EXPANSION

At Hawkley Orthodontics, we offer a full range of advanced expansion options to correct narrow arches, improve bite alignment, create space, and enhance airway development. Treatment is customized based on age, skeletal maturity, and individual goals. Below, you'll find information on all expander types offered at Hawkley Orthodontics:

Rapid Palatal Expanders

Invisalign® Palatal Expanders

Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion

Miniscrew-Assisted Slow Palatal Expansion

Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion

Dental appliance (palatal expander) in mouth, used to widen the upper jaw.

Traditional Expanders (Rapid Palatal Expanders – RPE)

Traditional expanders are fixed appliances attached to the upper molars. They use gentle, controlled pressure to widen the upper jaw by gradually separating the mid-palatal suture.

Best for:

  • Children and early adolescents whose bones are still developing
  • Correcting crossbites
  • Creating space for crowded teeth

Benefits:

  • Highly effective in growing patients
  • Predictable skeletal expansion
  • Improves bite alignment and arch form

Invisalign Palatal Expander (IPE)

The Invisalign Palatal Expander (IPE) is a removable, clear expansion system designed primarily for growing patients. Unlike traditional expanders, it uses a series of 3D-printed expanders that gradually widen the palate without metal or a key.

White dental impression model with teeth outline on a blue background.

Best for:

  • Children in active growth phases
  • Families seeking a metal-free alternative
  • Patients and parents who prefer a removable option

Benefits:

  • No turning key required
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Designed with digital precision

MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion)

MARPE uses temporary anchorage devices (TADs), or small orthodontic miniscrews, placed in the palate to anchor the expander directly to the bone rather than just the teeth. This allows for true skeletal expansion in older teens and some adults without surgery.

Best for:

  • Late teens and young adults
  • Patients with limited remaining growth
  • Those wanting to avoid surgical expansion when possible

Benefits:

  • Greater skeletal effect than traditional expanders in mature patients
  • Reduced unwanted tooth tipping
  • Can often prevent the need for jaw surgery

MASPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Slow Palatal Expansion)

MASPE is similar to MARPE but uses slower, more gradual activation. This approach allows bone to adapt steadily and may improve comfort and stability in certain patients. This approach can also be used to lessen or eliminate the gap that forms between the front teeth that is commonly associated with expansion.

Best for:

  • Older adolescents and adults
  • Patients who benefit from controlled, gradual expansion
  • Patients who do not want a gap or diastema between their front teeth.
  • Cases requiring enhanced stability

Benefits:

  • Gentle, controlled expansion
  • Bone-supported anchorage
  • Improved comfort during treatment
  • No midline diastema or gap between the front teeth.

SARPE (Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion)

SARPE combines orthodontic expansion with a minor surgical procedure to release areas of resistance in the upper jaw. This allows for predictable, stable expansion in fully mature adults whose palatal sutures have fused.

Best for:

  • Adults with fully developed facial bones who want predictable expansion
  • Severe transverse deficiencies (Extremely narrow)
  • Patients requiring significant skeletal correction

Benefits:

  • Most predictable option for mature adults
  • Allows substantial expansion
  • Often part of comprehensive orthodontic and surgical treatment planning

Personalized Expansion Treatment

At Hawkley Orthodontics, we carefully evaluate growth stage, airway health, bite relationships, and long-term stability when recommending expansion. Whether treatment is completed with traditional appliances, clear systems, miniscrew-assisted techniques, or surgical collaboration, our goal is to create a healthy, functional, and beautifully aligned smile.


To learn more about expanders from Hawkley Orthodontics, read our FAQ below!

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EXPANDERS FAQ

  • What Is an Orthodontic Expander?

    An orthodontic expander is a device used to widen the upper jaw (palate). Expansion creates space for crowded teeth, corrects crossbites, improves bite alignment, and can even support better nasal airflow. Depending on age and skeletal development, expansion may be done with traditional expanders, the Invisalign Palatal Expander, MARPE/MASPE, or surgical expansion (SARPE).

  • Is Expansion Safe?

    Yes. When properly diagnosed and monitored, palatal expansion is a safe, well-established orthodontic procedure with decades of research supporting its effectiveness.

  • Why Would My Child (or I) Need an Expander?

    Common reasons include:

    * Crossbite (upper teeth fitting inside lower teeth)
    * Crowding or blocked-out teeth
    * Narrow upper jaw
    * Impacted teeth
    * Airway concerns or mouth breathing
    * Preparing for braces or aligners

    Expansion often reduces the need for tooth extractions later.

  • What Age Is Best for Palatal Expansion?

    Expansion is most effective in children and early teens because the upper jaw is still developing.

    However, teens and adults can still achieve expansion using MARPE, MASPE, or surgical-assisted expansion (SARPE), depending on skeletal maturity.

  • Does an Expander Hurt?

    Patients typically feel:

    * Pressure for a few minutes after activation
    * Mild soreness for a few days
    * Temporary tightness across the nose or palate

    Most discomfort is manageable and short-lived. Over-the-counter pain relief is usually sufficient if needed.

  • How Long Does Expansion Take?

    Active expansion usually takes:

    * 2–4 weeks for widening
    * Followed by 3–6 months of stabilization (holding the expansion in place while new bone forms)

    Total time varies depending on age and treatment goals and usually orthodontic treatment, braces or invisalign, can start once the widening or expansion phase is complete.

  • Will My Child Have a Gap Between the Front Teeth?

    Yes — and that’s actually a good sign.

    A temporary gap between the front teeth often appears during expansion. This means the palate is widening properly. The gap typically closes naturally or with braces/aligners.

  • Is the Invisalign Palatal Expander Better Than a Traditional Expander?

    The Invisalign Palatal Expander offers:

    * A metal-free design
    * No turning key
    * Removability for cleaning
    * Digital precision

    Traditional expanders are fixed and highly effective, especially in growing patients. The best option depends on age, compliance, and treatment goals.

  • Can Adults Get Palatal Expansion Without Surgery?

    Yes in some cases.

    Adults may be candidates for:

    * **MARPE** (miniscrew-assisted expansion)
    * **MASPE** (slower, controlled miniscrew-assisted expansion)

    If the upper jaw is fully fused and resistant to nonsurgical methods, **SARPE (Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion)** may be recommended for predictable results.

  • Will an Expander Change Facial Appearance?

    Expansion can:

    * Broaden the smile
    * Improve smile balance
    * Enhance facial symmetry
    * Support better nasal airflow

    Changes are typically subtle but positive and functional.

  • Will Speech Be Affected?

    There may be:

    * A temporary lisp
    * Extra saliva for a few days
    * Mild pronunciation changes

    Most patients adjust within a week.

  • How Do You Clean an Expander?

    Fixed expanders:

    * Brush carefully around the appliance
    * Use a water flosser to clean underneath
    * Rinse thoroughly after meals

    Removable expanders (like the Invisalign Palatal Expander)

    * Remove and brush gently
    * Rinse with lukewarm water
    * Avoid hot water

  • Does Expansion Improve Airway or Breathing?

    In some patients, widening the upper jaw can:

    * Increase nasal airway volume
    * Reduce mouth breathing
    * Support improved sleep quality

    Each case is unique, and we evaluate airway considerations carefully during diagnosis. The best way to know for sure is a sleep study (polysomnograph) before and after expansion.

  • What Foods Should Be Avoided?

    Avoid:

    * Sticky foods (caramel, taffy, gum)
    * Hard foods (ice, hard candy)
    * Foods that can get lodged under the appliance

    Soft foods are recommended during the first few days.

  • What are MARPE and MASPE expanders?

    MARPE and MASPE are miniscrew-assisted palatal expanders used to widen the upper jaw for improved alignment, breathing, and bite function.

  • What is the difference between MARPE and MASPE?

    MARPE expands the palate more rapidly, while MASPE uses slow, gradual expansion for greater comfort and controlled bone adaptation.

  • Who is a good candidate for palatal expansion?

    Teens and adults with narrow upper jaws, crowding, bite problems, or airway concerns may benefit from MARPE or MASPE treatment.

  • Why would I need a palatal expander as an adult?

    Adult jaws are fully developed, so miniscrew-assisted expanders help widen the palate when traditional expanders are no longer effective.

  • Does palatal expansion help with breathing problems?

    Yes, expanding the upper jaw can increase airway space, which may improve breathing, sleep quality, and symptoms of sleep apnea or mouth breathing.

  • Is MASPE more comfortable than MARPE?

    MASPE is typically more comfortable because it expands the palate gradually, reducing pressure on the bones and surrounding structures.

  • Will expansion create gaps between my teeth?

    Temporary spacing can occur during expansion, but orthodontic treatment like braces or Invisalign® helps guide teeth into proper alignment. This gap can be elimiated with a slower expansion protcol.

  • How long does MARPE or MASPE treatment take?

    From start to finish, expansion with either MARPE or MASPE protocols will take about six months, but ultimately depends on how much expansion is needed.

  • Are MARPE and MASPE safe?

    Yes, when performed under the supervision of an experienced orthodontist, miniscrew-assisted expanders are safe and highly effective.

  • Will I need braces or Invisalign® after expansion?

    Most patients continue orthodontic treatment after expansion to align teeth and stabilize the bite for long-term results.