Albrechtsen & Fanelli Orthodontics has added Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE) to its available treatments, making this advanced orthodontic solution accessible to patients throughout Utah. This development is significant because it expands non-surgical options for older adolescents and adults with narrow upper jaws, a condition that traditional orthodontics often could not address without invasive surgery.
MARPE represents a paradigm shift in care for this patient group. Historically, effective palatal expansion was largely limited to younger children with developing jawbones. For teens and adults, treatment typically involved orthognathic surgery. MARPE changes this by using small, temporary miniscrews placed into the bone of the upper jaw to provide stable anchorage. This allows the expander to apply force directly to the skeletal structure, not just the teeth, enabling expansion even after jaw growth has slowed or stopped.
The clinical importance of this treatment is substantial. A narrow palate can contribute to crowded or misaligned teeth, crossbites, bite imbalance, mouth breathing, and airway concerns, including those related to sleep-disordered breathing. By widening the upper jaw, MARPE can create space for proper tooth alignment, improve bite function, and support better nasal airflow. These outcomes can positively impact a patient's overall health, quality of life, and long-term oral stability.
"MARPE represents a major advancement in orthodontic care," stated the doctors at Albrechtsen & Fanelli Orthodontics. "By offering this treatment in Utah, we’re giving patients access to a highly effective, evidence-based solution that can address complex orthodontic and airway concerns while reducing the need for surgical intervention." The practice notes that while not every patient is a candidate, MARPE provides a viable non-surgical alternative for many who previously would have required surgery.
The introduction of MARPE in Utah reflects a broader trend in orthodontics toward minimally invasive, bone-anchored techniques. For patients, this means access to a more conservative treatment path that prioritizes comfort and safety. The practice begins each case with a comprehensive consultation, including digital imaging, to ensure the treatment is appropriate for the individual's anatomy and goals. Patients seeking more information can visit the practice's website at https://ogdenorthodontist.com.
This advancement matters because it directly addresses a treatment gap for a specific patient population, offering a scientifically supported option that can mitigate the need for more invasive procedures. Its availability in a community practice setting like Albrechtsen & Fanelli Orthodontics makes advanced care more accessible, potentially improving health outcomes for Utah residents dealing with the functional and aesthetic consequences of a narrow palate.
