Adult Expansion
A narrow upper jaw doesn’t stop mattering after growth.
Some adults have lived for years with a transverse discrepancy, posterior crossbite or upper jaw that is too narrow relative to the lower jaw.
Adult expansion can address these problems, but the biology is different from expansion in a growing child. That makes selecting the right expansion strategy especially important.
Why adult expansion is different
During childhood, the midpalatal suture and surrounding facial structures are still developing.
With skeletal maturity, resistance to expansion generally increases and conventional tooth-supported expansion becomes less predictable as a skeletal treatment.
That is why adult expansion may involve miniscrew-assisted expansion such as MARPE or, in selected patients, a surgically assisted approach.
MARPE for adults
Selected adults may be excellent candidates for MARPE.
By incorporating temporary skeletal anchorage in the palate, MARPE is designed to direct expansion forces more toward the maxilla than a conventional tooth-supported expander.
Candidacy is individualized. Skeletal maturity, palatal anatomy, periodontal health, the amount and pattern of transverse deficiency, and other clinical factors all matter.
When surgery may be part of the conversation
In some mature patients, the anatomy or treatment objective makes a surgically assisted expansion approach more appropriate.
If that is the case, orthodontic care is coordinated with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or other appropriate specialist.
The purpose is the same: achieve the transverse correction the patient needs using the approach that best fits the biology.
Start with the transverse diagnosis.
Dr. Martin will evaluate whether a meaningful transverse problem exists, how much correction is needed and which expansion pathway best fits the patient.
For adults who have been told their upper jaw is narrow or who have lived with a crossbite for years, maturity changes the options - it does not eliminate them.
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During childhood, the midpalatal suture and surrounding facial structures are still developing. With skeletal maturity, resistance to expansion generally increases and conventional tooth-supported expansion becomes less predictable as a skeletal treatment.
That is why adult expansion may involve miniscrew-assisted expansion such as MARPE or, in selected patients, a surgically assisted approach.
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Yes. Selected adults may be excellent candidates for MARPE.
By incorporating temporary skeletal anchorage in the palate, MARPE is designed to direct expansion forces more toward the maxilla than a conventional tooth-supported expander.
Candidacy is individualized. Skeletal maturity, palatal anatomy, periodontal health, the amount and pattern of transverse deficiency, and other clinical factors all matter.
-
In some mature patients, the anatomy or treatment objective makes a surgically assisted expansion approach more appropriate. If that is the case, orthodontic care is coordinated with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or other appropriate specialist.
The purpose is the same: achieve the transverse correction the patient needs using the approach that best fits the biology.
FAQ
Expansion treatments
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Palatal Expansion
Making room by addressing width
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![A stylized illustration outline indicating movement or adjustment to the left and right]()
MARPE
A more skeletal approach to expansion
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Early Evaluation
Benefiting from timely intervention
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![Stylized illustration outline of an upper palate with wavy lines.]()
Airway-Conscious
Addressing concerns with breathing
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Adult Expansion
Thoughtful expansion strategies for adults
