What Is a Palatal Expander?
A palatal expander is an orthodontic appliance that gradually widens the upper jaw. It works by applying gentle, controlled pressure to the two halves of the palate, encouraging them to separate and allowing new bone to form in the space created.
Expanders are most commonly used in children and younger teens, when the palate is still growing and responds well to guided expansion. Treatment is typically completed within several months, followed by a retention period to allow the new bone to stabilize.
What Is MARPE?
MARPE stands for Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion. It is a more advanced form of palatal expansion designed for older teens and adults whose palate has already fused and no longer responds to a traditional expander.
MARPE uses small titanium miniscrews anchored in the bone of the palate to deliver expansion directly to the skeletal structure. This allows Dr. Kendrick to achieve meaningful jaw widening in patients who would not respond adequately to a conventional appliance.
MARPE is not needed for every patient. Dr. Kendrick carefully evaluates jaw structure, airway development, and skeletal maturity using 3D CBCT imaging before recommending treatment.
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How Palatal Expansion Works
Whether a traditional expander or MARPE is used, the goal is the same: to gradually widen the upper jaw and create more space. The process is slow and controlled, allowing the bone to respond and stabilize over time.
Patients typically activate the appliance at home using a small key, following the schedule provided by Dr. Kendrick. Regular appointments allow him to monitor progress and make adjustments as needed.
Who May Benefit From Palatal Expansion?
Expansion treatment may be recommended for patients with:
- A narrow upper palate
- Crossbite where the upper and lower teeth do not align properly
- Crowding caused by insufficient space for permanent teeth
- Breathing concerns related to restricted nasal airway
- Jaw development concerns affecting the bite
- Limited space that would otherwise require tooth extraction
Palatal Expanders for Children and Teens
Children and younger teens are the most common candidates for traditional palatal expansion. At this stage, the palate is still made up of two separate bones connected by a growth plate — making it responsive to gentle, guided widening.
Early expansion can create space for incoming permanent teeth, correct crossbite, and in some cases support easier nasal breathing. Dr. Kendrick recommends expansion only when it offers a clear and meaningful benefit for the child's development.
MARPE for Teens and Adults
In older teens and adults, the two halves of the palate have fused together. A traditional expander cannot move bone at this stage. MARPE addresses this by anchoring directly into the bone with small titanium miniscrews, allowing skeletal expansion to occur even after natural growth has stopped.
For appropriate candidates, MARPE can achieve results that were previously only possible through jaw surgery. It is not a replacement for surgery in every case, and not every patient qualifies. Dr. Kendrick evaluates suitability carefully and explains all options honestly before any treatment begins.
Dr. Kendrick's Approach to Expansion Treatment
Dr. Kendrick uses advanced 3D CBCT imaging to assess palate structure, bone density, and airway relationships before recommending any form of expansion. This level of diagnostic detail allows him to determine which approach is appropriate — and whether expansion is the right treatment at all.
His approach is conservative and patient-specific. Expansion is recommended when it will produce meaningful, lasting improvement. Dr. Kendrick explains the full plan, the expected timeline, and realistic outcomes at your consultation.
Orthodontic FAQs
Have questions about braces, Invisalign, TMJ/TMD, or your first visit? Here are a few common questions we hear from patients and parents.
Most patients experience mild pressure or discomfort after activations, which typically fades within a day or two. The process is gradual and well-tolerated by most children and adults.
Active expansion typically takes three to six months. A retention period follows, usually several more months, to allow the bone to stabilize before the appliance is removed.
Yes, with MARPE. Traditional expanders are not effective once the palate has fused, but MARPE allows skeletal expansion in older teens and adults who meet the clinical criteria.
In most cases, yes. Palatal expansion addresses jaw width and creates space, but braces or aligners are typically still needed to align the teeth. Dr. Kendrick outlines the full treatment plan from the start.
For some patients, MARPE can achieve meaningful results without surgery. It is not a universal alternative, and not every patient qualifies. Dr. Kendrick evaluates each case individually and is transparent about what MARPE can and cannot accomplish.
Coverage depends on your plan and the recommended treatment. Our team reviews your benefits at the consultation and explains all payment options, including no-interest monthly plans.
Schedule a free consultation at Kendrick Orthodontics in Kissimmee. Dr. Kendrick will evaluate your jaw structure using advanced imaging and give you a clear, honest recommendation.
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