A narrow upper jaw
Evaluate a constricted palate and whether skeletal expansion could be appropriate.
MARPE IN MIAMI, FLORIDA
More room for
your smile.
A narrow upper jaw can affect more than how your teeth fit. Explore a thoughtful approach to palatal expansion—with your smile, bite, and airway in mind.
✓ Teen & adult evaluations✓ Individualized treatment
9301 SW 56th St, Suite A · Miami, FL
Featured patient case · View full size ↗A real patient journey at Miami Designer Smiles.
Individual results vary. Treatment may include additional orthodontic care.
A DIFFERENT APPROACH TO EXPANSIONDiscover MARPE
SMALL ANCHORS. A BIGGER PICTURE.
It starts with
making space.
MARPE stands for miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion. It uses a custom appliance and small temporary anchors in the palate to gradually widen the upper jaw at the skeletal level.
For selected older adolescents and adults, MARPE may offer an alternative to surgically assisted expansion. An examination—not age alone—determines whether it is an appropriate option.
Read more on our practice websiteHOW MARPE WORKSTHE SIMPLE VERSION
A custom expander.
A little change at a time.
- 1Small anchors hold the appliance.
Temporary miniscrews secure a custom expander to the bone of the upper palate.
- 2The expander gradually widens the jaw.
Adjustments follow your doctor’s instructions, applying controlled outward pressure.
- 3Time allows the bone to stabilize.
The appliance remains in place during a retention phase before the next stage of care.
Expansion works on the upper jaw.Braces or aligners may then help position the teeth.
LOOKING BEYOND STRAIGHT TEETH
Could MARPE be
part of your plan?
Your upper jaw helps shape the space for your teeth and tongue. At a consultation, we look at how these pieces fit together.
Crowding or a crossbite
Explore the relationship between jaw width, available space, and the way your teeth meet.
Breathing concerns
Discuss mouth breathing or nasal airflow concerns as part of a broader airway evaluation.
MARPE is not right for everyone. Breathing symptoms can have several causes; expansion does not guarantee improvement or replace a medical sleep evaluation.
Your Miami Designer Smiles doctors
PERSONAL CARE. A COMPLETE PERSPECTIVE.
Meet the people
behind your plan.
Dr. Raul Garcia and Dr. Concepcion Sanchez-Garcia bring MARPE into Miami Designer Smiles’ comprehensive approach to dental and orthodontic care.
Your consultation looks at your jaw structure, oral health, and goals. When appropriate, 3D imaging helps the team assess your anatomy and discuss the options.
Dr. Raul GarciaDr. Concepcion Sanchez-Garcia
Get to know our doctors A CLOSER LOOK AT PATIENT CARE
See the journey.
See the smiles.
Explore before-and-after photos from our practice. Open any case to see the full collage, including treatment progress.
Patient case 02View full size 
Patient case 03View full size 
Patient case 04View full size 
Patient case 05View full size 
Patient case 06View full size 
Patient case 07View full size 
Patient case 08View full size 
Patient case 09View full size These photos show individual patient experiences. Treatment may include additional orthodontic care. Individual results vary.
Explore what’s possible for youONE STEP AT A TIME
Your path to
more possibility.
A clear plan starts with understanding your needs. Your exact treatment sequence and timeline are personal to you.
- 01
Understand
A consultation, examination, and any recommended imaging help establish whether MARPE is a fit.
- 02
Expand
If you proceed, your custom appliance is placed and adjusted according to your doctor’s instructions.
- 03
Stabilize
The appliance stays in place while the newly expanded area stabilizes. Your doctor monitors your progress.
- 04
Refine
Braces, aligners, or other care may follow to address tooth alignment and complete your treatment plan.
LET’S MAKE IT CLEAR
Good questions.
Thoughtful answers.
Have something else on your mind?
Call (786) 730-5999
Am I too old for palatal expansion?
MARPE can be considered for selected older adolescents and adults. Your anatomy, dental health, and treatment goals help determine candidacy. A consultation is the best place to begin.
Is MARPE the same as braces?
No. MARPE focuses on widening the upper jaw. Braces and aligners primarily move teeth. They may be used together as different stages of a comprehensive plan.
Does everyone avoid surgery with MARPE?
No. MARPE may offer a less invasive expansion option for suitable patients, but it cannot replace surgery in every case. Your doctor will explain the options, limitations, and risks for your situation.
How long does treatment take?
Active expansion and stabilization are separate phases. Timing depends on your anatomy, response to expansion, and any additional orthodontic treatment. We will discuss an individual timeline at your visit.
How much does MARPE cost?
The cost depends on the appliance and the scope of your treatment. Contact our team to arrange an evaluation and discuss your proposed plan, fees, and payment options.
YOUR NEXT CHAPTER STARTS HERE
Let’s find out
what’s possible
for you.
Tell us how to reach you. Our Miami Designer Smiles team will follow up to discuss a MARPE consultation.
(786) 730-5999COME SAY HELLO9301 SW 56th St, Suite A
Miami, FL 33165
Miami, FL 33165
Monday–Thursday · 9am–6pm
Friday by appointment
MARPE CONSULTATION REQUEST
A little about you.
Start with your contact details. We’ll take it from there.