Understanding Our Treatment Options
What is a MARPE?
MARPE stands for Mini-implant Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion. This innovative appliance uses miniature implants anchored directly into the jawbone to expand the upper jaw rapidly and effectively. This approach is ideal for achieving optimal results in a shorter timeframe.
MARPE Case Studies
Please be advised that the images presented in this case study of patients who underwent MARPE treatment may be disturbing to some viewers. These images are provided for educational purposes only.
What is an MSE?
The MSE, or Maxillary Skeletal Expander, is another powerful tool for expanding the upper jaw. It is a specific type of MARPE that utilizes 4 or 6 mini-implants to create additional space in the palate, offering a highly effective treatment option for both adults and teens.
MSE Case Studies
Please be advised that the images presented in this case study of patients who underwent Maxillary Skeletal Expander treatment may be disturbing to some viewers. These images are provided for educational purposes only.
A Modern Approach to Facial Development: Beyond Traditional Orthotropics
While we acknowledge the basic principles behind traditional orthotropics, which focus on correcting facial growth and development imbalances, we believe that newer and more research-based procedures offer superior outcomes.
Piezotome Osteotomy for Predictable Palatal Expansion
A key advancement in Airway Orthodontics is piezotome osteotomy for teen MARPE palatal expansion. This minimally invasive surgical procedure uses ultrasonic vibrations to precisely cut through bone, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. It ensures a clean, controlled separation for more predictable and efficient expansion.
Here's How It Works:
- Local anesthesia is administered to ensure patient comfort.
- A small incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone.
- The piezotome handpiece is used to make precise cuts in the bone, creating a gap between the two halves of the maxilla.
- A MARPE or MSE is placed in the palate and gradually activated over time to widen it.
- The cut is approximately .25mm wide and will heal on its own without the need for sutures. The patient is given post-operative care instructions.
Piezotome osteotomy offers several advantages over traditional surgical techniques for palatal expansion:
- Minimally invasive: The procedure involves smaller incisions and less tissue manipulation, leading to faster healing and reduced discomfort.
- Precise: The ultrasonic vibrations allow for accurate and controlled cuts, minimizing the risk of damage to nerves and blood vessels.
- Predictable: Piezotome osteotomy creates a clean and stable separation in the bone, making the expansion process more predictable and efficient.
- Faster expansion: The controlled cuts and reduced tissue trauma enable faster activation of the expander appliance, leading to quicker results.
What is Traditional Orthotropics?
Traditional orthotropics often involve:
- Tongue thrusting exercises:These exercises aim to correct improper tongue posture, which can contribute to narrow palates and underdeveloped jaws.
- Myofunctional therapy:This therapy focuses on correcting oral habits such as mouth breathing and thumb sucking, which can also impact facial development.
- Facial masks:These masks are worn to apply pressure to the facial bones, guiding them into a more desired position.
- Removable Expanders: Removable expanders offer the advantage of being easily removed for cleaning and eating, enhancing hygiene and comfort.
This convenience comes at a cost: limited effectiveness in achieving true skeletal changes. Removable expanders lack the sustained force necessary for bone remodeling, often resulting in less predictable and potentially less stable outcomes compared to modern alternatives.
While traditional orthotropics have contributed to facial development, modern techniques offer significant advantages in effectiveness, predictability, and patient experience. Advanced methods like MARPE, MSE, and protraction facemasks help us achieve optimal results, providing patients with a healthier, more balanced, and aesthetically pleasing smile.
FAQs
What is MSE/MARPE?
How does MSE/MARPE work?
These appliances are anchored to the maxilla via temporary mini-implants and use gentle, controlled force to gradually widen the maxilla.
Who is a good candidate for MSE/MARPE?
MSE/MARPE can benefit individuals with sleep apnea, snoring, narrow palates, crowded teeth, facial imbalances, and certain breathing difficulties.
What are the benefits of MSE/MARPE?
What are the risks of MSE/MARPE?
Minor discomfort, temporary speech changes, gum irritation, asymmetric expansion or failure to expand.
How long does MSE/MARPE treatment last?
Treatment time varies depending on individual needs, typically around 6 months.
What is the difference between MSE and MARPE?
MSE is a specific type of MARPE designed to achieve rapid expansion using prefabricated components, offering a streamlined solution for suitable candidates. However, for others, customized MARPE appliances, fabricated to individual needs, may be necessary to optimize treatment outcomes.
Does MSE/MARPE hurt?
Patients may experience discomfort for 6-36 hours after placement and minor discomfort during activation, but adjustments are made to ensure comfort.
Can MSE/MARPE be used with other orthodontic treatments?
Yes, MSE/MARPE is typically combined with braces or Invisalign for comprehensive treatment.
How much does MSE/MARPE cost?
The cost varies based on individual treatment needs and insurance coverage, but in general, it adds about 30% to your orthodontic treatment fee. The MSE/MARPE therapy is a less invasive treatment plan with results comparable to those received from jaw surgery but at a fraction of standard surgical fees, healing time, and discomfort. The combination of convenience, investment, and positive results is why it is a preferred option within our practice.
Our team will be transparent about your investment costs once your treatment plan has been confirmed by our expert orthodontists. We offer multiple payment options along with in-house 0% financing options so you can affordably budget the treatment you need.
Actual patient treated by Hamilton & Manuele Orthodontics
Schedule Your Appointment
Let Dr. Hamilton and Dr. Manuele determine if this early treatment option is right for your child. Call or text 702-243-3300, or click the button below to schedule an appointment for your child today.
