Advanced MARPE Treatment Expands Non-Surgical Orthodontic Options in Utah

Albrechtsen & Fanelli Orthodontics has added Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE) to its advanced orthodontic treatments, making this progressive palate expansion solution available to patients across Utah. This cutting-edge approach enables qualified teen and adult patients to achieve effective palatal expansion, often without requiring jaw surgery, which supports healthier bites, improved airway function, and long-term oral health. Traditionally, palatal expansion has been most effective in younger children with developing jawbones, while older teens and adults have faced limited options, often involving more invasive surgical procedures. MARPE changes this paradigm by combining orthodontics with minimally invasive skeletal anchorage, allowing expansion of the upper jaw even after growth has slowed or stopped.

MARPE represents a major advancement in orthodontic care, according to the doctors at Albrechtsen & Fanelli Orthodontics. By offering this treatment in Utah, patients gain access to a highly effective, evidence-based solution that can address complex orthodontic and airway concerns while reducing the need for surgical intervention. MARPE stands for Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion, differing from traditional expanders that rely solely on teeth for support. Instead, it uses small, temporary anchorage devices called miniscrews placed into the bone of the upper jaw. These miniscrews provide additional stability and force distribution, allowing the expander to work directly on the skeletal structure rather than the teeth alone. This approach can lead to more predictable and efficient expansion, reduced dental side effects, and improved outcomes for patients who may not be candidates for conventional expanders.

MARPE is commonly recommended for older adolescents and adults with a narrow upper jaw or palate, a condition that can contribute to crowded or misaligned teeth, crossbites, bite imbalance, mouth breathing, and airway and breathing concerns, including those related to sleep-disordered breathing. By widening the upper jaw, MARPE can create space for proper tooth alignment, improve bite function, and support better nasal airflow, all of which can positively impact overall health and quality of life. One of the most significant benefits of MARPE is its potential to reduce or eliminate the need for surgical palatal expansion in certain cases. While not every patient is a candidate, many adults who previously would have required orthognathic surgery may now have a less invasive option available. At Albrechtsen & Fanelli Orthodontics, the goal is to recommend the most appropriate and conservative treatment possible, with MARPE allowing the practice to expand what is possible for patients while prioritizing comfort, safety, and long-term stability.

As a leading orthodontic practice in Utah, Albrechtsen & Fanelli Orthodontics combines advanced technology with personalized, patient-centered care. Every MARPE case begins with a comprehensive consultation, including digital imaging and detailed analysis, to determine whether the treatment is appropriate for the patient's unique anatomy and goals. The practice emphasizes education and transparency, ensuring patients and families understand how MARPE works, what to expect during treatment, and how it fits into a broader orthodontic plan that may include braces or clear aligners. By offering MARPE, Albrechtsen & Fanelli Orthodontics continues its commitment to bringing state-of-the-art orthodontic solutions to the Utah community, reflecting an ongoing investment in innovation, continuing education, and evidence-based care. Patients interested in learning more about MARPE or exploring whether they may be candidates can find additional information at https://ogdenorthodontist.com.