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 type of upper jaw expansion that may be suitable for older teens and adults when a traditional expander is unlikely to provide enough skeletal widening.
MARPE uses small titanium miniscrews placed in the palate to help direct expansion forces to the upper jaw. The goal is to address a narrow upper jaw and improve how the upper and lower teeth fit together.
MARPE is not right for everyone. Dr. Kendrick evaluates your bite, jaw structure, and stage of development, using 3D imaging when appropriate. He then explains whether MARPE, a traditional expander, or another treatment best fits your needs.
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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:
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
As the upper jaw matures, traditional expanders may become less effective. MARPE uses small titanium miniscrews to help apply expansion forces directly to the upper jaw, making it an option for some older teens and adults.
Dr. Kendrick carefully evaluates your jaw structure and individual needs to determine whether this approach is right for you. For suitable patients, MARPE may widen the upper jaw without surgery. However, it does not replace surgery in every case, and results vary. Drawing on more than 45 years of orthodontic experience, Dr. Kendrick explains your options, the expected benefits, and the limitations—so you understand the plan before treatment begins.
Experienced Care. A Plan Built Around You.
Choosing palatal expansion starts with choosing an orthodontist who understands your bite, your concerns, and your goals. Dr. James Kendrick is a board-certified orthodontist with more than 45 years of experience helping children, teens, and adults achieve healthier bites and confident smiles.
He combines that experience with detailed examinations and 3D imaging to evaluate whether a traditional expander, MARPE, or another approach may be appropriate. At your consultation, he explains your options, expected benefits, limitations, and next steps, so you can make an informed decision about your care.
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.
Treatment time varies depending on the type of expander, your jaw structure, and your individual treatment plan. After active expansion, the appliance usually remains in place for a retention period to help stabilize the result. Dr. Kendrick will explain the expected timeline, follow-up visits, and whether braces or aligners may be needed afterward.
Yes. Palatal expansion may be an option for adults, depending on their jaw structure and individual treatment needs. MARPE can help some patients achieve upper jaw expansion, while others may need a different approach, including surgically assisted treatment. Dr. Kendrick evaluates each case carefully and explains which options may be appropriate for you.
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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