MARPE in Bacchus Marsh
A crossbite you've learned to live with. Teeth that feel crowded. A roof of the mouth that feels tight. MARPE (miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion) gently widens a narrow upper jaw in older teens and adults, using an expander held by tiny screws. It may avoid surgery in suitable patients, but it doesn't work for everyone. Results vary. We'll check whether it suits you first.
Who MARPE may suit.
MARPE may suit older teens and adults with a narrow upper jaw. If you live in Bacchus Marsh, Darley, Maddingley, Melton or Ballan, you can ask our team about it. A narrow upper jaw can show up as a crossbite (some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when you bite), crowded teeth, or a palate that feels cramped.
In children, the join in the roof of the mouth (the midpalatal suture) can usually still be parted with a standard expander. In adults, this join becomes more locked together. MARPE uses small screws to help with this. It may avoid surgery in suitable patients, but it doesn't work for everyone.
It isn't always the right answer. MARPE is usually less predictable as people get older. It may also be less suitable if the palate bone is thin or the join is very mature. Some people with more severe cases may need jaw surgery instead, and may be referred to a specialist orthodontist. Your dentist will talk this through with you.
MARPE is not a reason on its own to treat sleep problems. Sleep apnoea (pauses in breathing during sleep) must be diagnosed by a doctor. Some research suggests widening a narrow upper jaw may help in some cases, but results vary.
How MARPE usually runs
How MARPE works at Magical Smiles Bacchus Marsh.
Here is how MARPE usually runs. Your own plan may differ, and timelines vary.
Assessment
your dentist looks at your teeth, bite and jaw, and you will usually have photos and X-rays.
3D scan
a cone-beam CT scan may be used to check how thick the palate bone is and how mature the join in the roof of your mouth is. We then talk about whether MARPE is suitable for you and what the other options are.
Fitting
the expander is fitted to the roof of your mouth, held by a few tiny screws (mini-implants) and usually joined to some of your back teeth. Your dentist will explain how the area is made comfortable and who will place the screws. In some cases you may be referred to another clinician for this step.
Widening
a small screw in the middle of the expander is turned a little at a time, usually at home, to slowly widen the upper jaw. Your dentist will show you how and give you a schedule. Research reports this stage taking anywhere from about three weeks to a few months, depending on the person.
Check-ups
we review how the jaw is opening and check the appliance and your gums. A second scan may be used to see whether the join has opened.
After widening
the expander is usually kept in for a time so the new width can settle. Your dentist will explain what happens next, including whether braces or aligners are needed, at your assessment.
MARPE at our Bacchus Marsh clinic.
You can ask about MARPE at our Bacchus Marsh clinic, 83 Gisborne Road, Bacchus Marsh VIC 3340. We're open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm. Call us on 03 8001 7008 or book online at https://bacchusmarshdental.com.au/book-appointment/. Your dentist will check if MARPE suits you at your assessment.
Video
What it feels like.
Most people find MARPE mild to moderately sore, and it is designed to feel gentle and comfortable. In one study, soreness was highest in the first week and then eased. Discomfort after fitting usually settles within a couple of weeks.
Here is what you may notice:
- Soreness or pressure in the roof of the mouth, teeth or face, especially in the first week.
- Eating can be harder at first. Soft foods can help. Spicy food may sting.
- Your speech may sound a little different (for example a lisp) while your tongue gets used to the appliance. Taste can change too.
- The tongue can feel sore or rubbed. Warm salty water rinses can help.
- A gap may open between your two front teeth. This is a common sign that the jaw is widening.
Cleaning needs extra care. Food can catch around the appliance, and the gums can become red or swollen if it is not cleaned well. We will show you how to clean it.
Your dentist will talk with you about work or school and what suits your situation. Simple pain relief may help, and your dentist can advise you on this.
Risks and limitations.
All treatment carries risk. MARPE is no different. Results vary from person to person.
It may not work. The join in the roof of the mouth does not always open. This is more likely as people get older, if the palate bone is thin, or if the join is very mature. If it does not open, your dentist will talk through other options. This may include a referral to a specialist orthodontist for surgically assisted expansion.
Other things that can happen:
- Sore, red or swollen gums and mouth lining around the appliance, especially if cleaning is difficult.
- Tongue irritation and sore spots.
- Temporary changes to speech, taste and eating.
- A mini-implant (small screw) can loosen. Parts of the expander can bend or break and may need repair or replacement.
- The upper back teeth can tilt outwards, and the bone and gum around the teeth can be affected.
- The jaw can open unevenly.
- Some people notice ringing in the ears (tinnitus) on and off during widening.
- Rarely, a small part of the appliance can come loose and be swallowed.
- Teeth can drift back a little after treatment if the new width is not held. Further treatment such as braces may be needed.
MARPE does not make the face wider. Research on MARPE in adults is still growing, and many studies are small. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, please seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Your dentist will explain the risks that apply to you at your assessment. Please tell us straight away if something feels wrong or the appliance comes loose.
Cost.
The cost varies with each person's case. We'll talk it through with you at your assessment.
Who provides MARPE here.
MARPE is provided by our dentists. They use scans and a careful assessment to decide whether MARPE is suitable for you.
If your case is complex, or if surgery may be needed, you may be referred to a specialist orthodontist. If another clinician is needed for part of your care, we will tell you before treatment starts.
What people ask about MARPE.
Talk to us about MARPE.
Book an assessment at Bacchus Marsh and we'll talk you through whether MARPE suits you.
Sources and review
- Palatal Expanders Guide
- What is an MSE Expander and how does it work?
- Efficacy of Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE) in late adolescents and adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
- What is the Oral Health-related Quality of Life following Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE)? A prospective clinical cohort study
- Hidden Risks of Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE): A Retrospective Analysis of Treated Cases With Preventive Strategies
Reviewed by the Magical Smiles dental team on 5 November 2026.