Serving Northern Utah from South Ogden, Farr West & Morgan
MARPE Palate Expansion in Utah
Non-surgical upper jaw expansion for teens and adults, planned and supervised by Dr. Fanelli at Albrechtsen & Fanelli Orthodontics.
WHAT IS MARPE
Widening the upper jaw at the bone, not just the teeth
MARPE stands for Mini-Implant Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion. A traditional expander pushes on the teeth. MARPE is anchored into the palate with small, temporary mini-implants, so the expansion force goes to the mid-palatal suture and widens the upper jaw itself.
MSE (Maxillary Skeletal Expander) is a type of MARPE that is often used for adults whose suture is more resistant.
Because the change happens in the bone, results tend to be more stable, and many adults can avoid jaw surgery.
WHO IT HELPS
Built for older teens and adults
After puberty, the suture in the middle of the palate starts to fuse, which is why traditional expanders work best in children.
MARPE was developed for patients past that point. You may be a candidate if you have:
A narrow upper jaw or high, vaulted palate
Crowded upper teeth with little room to align them
A crossbite or uneven bite
Mouth breathing or other airway concerns
Healthy gums and bone, with no significant periodontal disease
Dr. Fanelli confirms candidacy with digital scans and imaging at your consultation.
The process
What treatment looks like
1
Consultation & 3D imaging
Dr. Fanelli reviews your palate, bite and airway and recommends MARPE, MSE or slow expansion (MASPE).
2
PLACEMENT
The custom appliance is placed in one appointment.
3
Gradual expansion
You activate the appliance at home on a set schedule. Active expansion usually takes one to six months, followed by a stabilization period while new bone matures.
4
Alignment
Expansion leads into braces or clear aligners, and with MASPE it can often run alongside them.
Most patients feel mild pressure across the palate or nose for a few minutes after each activation.
Slow expansion option
Why Dr. Fanelli often favors a slower protocol
MASPE (Mini-Implant Assisted Slow Palatal Expansion) uses the same mini-implant anchorage with lighter forces over weeks or months. Compared with rapid expansion, it is typically more comfortable, encourages true bone expansion with less tooth tipping, and often avoids a large temporary gap between the front teeth.
For patients with denser bone, Dr. Fanelli may add piezo osteotomy, a minimally invasive ultrasonic technique that helps the suture separate more predictably.
side by side
MARPE compared with a traditional expander
Traditional Expander
AGE: Children and young teens
ANCHORAGE: Attaches to the teeth
RESULT: Mostly moves teeth
—
MARPE
AGE: Older teens and adults
ANCHORAGE: Attaches to the palate with mini-implants
RESULT: Changes the jaw bone
SURGERY: Can often remove the need for jaw surgery in adults with a narrow palate
BENEFITS
What patients gain
01
Upper jaw expansion without jaw surgery in many adult cases
02
Room for crowded teeth, which can reduce or avoid extractions
03
Easier nasal breathing, with possible relief from snoring or sleep apnea symptoms
04
Wider arches and better facial balance
05
Stable, lasting skeletal results
COST
MARPE cost in Utah
Palate expansion typically ranges from $4,500 to $6,500, in addition to comprehensive orthodontic treatment.
Your total depends on imaging, how much expansion you need, the appliance used and your insurance.
Albrechtsen & Fanelli Orthodontics offers transparent pricing and personalized payment plans.
Dr. Christopher Fanelli · Board-Certified Orthodontist
Why Albrechtsen & Fanelli
One of the few Utah practices offering MARPE, MSE and MASPE
Patients travel from across Northern Utah for skeletal expansion with Dr. Fanelli, including Ogden, North Ogden, Salt Lake City, Layton, Clearfield, Farmington, Kaysville, Brigham City, Bountiful, Huntsville and Eden.
Dr. Fanelli plans your expansion together with your braces or clear aligners for long-term stability and comfort.
Dr. Christopher Fanelli · Board-Certified Orthodontist
FAQ
Common questions about MARPE
Can MARPE help crowded teeth without extractions?
Often, yes. When crowding comes from a narrow jaw, expansion creates the space teeth need.
How many appointments does it take?
One appointment to place the appliance, then several short check-ins while it expands. Afterward you continue with braces, aligners or a retainer.
Does it hurt?
Most people feel mild pressure for a few minutes after each activation. Over-the-counter pain relief is rarely needed.
Am I too old for palate expansion?
MARPE was developed for older teens and adults, whose palates are too mature for traditional expanders. A consultation with imaging will confirm whether it fits you.
REQUEST APPOINTMENT
Find out if MARPE is right for you
Request a consultation with Dr. Fanelli. Our team will reach out to schedule your visit.
MARPE, MSE and MASPE palate expansion for teens and adults across Northern Utah.
South Ogden: 5677 S 1475 E STE 2A, South Ogden, UT 84403
Farr West: 2850 N 2000 W #205, Farr West, UT 84404
Morgan: 209 N State St A, Morgan, UT 84050
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