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Tag: MARPE

A Comprehensive Approach to Underdeveloped Jaws, Clenching, and Facial Asymmetry

Posted on by Dr Adams

Using MARPE + Invisalign on the Upper Jaw and a Homeoblock with Bite Plane on the Lower Jaw

For patients with small upper and lower jaws, the symptoms are often more than just crooked and crowded teeth. They may experience chronic clenching or grinding, TMJ discomfort, neck and trap tension, headaches, and facial asymmetry—along with breathing or sleep-related issues. In these more complex cases multiple airway orthodontic appliances may be necessary. In this article we discuss a protocol involving treatments using MARPE, Invisalign and Homeoblock appliances at the same time.

At our practice, we’ve developed a multi-faceted treatment protocol that targets the root of these problems by addressing skeletal development, neuromuscular function, and airway health all at once. This protocol combines:

Here’s how this powerful combination works.

Upper Jaw: MARPE + Invisalign (Simultaneously)

The combination of MARPE and Invisalign clear aligners is very powerful for people who need large amounts of palatal expansion and cranial-facial growth. We use MARPE for controlled skeletal expansion of the upper jaw. Unlike traditional rapid methods, we implement a slow, biologically guided expansion (MASPE), which allows the craniofacial structures to adapt more harmoniously.

At the same time, Invisalign aligners are used to:

Benefits of Clear Aligners with Palatal Expansion

  • Begin aligning the teeth during expansion
  • Minimize visible gaps like midline diastema
  • Help control tooth positioning as the palate grows
  • Expands the nasal cavity to improve breathing
  • Creates proper space for the tongue
  • Begins correcting the bite early in treatment, reducing total time

Lower Jaw: Homeoblock with a Neutral Bite Plane

Patients with clenching, facial asymmetry, or chronic muscle tension benefit tremendously from the Homeoblock appliance, especially when equipped with a customized bite plane. This bite plane is more than just a protective surface, it’s designed to establish a neutral bite position.

What Is a Neutral Bite Position?

A neutral position is a structural alignment where the muscles of the jaw, face, neck, and shoulders come to rest. When the bite plane is properly calibrated, it allows the jaws to close in this neutral position, which:

  • Unloads chronically overworked muscles of the jaw, head, neck, and traps
  • Reduces muscle tension and postural strain
  • Helps alleviate TMJ pain, neck tightness, and clenching-induced headaches
  • Provides a stable muscular foundation for functional bone remodeling

How It Guides Bone Growth

Because the neutral bite position stabilizes the jaw, it creates the optimal environment for the Homeoblock’s epigenetic stimulation to work effectively. The appliance gently encourages:

  • Lower jaw expansion, particularly beneficial when the lower arch is narrow
  • Improved jaw symmetry, as the muscles stop pulling unevenly on bony structures
  • Better facial balance, as growth patterns become more physiologically aligned

This makes the Homeoblock with a neutral bite plane critical for patients with facial asymmetries, chronic bruxism, and head/neck tension—not just for protecting the teeth but for driving cranial growth in the right direction.

Who Needs the Neutral Bite Plane?

Not every patient needs this level of intervention. Patients with airway problems, mouth breathing, or sleep-disordered breathing may benefit more from upper expansion and tongue space correction alone.

But for those who also suffer from:

  • Chronic clenching or grinding
  • Facial or jaw asymmetry
  • Neck, jaw, or shoulder tension
  • Postural dysfunction

The addition of a lower jaw expander with a neutral bite plane is essential for people who clench their teeth and have jaw and neck tension and headaches.

Why MARPE + Invisalign + Homeoblock Is So Effective

By addressing both skeletal structure and neuromuscular balance, this protocol:

  • Accelerates treatment by correcting jaw size and tooth alignment simultaneously
  • Relaxes and protects muscles and joints from overload during treatment
  • Enhances facial harmony through guided bone remodeling
  • Improves sleep and breathing by enlarging tongue space and thereby decreasing airway resistance and airway obstruction
  • Reduces the chance of relapse by creating a structurally and functionally stable bite

Summary: Function Meets Form

This combined protocol reflects the philosophy of airway-centered, craniofacial orthopedics: it’s not just about straight teeth, but about restoring harmony to the structure, function, and neurology of the face and jaws.

MASPE vs MARPE Palatal Expanders: What’s the Difference?

Posted on by Dr Adams

MARPE is a well known Palatal Expander for Adults and Teenagers

If you’re exploring airway orthodontic treatments such as adult palatal expanders, you’ve likely come across the term MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion). While MARPE is widely recognized, fewer patients are familiar with a safer, gentler alternative called MASPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Slow Palatal Expansion). This post compares MASPE to MARPE expanders. At TMJ Sleep and Breathe Center, we’re dedicated to educating our patients about the differences between these techniques and helping you select the best option for your orthodontic and airway needs.

 

MASPE compared to MARPE

 

What is MARPE?

MARPE is a well-known orthodontic treatment designed to widen the upper jaw using an appliance anchored to mini-implants. The expansion typically happens rapidly—often within a matter of days or weeks. While effective, rapid expansion can cause significant pressure on cranial bones, potentially leading to discomfort, headaches, jaw tension, and unwanted dental movement such as tipping or spacing between teeth.

Introducing MASPE: A Gentler Approach

MASPE, or Miniscrew-Assisted Slow Palatal Expansion, provides a more comfortable, biologically respectful alternative to MARPE. Rather than quick, forceful adjustments, MASPE employs gradual and gentle activation of the expansion device, spreading the process over weeks to months. This slow, controlled approach ensures minimal stress on your cranial structure and significantly reduces unwanted side effects.

Benefits of MASPE:

  • Reduced Cranial Stress: Slow expansion significantly minimizes pressure on the bones of the skull, reducing risks of headaches, TMJ issues, and cranial imbalances.
  • Enhanced Comfort: Patients typically experience significantly less discomfort compared to rapid protocols.
  • Fewer Dental Side Effects: Gentle expansion dramatically reduces undesirable tooth tipping and spacing issues.
  • Greater Stability: Slower expansion means better bone remodeling, resulting in less relapse and improved long-term outcomes.
  • Improved Airway Function: Gradual expansion enhances airway space predictably, benefiting patients suffering from sleep apnea or chronic mouth breathing.

Comparing MASPE and MARPE: Quick Reference

Aspect MASPE (Slow) MARPE (Rapid)
Speed Gradual (weeks/months) Fast (days/weeks)
Patient Comfort High Potentially Low
Cranial Pressure Minimal High
Dental Movement Controlled, minimal tipping Higher risk of tipping
Treatment Stability High Moderate

The Combined MASPE and Clear Braces Protocol

At TMJ Sleep and Breathe Center, we’ve developed an innovative treatment protocol combining MASPE with clear braces (such as Invisalign). This combined approach offers two key benefits:

  1. Avoiding Unsightly Gaps: One common concern with traditional MARPE treatment is the temporary gap that often develops between the front teeth. By integrating MASPE with clear braces, teeth are gently guided into their optimal positions simultaneously with palatal expansion. This method ensures that patients avoid noticeable gaps, enjoying both aesthetic and functional improvements from the very start.
  2. Reduced Overall Treatment Time: By concurrently expanding the palate and straightening the teeth, this combined approach cuts down the total duration of orthodontic treatment. Patients can achieve their desired results faster and with greater comfort compared to traditional methods.

Learn more about our combined MASPE and clear braces protocol here.

Is MASPE Right for You?

MASPE is ideal for patients who:

  • Are sensitive to cranial or jaw discomfort
  • Have TMJ disorders or chronic headaches
  • Prefer a gentler, holistic approach to orthodontics
  • Want stable, long-lasting results with fewer complications
  • Require airway improvements for better breathing and sleep

Why Choose TMJ Sleep and Breathe Center?

Our practice specializes in holistic, airway-focused orthodontics. We prioritize patient comfort, safety, and long-term health outcomes. With extensive expertise in MASPE and combined clear brace protocols, we ensure your treatment is personalized, gentle, and effective.

Ready to explore whether MASPE is right for you or your child? Contact us today at TMJ Sleep and Breathe Center for a personalized consultation.

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