Are you an adult or late teen in Maple Ridge looking to fix a narrow upper jaw, crowded teeth, or breathing issues without invasive surgery? At Kanaka Creek Family Dental, your trusted Maple Ridge dentist, we are excited to offer advanced solutions like MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) to help you achieve the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve.
What is MARPE?
MARPE is a revolutionary orthodontic treatment designed to widen the upper jaw (maxilla). While traditional palate expanders work best for children whose bones are still growing, MARPE is specifically engineered for older teens and adults. By using tiny miniscrews (TADs) to anchor the device directly to the palatal bone, MARPE achieves true skeletal expansion rather than just tipping the teeth.
Why Choose MARPE?
For many patients in Maple Ridge, MARPE offers a life-changing alternative to traditional surgery. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Creates Space for Crowded Teeth: By widening the jaw, MARPE creates the necessary room to align teeth properly, often reducing the need for tooth extractions.
- Improves Airway and Breathing: A narrow palate often correlates with narrow nasal passages. MARPE can help open up the airway, potentially improving nasal breathing and even helping with sleep apnea symptoms.
- Corrects Crossbites: It effectively addresses "posterior crossbites," where the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth.
- Non-Surgical: It provides many of the benefits of Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (SARPE) without the need for a full operating room procedure.
MARPE and Invisalign Maple Ridge
Many of our patients ask if they can combine MARPE with other treatments. The answer is yes! In fact, MARPE is often the perfect "first step" before starting Invisalign in Maple Ridge. By creating the ideal skeletal foundation first, your Invisalign clear aligners can work more efficiently to give you that perfect, wide, Hollywood smile.
Is MARPE Right for You?
If you’ve been told your jaw is too narrow or you’re unhappy with your crowded smile, it’s time to consult with a professional. As a leading Maple Ridge dentist, the team at Kanaka Creek Family Dental will perform a thorough evaluation to see if MARPE is the right fit for your orthodontic journey.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Don't let a narrow jaw hold back your confidence. Contact Kanaka Creek Family Dental today to learn more about MARPE and our other orthodontic services, including Invisalign in Maple Ridge.
Schedule Your Consultation Today!

