MARPE
MARPE (Mini-screw Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) is an orthodontic treatment that widens a narrow upper jaw, particularly in older teenagers and adults. Using small titanium miniscrews, MARPE gradually expands the upper jaw to create space for crowded teeth and help correct bite problems such as crossbite.
At kohe™ Dental, we offer customised MARPE treatment in Singapore to help suitable patients achieve better teeth alignment, a more balanced bite and a broader, fuller-looking smile.
MARPE Quick Summary
- 17+ Years of Combined Experience
- Experience Managing Complex & Severe Orthodontic Cases
- Non-Extraction Approach
- Orthodontic Care from Childhood to Mature Adulthood
- 300+ Braces Cases Per Year
- Open 6 Days a Week
Transparent and Affordable MARPE Treatment Costs
At kohe™ Dental, we keep treatment fees clear and transparent, so that you know exactly what to expect before you begin treatment.
Our packages include a consultation, necessary X-rays, 3D intraoral scans, and review visits, unless otherwise stated. We also do not charge for disposables and consumables.
CHILDREN
12 YEARS & ABOVE
MARPE (Mini-screw Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion)
ONE-TIME PAYMENT
$3,528
$3,845.52 INCLUSIVE OF 9% GST
Package Inclusions
- Consultation
- X-rays
- 3D scans
- 3D facial scans
- 3D treatment planning
- Traditional Palatal Expander
- Review visits
MARPE At a Glance
MARPE is a fixed orthodontic appliance designed to widen a narrow upper jaw. Unlike conventional expanders that rely mainly on teeth for anchorage, MARPE uses miniscrews inserted into the roof of the mouth to apply expansion forces more directly to the upper jawbone.
MARPE works by gradually applying controlled pressure to the two halves of the upper jaw, encouraging them to separate along the midpalatal suture. As the upper jaw widens, it creates additional space within the dental arches, which may help address concerns such as crowded teeth, crossbite and discrepancies between the widths of the upper and lower jaws.
MARPE suits older teenagers and adults whose midpalatal suture and surrounding bone structures have become more rigid with age, making traditional palatal expansion less predictable.
Benefits of MARPE
MARPE is a non-surgical orthodontic procedure that addresses problems associated with a narrow upper jaw by creating additional skeletal width.
Creates space without extractions
When the dental arch is too narrow to accommodate all the teeth, crowding occurs. MARPE widens the upper jaw and may increase the space available for alignment. This may reduce the need for extractions in certain patients.
Supports better tooth alignment
A narrow upper jaw can cause teeth to overlap, rotate or sit outside their ideal positions. MARPE adds upper jaw width, creating a better foundation for tooth alignment. Patients may then undergo braces or clear aligner treatment to straighten their teeth and achieve a more balanced bite.
Improved nasal airway dimensions
The upper jaw forms part of the floor of the nasal cavity, meaning that a narrow upper jaw may also be associated with reduced nasal airway dimensions. By widening the upper jaw, MARPE may increase the nasal cavity space and improve airflow. However, improvements vary between individuals, and MARPE is not a guaranteed treatment for breathing and sleep issues.
Creates a broader, fuller smile
A narrow upper dental arch can make a smile appear more constricted, with noticeable dark spaces between the back teeth and corners of the mouth. MARPE widens the upper arch, which reduces these spaces and creates a broader, fuller-looking smile. When combined with teeth alignment, MARPE can improve smile proportions and dental aesthetics.
Improves bite
When the upper jaw is too narrow relative to the lower jaw, the upper teeth may bite inside the lower teeth, causing crossbite. MARPE addresses this discrepancy by widening the upper jaw, allowing the upper and lower dental arches to fit together more appropriately.
Supports long-term orthodontic stability
When insufficient upper jaw width contributes to crowding or bite problems, straightening the teeth alone may not address the underlying skeletal discrepancy. MARPE widens the upper jaw, creating a better foundation for tooth alignment. With appropriate orthodontic treatment and retention, MARPE may support long-term treatment stability.
Types of Expansion Devices
There are many types of expansion devices available in Singapore.
Here are some of them that are available at kohe™ Dental:
$1,680 ($1,831.20 with 9% GST)
Traditional Palatal Expander (RPE)
A Traditional Palatal Expander (RPE) is a fixed orthodontic appliance designed to gradually widen the upper jaw. It features a small central screw that is activated at prescribed intervals to gently expand the palate.
Pros: Particularly effective in growing children, as the palatal suture has not yet fully matured, allowing for more predictable expansion.
Cons: May cause temporary discomfort and affect speech, chewing and swallowing as patients adjust to the appliance.
$1,928 ($2,101.52 with 9% GST)
An Invisalign Palatal Expander (IPE) is a removable orthodontic appliance that uses a series of custom-made expanders to gradually widen the upper jaw in growing children.
Pros: Removable design allows for easier eating, brushing and flossing, making daily oral hygiene more convenient.
Cons: Requires consistent wear and regular replacement of expanders according to the dentist’s instructions to achieve effective results.
$3,528 ($3,845.52 with 9% GST)
MARPE (Mini-Screw Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion)
MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) is an orthodontic appliance that uses small titanium miniscrews placed in the palate to support and anchor the expansion device. By applying pressure directly to the upper jawbone, MARPE gradually widens the upper jaw, allowing new bone to form as the expanded area heals and stabilises.
Pros: Suitable for some older teenagers and adults whose palatal sutures have matured, making traditional palatal expansion less effective.
Cons: More invasive than traditional expansion methods, as miniscrews must be inserted into the palate to support the appliance.
MARPE Treatment Journey at kohe™ Dental
When you undergo MARPE treatment at kohe™ Dental, you can expect complete cost and treatment transparency with no bill shocks.
Our treatment coordinators are trained to ensure that you understand all treatment costs before visiting our dental clinic. Our unique clinic model allows us to offer competitive pricing for MARPE treatment, with operational cost savings passed on directly to patients like yourself.
MARPE treatment requires careful assessment, treatment planning and regular monitoring to ensure that your upper jaw is responding appropriately to expansion.
As MARPE involves the placement of miniscrews in the palate, in-person appointments are necessary for appliance placement, adjustments and progress reviews. Our dentists will monitor your expansion throughout treatment to ensure that it progresses safely and effectively.
At kohe™ Dental, we adopt a personalised approach to MARPE treatment, taking into consideration your jaw structure, dental alignment and orthodontic needs to develop a suitable treatment plan.
Here is what you can expect when you visit kohe™ Dental for MARPE treatment:
1st Visit: Initial Consultation
Your journey at kohe™ Dental begins at our clinic located along Orchard Road. During your first consultation, your dentist will start by understanding your concerns, goals and lifestyle. You share what bothers you about your teeth and bite and what you hope to achieve from treatment.
Next, your dentist will conduct a clinical examination of your teeth, arches and bite. Your dentist will also observe how your upper teeth sit over your lower teeth, the width of your smile and whether you have crossbite. They will also observe your facial proportions and lip posture.
This helps your dentist to understand both your teeth and facial structure.
1st Visit: Scans and Imaging
1st Visit: Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
MARPE Design and Appliance Fabrication
2nd Visit: Pre-Treatment Cleaning and Preparation
3rd Visit: Placement of Expander
Activation Phase
Follow-Up Visits: Monitoring and Adjustment
Stabilisation Phase
Removal and Straightening
MARPE Treatment Duration
The exact duration of MARPE treatment varies from patient to patient, depending on skeletal maturity, jaw structure and response to treatment.
On average, the expansion phase takes 2-6 weeks while the stabilisation phase takes 3-6 months. After expansion, you may need further orthodontic treatment such as braces or clear aligners to straighten your teeth and refine your bite.
MARPE Cost in Singapore
MARPE treatment at kohe™ Dental starts at $3,528 ($3,845.52 with 9% GST).
These fees cover the expansion phase of your treatment. If you require braces or clear aligners after expansion, your dentist will discuss the recommended treatment with you and provide a separate quotation.
To view the breakdown of fees for expansion orthodontics at kohe™ Dental, please refer to the table below:
| Age Group | Cost | Cost with 9% GST | |
|---|---|---|---|
| MARPE | 12 Years & Above | $3,528 | $3.845.52 |
Financing MARPE
If you are considering kohe™ Dental for Expansion Orthodontics, there are a few ways to finance your braces treatment to make it more wallet-friendly.
Baby Bonus
Use your CDA Baby Bonus for orthodontic treatment at kohe™ Dental.
kohe™ Dental is a Baby Bonus-certified dental institution.
All Major Banks
We accept interest-free instalment payments from all major banks.
Get up to 12 months interest-free instalments with your credit card. Please take note that for all transactions done with credit/debit cards, we charge a 3.4% + $0.20 surcharge (that Stripe charges us).
Dental and Corporate Insurance
We work with multiple dental and corporate insurance panels like Henner, Cigna International to provide more accessible orthodontic dental care to you.
Please take note that should you wish to use your dental insurance for dental or orthodontic treatments at kohe™ Dental, we will write a claims letter for you which you can then use to claim from your insurer.
Why Choose Expansion Orthodontics at kohe™ Dental?
- Affordable orthodontic treatment options
- Conveniently located on Orchard Road
- Child-friendly clinic
- Orthodontic-focused dentists who treat patients from childhood to mature adulthood
- Open on weekdays and weekends
- Extended opening hours until 7pm
- Experienced in managing complex orthodontic cases
- Prioritises non-extraction approaches where clinically suitable
MARPE: Frequently Asked Questions
What is MARPE and how does it work?
MARPE (Mini-screw Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) is an orthodontic technique that widens a narrow upper jaw using a specialised expansion appliance supported by small titanium mini-screws.
Your dentist inserts mini-screws into the roof of your mouth to anchor the appliance directly to the upper jawbone. By gradually activating the expansion screw, the appliance applies controlled pressure to the two halves of the upper jaw, separating them along the mid-palatal suture. New bone gradually forms within the expanded area during the stabilisation phase.
MARPE creates space for crowded teeth, corrects certain cross-bites and improves the relationship between the upper and lower jaw.