Palatal Expansion MARPE/FME
Minimally invasive maxillary expansion for orthodontics and airway improvement.
-
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
-
Orthodontic consultation with one of our partner orthodontists in your city
Surgical consultation & CBCT scan with Dr. Silver
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 assessmentsWhat’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 are hoping to offer FME in the near future, however the manufacturer has paused exports to Canada while they navigate regulatory guidelines.

