The FME, or Facegenics Midface Expander, has generated significant interest among adults researching palatal expansion. This article explains what the FME is, how it differs from other expanders, who may be a candidate, and what treatment at ASURA involves.
What Is It?
The FME is a patented, proprietary bone-anchored expander developed by Facegenics. It works on broadly the same biomechanical principle as a custom MARPE: temporary anchorage devices (TADs) are placed into the palate to deliver expansion force directly through the bone, supporting skeletal maxillary expansion rather than simply tipping the teeth.
Why Does It Matter?
Patients often ask whether they specifically need the FME. The honest answer is that the appliance brand is far less important than whether the appliance suits your anatomy. The FME is one of several excellent options; a customised MARPE or an MSE may be equally or more appropriate depending on your CBCT.
Diagnosis & Assessment
As with all adult expansion, the FME is only considered after a CBCT assessment. The scan allows us to evaluate the suture, bone thickness and root position, and to decide whether the FME, a customised MARPE or an MSE is most appropriate for you.
Benefits
- Bone-anchored expansion can achieve genuine skeletal widening in adults.
- The FME is a well-engineered proprietary option where suitable.
- Non-surgical for most suitable adults.
Risks & Limitations
- The FME is not suitable for every anatomy; a customised MARPE may be preferable.
- Individual results vary and cannot be guaranteed.
- ASURA is one of several UK providers; we do not claim to be the only or first.
How FME differs from MSE
MSE is a well-known stock design with a fixed configuration. The FME is a newer proprietary design with its own features. Both are bone-anchored and both aim to achieve skeletal expansion. The difference is in the hardware design and how it is customised to the patient, not in the fundamental principle. You can read a full comparison in our FME vs MARPE vs MSE article.
Who is a candidate for FME?
Candidacy is determined by CBCT assessment of the mid-palatal suture, bone density and available intraoral space, not by the appliance name. The FME can be ordered on request if the treating clinician considers it clinically suitable, provided there is sufficient anatomical and intraoral space to accommodate the device safely.
What treatment at ASURA involves
Treatment begins with the Palate Expansion Diagnostic Package (£2,800, including CBCT with report). If the FME or another bone-anchored appliance is suitable, the expander phase is from £15,000 including 2–6 TADs. The active expansion phase is typically short, followed by a consolidation period and, where needed, alignment. See our adult palatal expansion page for the full process.
