion and subsequent tooth alignment are completed in separate phases. Typically, a MARPE treatment alone takes around 6–8 months, followed by an additional 6–12 months of aligner therapy. When combined simultaneously, total treatment time is drastically reduced, often cutting a 1.5–2-year treatment plan down to just 6–12 months. Teeth move concurrently with jaw expansion, providing rapid, efficient results.
- Avoidance of Unsightly Gaps (Diastema):
- A common aesthetic concern with traditional MARPE treatment is the temporary gap that forms between the front teeth, known as a diastema. However, when MARPE is paired with clear aligners, the teeth are continuously repositioned as the palate expands, preventing this gap from forming or becoming noticeable. Patients can maintain confidence in their smiles throughout treatment.
Additional Health and Comfort Benefits
Combining MARPE and clear aligners delivers more than just aesthetic improvements:
- Enhanced Jaw Size and Shape:
- Expanding the palate increases jaw size and reshapes dental arches, creating more space for teeth alignment. This results in improved oral function, better facial harmony, and a more balanced, attractive appearance.
- Improved Airway:
- By increasing the size and shape of the upper jaw, MARPE expansion significantly opens and enhances the airway. This improvement often leads to better breathing, reduced snoring, and potentially improved sleep quality.
- Healthier, More Comfortable Bite:
- Moving teeth into a proper bite alignment reduces abnormal wear patterns, lessens teeth clenching, and can notably reduce symptoms associated with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD). Patients frequently report reduced jaw pain, headaches, and overall enhanced comfort following successful bite correction.
MARPE vs. Traditional Orthodontics and Surgical Options
Standalone orthodontic treatments or surgical interventions such as SARPE, MMA, or DOME typically require longer recovery periods, carry higher risks, and may not simultaneously address dental aesthetics. In contrast, combining MARPE with clear aligners offers:
- Minimally invasive procedures
- Faster, combined skeletal and dental corrections
- Predictable and highly aesthetic outcomes
- Enhanced patient comfort and reduced treatment complexity
Proven Results and Patient Satisfaction
Patients consistently achieve outstanding, predictable results, experiencing broader smiles, improved facial structure, enhanced airway function, and a comfortable bite—all in significantly less time and without uncomfortable aesthetic compromises.
Ready to Experience Comprehensive Orthodontic Care?
Contact our office today to discover how the combined benefits of MARPE and clear aligners can efficiently transform your smile and enhance your overall oral health and well-being.