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 or dentist. Dr. Silver does not provide the orthodontic component of treatment.

    As a past MARPE patient himself, Dr. Silver understands the journey palatal expansion is.

    • 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. All patients receive a piezo corticotomoy cut along the midline of the palate and between two upper front teeth (anterior nasal spine) to increase the chances of expansion.

    • 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: $10000-12000 CAD

    • FaceGenics FME: $20000 CAD

    What’s included
    ✔ 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.

    CBCT Imaging

  • 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 now offering the Facegenics Midface Expander (FME). This includes the FME Pro. Please contact us to schedule a consultation.

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MARPE Referral Form