In the world of orthodontics, there are constant advancements in techniques and procedures that aim to improve dental health and aesthetics. One such method, practiced at Miami Designer Smiles, is the Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE).
What Is MARPE?
MARPE is a revolutionary non-surgical treatment designed to expand the upper jaw, significantly improving facial structure, and alleviating airway concerns. Unlike regular palatal expanders that rely solely on dental force, MARPE utilizes mini-implants placed in the palate to expand it at the skeletal level. This technique is particularly beneficial for teenagers and adults whose palatal sutures have partially or completely fused.
Before we delve deeper into the science behind this novel orthodontic technique, let’s take a brief look at why proper jaw development matters and how MARPE contributes to controlled arch orthodontics intervention at Miami Designer Smiles.
Jaw Development and the Need for Expansion
Proper jaw development is essential for various reasons, including proper alignment of teeth, maintaining a balanced facial structure, and ensuring a clear airway for breathing. Unfortunately, modern lifestyles often affect this natural process, leading to constricted oral development, crowding teeth, affecting facial aesthetics, and leading to obstructive sleep apnea. This is where MARPE comes into play, as it promotes palatal expansion, creating more room for teeth alignment, and improving the overall facial structure.
The Science Behind MARPE
MARPE operates on the principle that the palate, or the roof of the mouth, made up of two bones, can be expanded by applying force. The expansion stimulates new bone growth, allowing for a wider palate, more extensive dental arch, and an improved facial structure.
During the MARPE procedure, mini-implants are placed in the palate. These implants serve as anchors to which an expander, called the MARPE device, is connected. When activated, the device applies forces directly and evenly onto the palatal bones, resulting in their expansion. This process is less dependent on teeth and more focused on affecting the bones, making it an effective treatment for older patients who have experienced suture fusion in the palate.
The Impact on Controlled Arch Orthodontics
This modern approach to orthodontics, known as Controlled Arch Orthodontics, focuses on creating more space in the mouth for the natural placement of teeth, which is believed to be better for protecting the jaw joints and improving overall health. By combining the MARPE treatment with controlled arch braces, an optimal balance can be achieved between aesthetics and functionality – by straightening the teeth and correcting the jaw position simultaneously.
The MARPE Procedure at Miami Designer Smiles
Miami Designer Smiles offers a comprehensive range of orthodontic services, with a specialty in MARPE for patients who can benefit from skeletal-level palate expansion. The process begins with a thorough examination of the oral structure, followed by custom-made implant placement for each patient. A MARPE device is then attached to these mini-implants, which is gradually activated over time to expand the palate.
The team at Miami Designer Smiles also ensures careful monitoring of the MARPE procedure to achieve desired outcomes efficiently. Post-treatment care instructions are provided, and regular follow-ups are scheduled to ensure successful outcomes and patient comfort.
MARPE: A Step Towards Comprehensive Orthodontic Care
With its ability to influence overall oral health, MARPE has become an important part of the comprehensive orthodontic care provided by Miami Designer Smiles. It’s worth noting that MARPE is just one of the methods employed by Dr. Concepcion Sanchez-Garcia and Dr. Raul Garcia at Miami Designer Smiles to ensure optimal dental health and aesthetics for their patients. From tooth-colored fillings to cosmetic dentistry, the clinic embraces a broad spectrum of dental treatments centered on an individual’s journey towards a beautiful and healthy smile.
With a mission to not just correct dental irregularities but also to enhance overall facial aesthetics and health, Miami Designer Smiles stands as a testament to the transformative power of modern orthodontics. Through innovative procedures like MARPE, the clinic indeed brings smiles to its patients in Miami, Florida.