Orthodontics

Solutions for Crowded Teeth and Crossbites

While braces usually work fine in most cases of maloclusion or dental crowding, sometimes the jaw is just too small for the teeth. We may recommend widening the jaw to make more room for teeth and fix a misaligned bite.

MARPE/MSE

Widening the jaw is a simple process that takes several months through the process of MSE (maxilloskeletal expansion) or MARPE (mini-implant assisted rapid palatal expansion). If your child needs MARPE or MSE treatment, they will receive it before getting braces. 

The MARPE device fits snuggly against the roof of the patient’s mouth. It’s held in place by mini dental implants that attach to the upper jawbone. Over several months the device will widen the patient’s pallet making more room for teeth, helping the teeth come together correctly, and opening the airway.