Hearing that you or your child may need jaw surgery can feel overwhelming โ and trying to sort through the different types of expanders (RPE, MARPE, MSE) can be just as confusing.ย
At Matsumoto Orthodontics in Wilmington, NC, Dr. Matsumoto offers several types of palatal expanders designed for different ages and stages of development โ and the benefits of treatment have been life changing for many patients.
If youโre wondering whether an RPE, MARPE, or MSE is right for you or your child, weโre here to help you make sense of the options:
TL;DR: Your Quick Overview of Types of Palatal Expandersย
- RPE (Rapid Palatal Expander): For young children with growing bones. Helps guide jaw growth, fix crossbites, and create room for crowded teeth.
- MSE (Maxillary Skeletal Expander): For teens and young adults with developing bones. Uses miniscrews for powerful skeletal change and improved breathing โ often avoids surgery.
- MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expander): For adults and older teens with fused sutures. A fully customized, non-surgical way to widen the palate, improve bite function, and support airway health.
- Dr. Matsumoto is nationally recognized for using advanced expansion therapies to enhance not just smiles, but also breathing, sleep, and overall health.
- Book your consultation with Dr. Matsumoto at our Wilmington, NC orthodontic office!
First of all, what is a palatal expander?
A palatal expander is a small orthodontic/dental appliance designed to gently widen the upper jaw. By creating extra space where the two halves of the upper jaw (the maxilla) meet, an expander can make room for crowded teeth, improve the way the bite fits together, and support healthier, easier breathing.ย
Different expanders anchor in different ways: some are anchored to the teeth and others are anchored directly to the bone with miniscrews. The right type for you (between RPE, MSE, and MARPE) ultimately comes down to whether youโre a child, teen, or adult, and your developmental/growth stage.
Hereโs an overview of each expander, who itโs for, and what it can do:
RPE: Rapid Palatal Expander (for young children)
- Who itโs for: Young children whose bones are still growing.
- How it works: The rapid palatal expander (RPE) is a tooth-borne device anchored to molars. Turning the screw applies gentle pressure, separating the midpalatal suture and widening the arch.
- Benefits: Creates space for crowded teeth, guides jaw growth, and corrects crossbites early.
- Limitations: Once the bones fuse (typically mid-teens), an RPE is no longer effective for skeletal change.
Note: RPEs are most effective during early development, which is why Dr. Matsumoto emphasizes early orthodontic evaluations for children.
MSE: Maxillary Skeletal Expander (for teens & young adults)
- Who itโs for: Skeletally maturing patients โ typically teens and young adults (some as early as 11โ12).
- How it works: The MSE expander uses four miniscrews placed farther back in the palate, anchoring in denser bone to create strong, true skeletal expansion.
- Benefits: Promotes balanced facial growth, expands the airway, and can often help avoid jaw surgery.
- Why it matters: MSE bridges the gap between traditional child expanders and adult systems, offering a powerful, non-surgical way to achieve facial and functional harmony.
MARPE: Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (for adults)
- Who itโs for: Adults and older teens with fully fused sutures.
- How it works: The MARPE expander is a fully customized, advanced device anchored directly to bone with miniscrews (TADs) to achieve true skeletal widening.
- Benefits: Ideal for adults seeking non-surgical expansion. Improves airway function, bite alignment, and smile aesthetics.
- Why itโs advanced: MARPE is designed for skeletally mature patients who might otherwise require surgery โ offering a more comfortable, precise, and effective alternative to traditional expansion.
Signs You Might Need a Palatal Expander ย
Not sure if you or your child could benefit from palatal expansion? Here are some common signs that you could have a narrow jaw, based on your development stage:
Children (RPE candidates):
- Crowded baby or permanent teeth that donโt have enough room to come in
- Crossbite (upper teeth fitting inside lower teeth)
- Mouth breathing or snoring at night
- Narrow smile or a high, arched palate
- Thumb-sucking history that has affected jaw growth
Teens (possible MSE or MARPE candidates):
- Persistent crowding despite losing baby teeth
- Crossbite or asymmetrical bite that affects chewing
- Difficulty with nasal breathing or frequent mouth breathing
- Teeth shifting or overlapping due to lack of jaw space
Adults (possible MARPE or MSE candidates):
- Long-standing crowding or bite issues that braces or Invisalignยฎ alone could not fix
- Narrow arches causing airway concerns, snoring, or sleep apnea symptoms
- Jaw pain, uneven bite, or speech difficulties related to jaw structure
- Being told jaw surgery is necessary for correction โ but looking for non-surgical alternatives
If these signs sound familiar, your Wilmington orthodontist, Dr. Matsumoto, is here to evaluate whether a rapid palatal expander (RPE), miniscrew-assisted expansion (MARPE), or a maxillary skeletal expander (MSE) is right for you.
Which palate expander is right for you?
When determining the right treatment option to meet your goals, Dr. Matsumoto will perform a detailed orthodontic exam, and consider:
- Your age and whether the palatal suture has fused
- The severity of your jaw width discrepancy
- Your treatment goals (bite correction, airway health, aesthetics)
Every patientโs needs are unique, which is why Dr. Matsumoto uses advanced imaging and careful planning to recommend the right solution.
What about palate expander cost?
At Matsumoto Orthodontics & Periodontics, we believe in transparency and flexibility when it comes to the cost of orthodontic treatment. Whether your child needs RPE, your teen needs MARPE, or you need adult palate expansion, your costs will be clearly outlined before treatment begins โ with no hidden fees.
We accept most insurance plans and can help file your claims for you. You can also use your FSA or HSA funds to help cover the cost of treatment.
Our team is here to guide you every step of the way and ensure everything goes smoothly!
Why Choose Matsumoto Orthodontics & Periodonticsย
Dr. Matsumoto is nationally recognized for his expertise in using advanced expansion therapies โ including RPE, MSE, and MARPE โ to enhance not only the appearance of the smile, but also bite function, breathing, and sleep quality. His evidence-based approach helps children, teens, and adults achieve better long-term health and confidence through precise, individualized orthodontic care.
As an active member of multiple professional orthodontic associations, Dr. Matsumoto continually studies the latest research and treatment techniques, ensuring every patient benefits from modern, effective solutions.ย
When you choose Matsumoto Orthodontics & Periodontics, youโre choosing a doctor who combines experience, knowledge, and cutting-edge technology to determine the best treatment path for your needs โ and who takes the time to help you understand every option available.ย
Start with a consultation!ย
If youโve been told surgery is your only option, or youโre worried about crowding, bite issues, or breathing concerns, itโs time to explore your choices.
Schedule a consultation with our Wilmington orthodontic office to learn which type of palatal expander or other orthodontic treatment could improve your quality of life.ย
Weโre happy to answer any questions โ call us atย (910) 726-1000 or schedule online to get started!
