REGENERATIVE ORTHODONTIC TREATMENTS
MARPE treatment at Tetrahealth
A science-backed alternative to surgical jaw expansion
Narrow jaws don't just affect your smile—they're linked to breathing difficulties, sleep disorders, and dental crowding throughout life. This is why the structural foundation of your upper jaw is so critical to your overall wellness.
Traditional jaw expansion surgery can be invasive, requiring incisions, bone cuts, and long recovery times. However, at Tetrahealth, our team of biologically trained board-certified orthodontists and oral surgeons use minimally-invasive and regenerative MARPE treatments such as Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion to stop the progression of airway restriction and dental crowding. This revolutionary treatment expands the jaw naturally and improves your overall health.
Enhance breathing capacity and airflow for better oral-systemic health
Stimulate the natural expansion of jaw structures without the need for surgical bone cuts
Deliver effective results with minimal discomfort, swelling, or downtime
Target structural issues specifically while preserving healthy jaw function resulting in improved bite, breathing, and sleep quality
STATE-OF-THE-ART MARPE TREATMENTS BY A BOARD-CERTIFIED ORTHODONTIST
Why trust Tetrahealth for MARPE treatment?
At Tetrahealth, your orthodontic care is led by
Dr. Lisa Jolly, a board-certified orthodontist and airway specialist with extensive training in minimally invasive jaw expansion and airway surgery. As a leading expert in biologic orthodontics, Dr. Lisa ensures every MARPE procedure follows the highest clinical standards for patient safety and effectiveness.
Dr. Jolly and his team are top MARPE clinicians with hundreds of successfully treated expansion cases
Our team holds prestigious fellowships from the Institute for Advanced Orthodontic Studies
Our team of nationally recognized experts and thought leaders are constantly training and educating on airway advancements
ntegration of cutting-edge diagnostics like CBCT 3D imaging and airway analysis
YOU DESERVE TO KNOW WHAT’S GOING INTO YOUR BODY—AND WHY
The biocompatibility testing process: what to expect
Initial assessment
STEP 1
- Comprehensive Airway & Orthodontic Assessment
- 3D CBCT imaging, digital scanning, and airway analysis determine the extent of jaw narrowing and breathing restriction
Custom appliance fabrication
STEP 2
- Personalized MARPE Device Creation
- Custom-made expander is precisely designed and fitted for optimal comfort and expansion results
Mini-implant placement
STEP 3
- Strategic Mini-Implant Positioning
- Temporary mini-implants (TADs) are placed into the mid-palatal suture under local anesthesia for secure anchorage
Gradual activation
STEP 4
- Controlled Jaw Expansion
- The expander screw is activated daily or weekly for several weeks, gradually splitting the suture and widening the upper jaw
Stabilization & integration
STEP 5
- Bone Formation & Healing
- The expander remains in place for several months to allow new bone formation and stabilize the expanded jaw structure
Orthodontic finishing
STEP 6
- Final Alignment
- Braces or Invisalign are used to align teeth and close any gaps, completing the transformation
EXPERT-LED MARPE TREATMENT FOR LASTING AIRWAY HEALTH
What makes us different
At Tetrahealth, we redefine jaw expansion with state-of-the-art MARPE therapy designed for precision, comfort, and optimal healing. Our expert team, led by a board-certified orthodontist and airway specialist, delivers minimally invasive, surgery-free treatments that promote natural jaw expansion and long-term airway stability.
Nationally recognized for excellence in orthodontics and airway treatment
Advanced, surgery-free expansion treatment – no bone cuts, incisions, or lengthy recovery times
Biologic, whole-body approach – integrating oral-systemic health for lasting wellness
SEE IF YOU'RE A CANDIDATE FOR MARPE TREATMENT
Elevate your health with minimally-invasive MARPE
FAQ – UNDERSTANDING YOUR CARE
You have questions—we’re here to give you confidence
Is MARPE treatment painful?
MARPE treatment is designed to be minimally invasive and comfortable. The mini-implant placement is performed under local anesthesia, so you won't feel pain during the procedure. During the expansion phase, you may experience mild pressure or tightness as your jaw gradually widens, but this is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain medication. Most patients report significantly less discomfort compared to traditional surgical jaw expansion methods.
How long does MARPE treatment take from start to finish?
The complete MARPE process typically takes 12-18 months total. The active expansion phase lasts 2-4 weeks, during which you'll turn the expander screw daily or as directed. The expander then remains in place for 3-6 months to allow new bone formation and stabilization. Finally, orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign for 6-12 months aligns your teeth and closes any gaps. Dr. Volchonak will provide a personalized timeline during your consultation.
Am I too old for MARPE treatment?
Unlike traditional rapid palatal expansion, MARPE can be effective for older teens and adults whose jaw growth is complete. The mini-implants provide the additional anchorage needed to achieve skeletal expansion even after the mid-palatal suture has begun to fuse. Good candidates include individuals with narrow upper jaws, dental crowding, crossbites, or breathing issues related to restricted airway space. A comprehensive evaluation will determine if MARPE is right for your specific situation.
