Adult MARPE
in Auckland
MARPE - miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion - widens a narrow upper jaw in adults, often without the surgery that used to be the only option. At Auckland City Orthodontics, it’s planned and delivered by one of our Specialist Orthodontists. The first step is an initial consultation, either in practice or starting with a virtual consultation.
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What is
MARPE?
In children, a narrow upper jaw can be widened gently because the palate is still in two halves - our palatal expanders page explains how. In adults the palate has usually fused, so widening it used to mean surgery.
MARPE changes that. Small temporary miniscrews anchor the expander directly to the bone, so it can create genuine skeletal expansion - achieving in suitable adults what an expander does in a growing child, and avoiding surgery in the right cases. It’s an advanced technique, and one we plan carefully for every patient.
Why might
I need it?
MARPE isn’t for everyone, but where the upper jaw is narrow it can make a real difference. Your Specialist Orthodontist might consider it to:
- Correct a crossbite, where the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth
- Create space for crowded teeth
- Broaden a narrow smile and improve how the bite fits together
- Support nasal breathing in some cases
- Avoid, or reduce the extent of, surgical expansion
It’s usually one part of a wider plan, combined with braces or clear aligners to move the teeth into place.
What to expect
MARPE sits at the more advanced end of orthodontics, so it’s reassuring to know it’s planned and delivered by a Specialist Orthodontist. Dr Marco Gerlach’s training includes complex and surgical cases, so you’re in experienced hands.
Here’s roughly how treatment goes, though every plan is tailored to you.
Fitting
The expander is attached to the upper teeth and anchored with small miniscrews, placed under local anaesthetic so the process is comfortable.
Activating
You turn a small key a tiny amount each day, following the schedule we set. We show you exactly how, and we’re always at the end of the phone.
Settling & holding
Once the width is right, the expander stays in for several months while new bone forms, before we move on to aligning your teeth.
Adult MARPE FAQs
MARPE stands for miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion. It widens a narrow upper jaw in adults using small temporary miniscrews that anchor the expander to the bone, so it can create genuine skeletal expansion - achieving in suitable adults what a palatal expander does in a growing child, and often avoiding surgery.
In suitable cases, yes. Because the adult palate has usually fused, expansion used to mean surgery. By anchoring to the bone with miniscrews, MARPE can achieve skeletal expansion without a surgical procedure for many adults - though not everyone is a candidate, which is why a careful assessment comes first.
The miniscrews are placed with local anaesthetic, so fitting is comfortable. As the expander is activated you’ll feel pressure around the nose and upper teeth for a short time after each turn, which settles quickly. Most people manage with soft foods for the first few days.
It varies. The active widening usually takes a few weeks, and the expander is then held in place for several months while new bone forms and stabilises. Your Specialist Orthodontist will give you a timeframe after assessing you.
Neither is universally better - it depends on how much expansion you need and your individual anatomy. For suitable adults MARPE can avoid surgery, but in some cases a surgical approach is the more predictable option. Your orthodontist will talk you through what’s right for you.
Usually yes. MARPE creates the width; braces or clear aligners then move the teeth into their final position. Expansion is generally one part of a wider treatment plan, which your orthodontist will map out with you.
Book a Consultation
Wondering if MARPE
could work for you?
Book a free consultation and one of our Specialist Orthodontists will assess your upper jaw and bite, and explain whether MARPE, surgical expansion or another approach makes the most sense for you. You can start in person at any of our four Auckland clinics or with a free virtual consultation.
BOOK A CONSULTATION*Terms and conditions apply. Some consultations - including some for children under 12, referrals, transfers and second opinions - attract a $250 fee.