If you’ve been told that you need jaw surgery to correct a narrow upper jaw, we have good news… you may have non-surgical options at Matsumoto Orthodontics & Periodontics.
Dr. Matsumoto provides advanced techniques in palatal expansion for adults and teens, using two powerful tools: MARPE and the MSE expander.
But what’s the difference between these two? And how do you know which is right for you?
Let’s take a closer look at MARPE vs MSE, how they work, and how Dr. Matsumoto helps adult patients widen their upper jaw, improve facial harmony and breathe easier — without surgery.
Understanding Palatal Expansion in Adults and Teens
Palatal expansion is a treatment that expands the palate (creates more space in the upper jaw.) While traditional palate expanders work well in children whose jaws and bones are still developing, palatal expanders are not effective for older teens or adults because the bones have already fused.
That’s where advanced techniques, like MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) and MSE (Maxillary Skeletal Expander), come in.
These devices go beyond tooth movement — they actually create skeletal expansion by applying direct force to the mid-palatal suture (the seam in the roof of your mouth where the two halves of your upper jaw meet.) This expansion can be life-changing for patients who have severe crowding, bite issues, or airway concerns.
What is an MSE Expander?
The MSE (Maxillary Skeletal Expander) is a non-surgical palatal expansion device designed for teens and adults who need mild to moderate skeletal correction. It uses miniscrews (TADs) anchored into the palate to apply gradual pressure across the upper jaw.
MSE is typically used for patients who:
- Have mild to moderate skeletal discrepancies
- Need non-surgical jaw widening
- Are still in the later stages of jaw development (older teens and young adults)
It’s an excellent option for those who don’t require as much force or complexity as MARPE and offers an effective way to improve alignment and airway health.
Benefits of the MSE expander include improved airway function, better bite alignment, and more space for crowded teeth — all without the need for jaw surgery.
What is MARPE?
MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) is a highly-customized and most advanced expander designed for adults and teens with very narrow upper jaws or require significant skeletal expansion.
Because MARPE uses a more robust jackscrew and is highly customized to each patient’s anatomy, it is typically used in cases where MSE may not provide enough expansion or stability.
Dr. Matsumoto often recommends MARPE for:
- Adults with fully fused palatal sutures
- Cases requiring greater skeletal movement
- Patients with complex jaw structures
With MARPE, patients can often avoid jaw surgery while achieving dramatic improvements in facial harmony and airway function.
Which One Is Right for You?
Both MSE and MARPE are excellent tools for non-surgical jaw expansion, but the right choice depends on:
- Your age and stage of jaw development
- The severity of your skeletal discrepancy
- Your treatment goals
No matter which treatment you need, you’ll be in expert hands with your nationally-recognized doctor, Dr. Matsumoto. During your consultation, he’ll use advanced imaging to evaluate your bite, airway, and jaw structure. Based on your needs, he’ll recommend the best solution for long-term results.
What about cost?
If you’re wondering how an MSE expander cost compares to the cost of MARPE, the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Both treatments are highly customized and your treatment will be 100% personalized to your needs, which means your orthodontics cost varies depending on the complexity of your case.
At Matsumoto Orthodontics & Periodontics, we provide a transparent, personalized treatment plan during your consultation — and we offer flexible payment options to help make your care affordable.
Once we calculate your total treatment cost on your first visit, we’ll walk you through our flexible financing plans, including in-house plans and LendingPoint financing, and develop a customized plan with a down payment and monthly payments that meet your needs.
*Please note: While the majority of our consultations are free, charges may apply in select complex surgical or complicated cases such as these.
Why choose Dr. Matsumoto?
Whether you’re exploring palate expanders for adults, non-surgical options like MARPE, or more advanced approaches like the MSE expander, you’ll be in expert hands with Dr. Matsumoto.
Dr. Matsumoto is board-certified, dual-specialized in orthodontics and periodontics, and nationally recognized for his expertise in jaw expansion techniques.
Every treatment plan begins with advanced 3D imaging, a thorough evaluation of your bite and airway, and a conversation about your goals. From there, we’ll guide you toward the best path for long-term function, aesthetics, and comfort.
Take the First Step
If you’ve been told that surgery is your only option, or if you’re struggling with crowding, breathing issues, or bite discomfort, schedule a consultation with us today. You might be surprised at what’s possible with non-surgical jaw expanders like MARPE or MSE.
We’ll help you understand all of your options and choose the right path for your smile, health, and quality of life.
Book a consultation at our orthodontic office in Porters Neck, Wilmington, NC.
