The placement of the miniscrews is done under local anaesthetic and is generally painless. During the expansion phase, patients typically feel a sensation of pressure in the face or between the eyes, but severe pain is rare.

MARPE vs SARPE | ASURA Dental

Quick Summary

What You Need To Know

MARPE is a non-surgical (or minimally invasive) palatal expansion technique using miniscrews, while SARPE requires major jaw surgery. MARPE is often preferred when possible due to lower risks and faster recovery.

Key Takeaways

MARPE uses bone-anchored miniscrews to expand the palate without major surgery.
SARPE involves surgically cutting the jawbone to allow for expansion.
MARPE has a faster recovery time and fewer surgical risks.
SARPE may still be required for older adults with heavily fused sutures.

Who Is This For?

Adults with a narrow upper jaw (maxillary transverse deficiency) exploring expansion options.

Typical Outcome

A wider upper jaw, improved nasal breathing, and space for proper dental alignment, achieved through the least invasive method suitable for the patient's anatomy.

For adults with a narrow upper jaw, palatal expansion can dramatically improve both dental function and airway health. Because the palatal suture fuses in adulthood, traditional tooth-borne expanders used in children are ineffective. Instead, adults typically choose between MARPE and SARPE.

What Is It?

MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) uses 4 to 6 temporary titanium miniscrews placed in the roof of the mouth to anchor the expander directly to the bone. SARPE (Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) involves an oral surgeon making cuts in the jawbone to separate the palate before an expander is used.

Why Does It Matter?

Choosing between a minimally invasive clinical procedure (MARPE) and a major surgery (SARPE) is a significant decision. Understanding the differences helps patients make informed choices about their care and recovery.

Diagnosis & Assessment

We use CBCT 3D imaging to assess the density of the midpalatal suture and the surrounding bone to determine if MARPE is likely to be successful.

Benefits

MARPE: No hospital stay, lower cost, faster recovery, less risk of nerve damage.
SARPE: Guaranteed separation of the maxilla, effective even in older patients with dense bone.

MARPE: The Minimally Invasive Approach

MARPE is performed in the dental chair under local anaesthetic. The miniscrews distribute the expansion force directly to the bone, splitting the suture without the need for surgical cuts. Recovery is typically fast, with mild discomfort lasting only a few days.

SARPE: The Surgical Approach

SARPE is performed in a hospital under general anaesthetic. The surgeon surgically releases the maxilla (upper jaw) from its surrounding bones. Recovery takes several weeks and involves significant swelling and dietary restrictions.

Which is better?

At ASURA, we prefer MARPE whenever clinically possible because it avoids the risks, costs, and downtime of major surgery. However, in patients with exceptionally thick or fused bone (often older adults), the suture may not open with MARPE alone, making SARPE necessary.

MARPE vs SARPE: Which Expansion is Right for You?