If you’re waking up tired all the time, even after a full night’s sleep, it’s easy to blame stress, poor sleep habits, or just getting older. But what if the root cause runs deeper?
For many adults, chronic fatigue is actually tied to something far more structural: the width of your palate.
Let’s break down how a narrow palate can affect your breathing, your sleep quality, and your energy levels, and how two lesser known treatments called MARPE and MSE (with nationally-recognized Wilmington orthodontist, Dr. Matsumoto) might help.
Why am I always tired?
Feeling tired all the time isn’t normal, and it’s not something you should have to live with. For adults who snore, grind their teeth, wake up with dry mouth or headaches, or experience daytime sleepiness, sleep apnea is often the hidden culprit.
An estimated 30 million people in the United States have sleep apnea, but only 6 million are diagnosed (American Medical Association.)
Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night. It can lead to poor oxygenation, restless sleep, and increased risk of serious health conditions.
But here’s what many don’t realize about sleep apnea in adults: a narrow upper jaw (or palate) can be a major contributing factor.
The Link Between Palate Width and Airflow
Your palate isn’t just the roof of your mouth; it’s the floor of your nasal passages. If your palate is too narrow, it can physically restrict your airway and make it harder to breathe properly during sleep (and while you’re awake.) This restricted airflow can lead to obstructive sleep apnea, poor oxygen intake, and yes: feeling tired all the time.
Common narrow palate symptoms in adults include:
- Chronic fatigue or brain fog
- Snoring or disrupted sleep
- Mouth breathing or dry mouth
- Frequent headaches or jaw tension
- Clenching and grinding
- Underdeveloped or crowded dental arches
- Underdeveloped or “weak” jaw
- Imbalanced facial appearance
What is MARPE/MSE treatment and how can it help?
If you’re dealing with a narrow palate as an adult, you might’ve been told there’s nothing that can be done, or that jaw surgery is the only option.
That’s not the case anymore.
MARPE or MSE treatment for adults are breakthrough orthodontic techniques that gently and effectively widens the upper jaw, even after the growth plates have fused. This isn’t just cosmetic; it can be life-changing.
By expanding the palate, MARPE and MSE creates more space in your nasal passages, improving airflow and reducing airway obstructions. That means better sleep, better breathing, and more energy throughout the day.
At Matsumoto Orthodontics & Periodontics, Dr. Matsumoto is a board-certified orthodontist, nationally recognized for his expertise in MARPE/MSE treatment. Patients travel from across the country to our orthodontic office in Porters Neck, Wilmington, NC for Dr. Matsumoto’s specialized care, and the permanent relief that these two treatments can bring.
Can MARPE/MSE really treat sleep apnea?
While not a cure for all cases of sleep apnea, orthodontic treatment for sleep apnea with MARPE or MSE has helped many adult patients significantly reduce their symptoms. Especially when collaborating with medical professionals, such as ENT specialists, sleep physicians, or myofunctional therapists.
By improving the structural foundation of the airway, MARPE/MSE treatment:
- Enhances airflow through the nose
- Reduces nighttime mouth breathing
- Supports better tongue posture
- Helps the body enter deeper stages of sleep
In other words, MARPE or MSE treatment for adults addresses the root cause — not just the symptoms — of poor sleep and chronic fatigue.
A Non-Surgical Approach
You’ll be happy to know that MARPE and MSE are non-surgical treatments! If you’ve been told that jaw surgery is your only option, MARPE/MSE with Dr. Matsumoto may be a game-changing alternative.
The appliance is secured to the roof of your mouth using TADs (temporary anchorage devices) — small, biocompatible screws that Dr. Matsumoto places in-office with precision and care.
Once in place, you’ll gently ‘activate’ these expansion devices which gradually widens the upper jaw over time, improving airway space and symmetry, all without the need for invasive surgery or long recovery periods.
Why Choose Dr. Matsumoto for MARPE/MSE in Wilmington, NC?
Dr. Matsumoto is one of the few orthodontists in the country with extensive experience in adult palate expansion using MARPE and MSE. Unlike traditional palatal expanders used in children, MARPE and MSE devices are specifically designed for mature bone, and Dr. Matsumoto has helped a number of adult patients breathe better, sleep deeper, and feel more energized.
At our orthodontic office in Porters Neck, Wilmington, we take a collaborative and airway-focused approach to treatment. Your care is personalized based on your symptoms, anatomy, and goals, and we work closely with local ENTs, sleep specialists, and oral surgeons when needed.
Whether you’re from Wilmington, NC or flying in from out of state, you can expect expert care, advanced technology, and a team dedicated to your health and wellbeing.
Truly Personalized Orthodontic Care
Dr. Matsumoto also offers MARPE treatment (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) as a non-surgical treatment for adult palatal expansion.
While similar to the MSE (expander), MARPE has key differences in its design and application that make it an ideal fit for certain patients. During your consultation, Dr. Matsumoto will carefully examine your smile, airway, and palate structure to determine the best treatment route for your needs.
You’ll receive a clear explanation of your options and a personalized treatment plan tailored to your individual goals.
Still waking up tired all the time?
You deserve to feel rested. If you’re tired all the time, experiencing narrow palate symptoms, searching for an orthodontist in Porters Neck, Wilmington, NC who specializes in sleep-focused care, or you simply aren’t sure where to turn to for relief, we’re here for you.
A consultation with Dr. Matsumoto could be the first step to unlocking better sleep, better health, and a better life.
Book your visit today, and let’s see what we can do for your smile!
