SARPE vs. MARPE

SARPE and MARPE Expand Narrow Palates Differently. Learn their Procedures, Benefits, and Which Treatment Suits Children or Adults Needing Orthodontic Correction.

by Kidz N Teenz
Updated: 19 September, 2025
Dental Treatment

When children or teenagers have a narrow upper jaw, it can lead to crowding of teeth, crossbite, or breathing difficulties. Orthodontists often recommend jaw expansion to create more space and improve both function and appearance.

Two common approaches are SARPE (Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) and MARPE (Mini-Implant Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion). While both expand the upper jaw, the way they work – and who they are suited for – is different. Here’s what parents should know.

What Is SARPE?

Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (SARPE) is used in older teens and adults when the upper jaw has stopped growing. Since the jawbones are fully developed, braces alone cannot expand them. A minor surgical procedure is combined with an expander appliance to gradually widen the palate.

Key Points about SARPE:

Recommended for adolescents and adults with a fully fused jaw
Requires a short surgical procedure by an oral surgeon
Expansion happens gradually over several weeks using an expander device
Effective for severe cases of crowding, crossbite, or breathing problems

What Is MARPE?

Mini-Implant Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE) is a newer, less invasive option that uses mini-screws (implants) placed in the palate to support expansion. This provides more skeletal (bone-level) movement compared to traditional expanders, and often avoids the need for surgery.

Key Points about MARPE:

Works best for older teenagers and young adults
Uses mini-implants for stability and efficient expansion
Typically less invasive than SARPE
Can improve nasal airflow and breathing, along with dental alignment

SARPE vs. MARPE – A Parent-Friendly Comparison

Feature	SARPE	MARPE
Age Group	Older teens & adults	Older teens & young adults
Procedure	Requires minor surgery	Non-surgical, uses mini-implants
Invasiveness	More invasive	Less invasive
Effectiveness	Reliable for severe cases	Effective for moderate to severe cases
Recovery	Short surgical recovery period	Minimal discomfort, faster recovery
Breathing Improvement	Yes	Yes

Which Is Right for Your Child?

Younger children (under 13–14 years): Usually benefit from a simple rapid palatal expander (RPE) since their jawbones are still growing. SARPE and MARPE are rarely needed at this age.
Teenagers and young adults: If the jaw has already matured, your orthodontist may recommend MARPE or SARPE depending on the severity of the case.
Adults: SARPE is often the most reliable choice for significant expansion needs.

Conclusion

Both SARPE and MARPE are effective options for correcting a narrow upper jaw, improving alignment, and even enhancing breathing. MARPE is often preferred today because it’s less invasive, but SARPE remains necessary for severe cases or fully matured jaws.

👉 If your child or teenager has a crossbite, crowded teeth, or difficulty breathing through the nose, schedule an orthodontic consultation. Early evaluation can help determine the best expansion option and make treatment smoother and more effective.

Frequently Asked Questions

SARPE (Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) involves a surgical procedure where the upper jaw is surgically loosened before expansion with a device, making it suitable for adults with fused palates. MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) is less invasive, using small temporary implants fixed to the palate to create skeletal expansion without full surgery. SARPE typically requires hospitalization, while MARPE can often be performed in an orthodontic office, making it more convenient, cost-effective, and less invasive for many patients.

While MARPE is less invasive than SARPE, it still has potential drawbacks. The procedure may cause initial discomfort, swelling, or minor pain when miniscrews are placed. Success depends on proper bone quality, so not all patients are ideal candidates. In rare cases, miniscrews may loosen or fail, requiring adjustments or additional treatment. MARPE is also limited in patients with severe skeletal discrepancies, where SARPE or other surgical interventions may be necessary for proper expansion and bite correction.

A traditional Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE) relies on dental anchorage, meaning it attaches to teeth and widens the palate by applying pressure. This works well for children and adolescents whose jawbones are still growing. MARPE, however, uses miniscrews anchored directly into the palate to achieve true skeletal expansion, making it effective for late teens and adults. The key difference is stability—RPE mainly moves teeth, while MARPE moves the skeletal base, offering more reliable and lasting expansion results.

Yes, MARPE can cause subtle changes in face shape, especially around the midface. Since it expands the upper jaw, patients may notice slight widening of the smile, improved nasal airflow, or reduced crowding that enhances facial balance. These changes are generally positive and natural-looking rather than drastic. Unlike surgery-based SARPE, MARPE’s impact is more conservative. Orthodontists often highlight that improved bite alignment and breathing function can indirectly enhance facial aesthetics while maintaining a harmonious appearance.

MARPE has shown high success rates, particularly in adolescents and young adults, with studies reporting effectiveness between 80% and 95%. Its skeletal anchorage system allows reliable expansion even in patients past the growth phase, though results may vary based on age, bone density, and individual anatomy. Success also depends on precise miniscrew placement and patient compliance with activation protocols. While not always effective in severe cases, MARPE remains a highly predictable, minimally invasive alternative to surgical expansion.