Adult Palate Expansion: What Happened After Week 3
It's been a while since my last MARPE update!
When I last wrote about my miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) journey, I was 3 weeks in [that post here]. The expander was in, my suture had split, and I had a brand new gap between my front teeth. A lot has happened since then, so here's the full update.
The Months of Turning
After those first 3 weeks, I got lower Invisalign to help widen my lower teeth.
I turned the expander regularly over the next few months until we reached the max amount of expansion possible. That was limited by the width of my lower jaw.
As we turned, I also wore reverse pull facemask (attaches to the MARPE expander with rubber bands while anchoring to forehead and chin to pull it forward) in the hopes that it would pull my maxilla (upper jaw) forward, even if it was just a little.
My breathing improved as soon as the expansion started. It was crazy! And it continued to improve.
During active expansion MARPE appliance in place
Holding the Expansion
After we finished turning, the expander stayed in for 6 more months to hold the expansion.
I had a very large gap between my two front teeth. It closed on its own, and then we used Invisalign to further assist the alignment. My dentist made tweaks to the Invisalign along the way.
We also did Myobrace (a device similar to a mouth guard that helps train the tongue as well as align the teeth) briefly alongside the Invisalign to support bringing my lower jaw forward.
Expansion Progress
The Team Behind It
Throughout the entire process, I was also seeing a physical therapist (PT) trained in PRI (Postural Restoration Institute) who helped guide the clinical decision making.
They looked at how my bite was changing along the way and recommended exercises and tweaks to improve my overall symmetry and function.
I believe this was a huge part of how well my expansion went.
Remember this requires a team approach.
After the Expander Came Out
After those 6 months, the expander came out, and I continued to wear Invisalign and work on the alignment.
I did myo for myself and really focused on proper swallowing. Eventually, I did my tongue tie release, which went well.
Where I Am Now
These days, I just wear my Invisalign at night as a retainer. Here's how things look compared to before:
No more TMJ symptoms.
My sleep has improved immensely. I'm still a little tired throughout the day, but I think that's more related to being a busy mom of 3.
I tape my mouth at night just to ensure it doesn't pop open and I keep breathing through my nose.
I'm no longer clenching or grinding, at least that I know of.
I still go to PT once a month. Since I'm hypermobile, my body craves stability, and that really helps me.
And I still focus on using my correct chewing and swallowing habits during meals.
What's Next
One of the next things on my list is likely crowns on my molars. My teeth are damaged from years of chronic clenching and grinding. But I'm nervous to do that and change my bite again, since things are in a good place right now.
Is Expansion Right for You?
It's not for everyone, and it can be intimidating. But I want you to know that it's an option that can help with poor sleep, difficulty nasal breathing, TMJ pain, and more.
If you're considering Invisalign or getting back into orthodontia as an adult, a myofunctional therapist/airway dentist is a great place to start. Many of the adults I see come to me after finishing Invisalign and still having issues. I think it's important to know this is a step you can do FIRST.
Hear the Full Story
I talk through my whole MARPE journey in Ep 4 of Our Lips Are Sealed, my podcast with Nadda.
And if you're wondering where to start, grab my free guide to finding a provider!