Advantages of Combining MASPE with Clear Aligners

MASPE can be an effective solution to treat the root cause of airway issues, TMJ pain, mouth breathing, and bite dysfunction. By integrating MASPE and clear aligner therapy simultaneously, patients can expand their palate without unsightly gaps between their front teeth.

How we DON’T do MARPE expansion:

Traditionally, MARPE is done in two phases:

  • Phase 1: MARPE expansion
  • Phase 2: Braces or Invisalign to move teeth

We aren’t a fan of this approach for a couple of reasons:

  1. MARPE expansion is RAPID expansion. Patients report RAPID expansion can be uncomfortable and painful.
  2. It’s cosmetically undesirable. Who wants to walk around with a giant gap between their front teeth?
  3. It requires quite aggressive orthodontic movements after expansion to close the gap between the front teeth and move the other teeth around.

Dr. Adams’ SLOW expansion MASPE protocol with SPARK clear aligners:

SLOW expansion is better than RAPID expansion because:

You are more likely to:

  • Expand the palatal suture without surgical intervention.
  • Get symmetric expansion.
  • Get uniform palatal expansion.
  • Be more comfortable and experience less pain during expansion.

You are less likely to:

  • Cause deformation of the cranial bones during expansion.
  • Cause facial asymmetries.
  • Have complications such as loose tads, unwanted sutures opening, pain when expanding.

Example of custom MASPE appliance. Our custom BANDLESS designs anchor directly to the palate and not to the teeth.

Dr. Adams’ “screws first” protocol is done in 3 phases:

1) Design plan for TADs (mini-screws) and insert screws with laboratory made guides.

2) Rescan the mouth after TADs are inserted to have custom MASPE fabricated.

3) Insert custom MASPE

With this approach. We are able to fabricate a CUSTOM appliance that fits “lock and key” onto the TADs. With a lock and key fit, expansion can be precise without the waffling around of TADs that can occur with a “screws last” MARPE design.

marpe palate expander

What is MASPE?

MASPE stands for Mini-screw assisted SLOW palatal expansion. MASPE is a cutting-edge orthodontic technique specifically designed for children and adults who require a large amount of expansion of the upper jaw (palate). Unlike conventional palate expanders, the MASPE appliance uses mini-screws anchored directly into the palate instead of anchoring to teeth.

MASPE vs MARPE: Which is better?

MARPE stands for Mini-screw assisted RAPID palatal expansion. There are studies that show why SLOW palatal expansion is superior to RAPID palatal expansion. With SLOW expansion vs RAPID expansion, you are less likely to get deformation of cranial bones and more likely to expand the palatal suture WITHOUT surgical intervention (corticotomy).

Clear Aligners: Invisalign and SPARK

Unlike traditional braces which you can spot a mile a way, clear aligners allow patients to get the orthodontic treatment they need without the unsightly metal brackets. In our office we prefer SPARK because Dr. Adams feel the functionality of the SPARK system lends itself better to his MASPE expansion treatment. Also, patients report the material of the aligners themselves is more comfortable.

clear braces and marpe expander

Additional Health and Comfort Benefits

Combining MASPE and SPARK 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 often a more balanced, attractive appearance.
  • Improved Airway:
    • By increasing the size and shape of the upper jaw, MASPE expansion combined with Myofunctional Therapy can open and enhance the airway. This improvement often leads to better breathing, reduced snoring, and improved sleep quality.
  • Healthier, More Comfortable Bite:
    • Teeth in 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 (TMJ pain) and fewer headaches.

MASPE 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.

Ready to Experience Comprehensive Orthodontic Care?

Contact our office today to discover how the combined benefits of MASPE and SPARK clear aligners can help you.