Palatal Expansion MARPE/FME

MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) is a technique used to widen the upper jaw using a palatal expander anchored with miniscrews.
It allows for skeletal expansion without the need for traditional surgical osteotomies in many cases.

MARPE can improve:

• Bite alignment

• Maxillary width

• Nasal airflow

• Smile width

• Orthodontic outcomes in adults

This procedure is done in collaboration with your orthodontist.

• Narrow upper jaw

• Crossbites

• Crowding

• Facial/smile asymmetry

• Airway insufficiency / poor nasal breathing

• Orthodontic relapse

• Adults requiring skeletal expansion prior to braces/aligners

• Consultation & CBCT scan
  Digital analysis of your palate, bone thickness, and expansion requirements.

• Custom MARPE appliance fabrication

• Surgical placement of miniscrews and attachment of the MARPE device
  Palatal miniscrews placed in a minimally invasive manner. Can be performed under IV sedation for comfort.

• Activation phase
  Expansion is guided by your orthodontist.

• Stabilization phase
  Appliance remains in place for bone consolidation for 6-8 months after the activation phase

Pricing

• Custom MARPE: Approximately $10,000 CAD

• FaceGenics FME: Approximately $20,000 CAD

What’s included

✔ Full CBCT planning
✔ Custom appliance coordination
✔ Surgical miniscrew placement
✔ IV sedation for the procedure
✔ Follow-up surgical assessments

What’s NOT included

⚠ Orthodontic alignment (braces or clear aligners)
This is completed separately with your orthodontist.

Ideal Candidates

• Adults or late teens

• Narrow upper jaw

• History of crossbite or orthodontic relapse

• Airway/breathing concerns

• Patients who cannot achieve expansion with clear aligners alone

Not Ideal

• Active gum disease

• Medical conditions affecting bone metabolism
  (Determined during consultation.)

How long does the procedure take?
Typically 60–90 minutes including sedation.

Does it hurt?
With IV sedation, most patients remember very little.
Mild pressure/tightness is normal for 1–3 days.

How long do the miniscrews stay in?
Usually 6-8 months until expansion stabilizes.

Can clear aligners be used afterwards?
Yes — Invisalign or braces are performed by your orthodontist after expansion.

We offer multiple MARPE systems, including the FaceGenics Midface Expander (FME).