MARPE, which stands for Miniscrew‑Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion, is a technique used to widen a narrow upper jaw in teens and adults. Traditional expanders rely mainly on the natural growth of younger patients, but MARPE uses small, temporary miniscrews to gently apply force directly to the bone.

This approach can create more effective and stable expansion in patients who are past the ideal age for childhood expanders. Widening the upper jaw can improve crowding, help the upper and lower teeth fit together better, and enhance overall bite function.

In some cases, MARPE can also improve nasal airflow and make breathing more comfortable. The appliance is custom-designed for your mouth and activated according to a careful plan from Dr. Joshi. MARPE is usually combined with braces or clear aligners as part of a comprehensive treatment plan to improve both health and aesthetics for patients in Overland Park, Lenexa, Shawnee, Leawood, Olathe, De Soto, and the greater Kansas City area.