MARPE/MSE Expanders in Boca Raton, FL
- Virtual consultations
- Out-of-state patients welcome
- Medical insurance accepted
What is a Mini-Screw Assisted Rapid Palatal Expander (MARPE)?
Experience the benefits of the Mini-screw Assisted Rapid Palatal Expander (MARPE). This innovative orthodontic solution expands narrow or underdeveloped upper jaws. Ideal for cases with skeletal crossbites (both uni- and bilateral), severe crowding, and other maxillary constriction issues, it offers efficient treatment for a range of orthodontic concerns.
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Dr. Koval's Approach to Skeletal Expansion
You can trust Dr. Koval as Florida's most experienced MARPE/MSE provider. With a mastery of skeletal expansion techniques, she achieves the highest level of predictability in your treatment through meticulous planning and artistic execution of sophisticated suture separation procedures, including palatal piezocorticotomy. Dr.Svitlana Koval has developed an innovative technique of guided piezocorticotomy which is currently patent pending and ensures painless symmetrical midpalatal suture opening with significant facelift effects.
How to prepare for your MSE/MARPE insertion appointment
It is normal to feel anxious about your skeletal expander placement appointment. We hope you find comfort in knowing that Dr. Koval is Florida`s leader with skeletal expander treatment and that we perform these appointments every day with great success. We hope that the below tips will help you feel more prepared and comfortable for your upcoming visit.
We highly suggest you purchase a Waterpik. This will help greatly in keeping your skeletal expander and surrounding tissue healthy and clean.
We are giving you a prescription for an antibiotic. Make sure to get it filled before your next appointment. You will be getting a full prescription filled. For skeletal expander ONLY patients, you will take 2 tablets only (a preventive double dose) one hour before your next skeletal expander appointment. You will keep the remainder of your prescription on hand and take ONLY if you develop an infection.
If you are receiving CORTICOTOMY, you’ll take the same initial double dose and then take the remainder of the RX as directed.
We suggest you take extra strength Tylenol right before your skeletal expander placement appointment.
Your skeletal expander will be placed under local anesthetic. When your anesthetic wears off, you will experience immediate MODERATE TO SEVERE discomfort for 1-3 days. You can take Tylenol as needed and maintain a soft food diet for the first few days.
Some patients complain of short term tongue sensitivity with the skeletal expander. Our patients have found that a wax tongue guard can provide relief. These can be purchased at www.rpeguard.com or you can search for it on Amazon.
We suggest visiting our DrKoval Instagram page @drsvitlankoval for MSE/MARPE appointment videos and testimonials to better prepare you for your next appointment.
You will get a post-skeletal expander instructional hand out at your next appointment to aid in aftercare questions that you may have.
Please remember: the skeletal expander will stay in for 9-12 months AND you will also get a gap between your two front teeth. Please don't be alarmed, this means the expander is working
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT WITH YOUR NEW SKELETAL EXPANDER
It is normal to feel anxious about your skeletal expander appliance. We hope that the below tips will help through this phase of your treatment. We are here for you should you have any questions or concerns.
o Maintain your expander clean with a soft toothbrush and mild toothpaste everyday to prevent infection. Waterpicks are also wonderful and highly suggested for hygiene and tissue health. Wait 2-4 days to waterpik as to not irritate the tissue (Doctor will give specific directions at your appointment).
o Do not use minty/medicine type toothpaste. We suggest Toms canker sore Toothpaste or mild baking soda. You may also use non-fluoride toothpaste. Do not use mouth wash or peroxide, as this will cause tissue irritation.
o If you feel like you are getting an infection, call our office as soon as possible. This would be red swollen tissue with discharge and/or a white top. You have antibiotics if you need them. If you received corticotomy, finish your entire antibiotic prescription.
o You may experience minimal nose or palate bleeding as well as sinus drainage. Don’t be alarmed as these symptoms are normal.
o Maintain a soft food diet of smoothies, milkshakes, ice cream, bananas, pasta, mashed potatoes, etc. until you feel comfortable eating more solid foods. A liquid diet for the first 2 days is suggested, followed by the soft foods as mentioned above. Stay away from spicy/acidic foods for the first few days.
o You will notice excess saliva; this can make you feel challenged with swallowing. Don’t worry, you can swallow, and this feeling will decrease as you become accustomed to the appliance.
o You may feel pressure in your jaw which can cause headaches and soreness. A lot of patients initially feel molar pressure. We suggest continuing your extra strength Tylenol for the next couple days. Some patients feel gradual pressure as their maxillary suture separates over time; others feel the pressure immediately all in one day between weeks 1 and 3. This immediate separate can be alarming, causing a sharp burning and ‘pins and needles’ sensation between your two front teeth or palate. Again, these sensations are normal. This means your palate is widening which is the goal.
o You may acquire sores on the inside of your cheek or tongue. If this occurs, you can place wax directly on the appliance where it is bothering you and the sores should go away within a couple days. We also suggest a Tongue Guard if your tongue becomes too sensitive. This can be purchased on Amazon or on their website www.rpeguard.com
o If you feel too much pressure on the bridge of your nose and/or the appliance has too much resistance when turning, STOP turns for 1-2 days and then resume. If you feel too much pain, after a completed turn, it’s okay to back-turn to relieve some pressure. Just let Dr. Koval know at your next visit. Remember, only do the prescribed turns, then STOP until you see Dr. Koval.
o If you feel bands or screws becoming LOOSE, contact Dr.Koval right away so we can schedule an appointment for you.
o Additional surgical procedure may be required. Although rare, in the case of the skeletal expander failing to expand the palate properly with adults, minor surgery may need to be performed to assist the expansion.
o Don’t blow your nose too aggressively for the first couple days after getting your expander. You can blow gently if needed.
o Please remember: the skeletal expander will stay in for ~ 9-12 months depending on treatment & you will get a gap between your two front teeth
o Flu and seasonal allergies will cause sinus infections that are unrelated to the skeletal expander and are commonly mistaken for skeletal expander infections.
What is Myofunctional Therapy?
We understand the importance of your child's development and well-being. That's why we're proud to offer Myofunctional Therapy as part of our services. Myofunctional therapy focuses on the orofacial muscles, helping your child improve essential functions such as breathing through the nose, swallowing, articulation, and speech. We're here to support your child's growth and development every step of the way, ensuring they have the best possible foundation for a healthy future.
We offer in-office and remote treatment with our Myofunctional therapist.
Embrace the Change
Benefits of MARPE Expanders
Improved Dental Alignment
MARPE expanders effectively address crowding and misalignment, paving the way for a straighter, more functional smile.
Enhanced Breathing
By expanding the upper jaw, MARPE treatment can improve nasal airway function, potentially reducing symptoms of sleep apnea and snoring.
Better Facial Symmetry
Dr. Koval understands the basis of any pre-existing facial asymmetry, allowing her to tailor the expansion procedure to minimize any asymmetric outcomes and achieve better facial symmetry.
Improved Dental Alignment
MARPE expanders effectively address crowding and misalignment, paving the way for a straighter, more functional smile.
Enhanced Breathing
By expanding the upper jaw, MARPE treatment can improve nasal airway function, potentially reducing symptoms of sleep apnea and snoring.
Better Facial Symmetry
Dr. Koval understands the basis of any pre-existing facial asymmetry, allowing her to tailor the expansion procedure to minimize any asymmetric outcomes and achieve better facial symmetry.
The MARPE Expander Process
Here’s what you can expect.
Comprehensive Evaluation and Assessment
The process starts with a meticulous evaluation where your jaw structure and dental alignment are evaluated. This critical phase, essential for determining the appropriateness of Maxillary Skeletal Expander (MARPE) treatment, forms the foundation for a thorough and personalized plan.
Personalized Expander Fitting
At this stage, Dr. Koval will work with you to determine whether the expansion appliance (MARPE) should be accompanied by the piezocorticotomy procedure, ensuring the predictability of palatal suture separation based on your specific needs and treatment plan.
Gradual Expansion Process
Over a carefully planned timeline, Dr. Koval adjusts the expander, gently widening the upper jaw. This is closely monitored through continuous care and follow-up appointments. Your progress is closely tracked to achieve the best possible outcome for your airway and orthodontic goals. Dr. Koval will let you know the timeline for the treatment but gradually, you will slowly see enhanced breathing and alignment.
FAQs
Answers to your common questions about MARPE expanders.
Are Orthodontic Expanders Painful to Wear?
While some discomfort is normal during the initial phase of wearing an MSE expander, it is typically mild and manageable. Most patients adjust to the sensation within a few days. We provide detailed guidance and support to ensure your comfort throughout the treatment.
Is the MARPE expander suitable for all age groups?
While the MARPE (Maxillary Skeletal Expander) is primarily employed in younger age groups, MARPE expanders can be custom-tailored for individuals of all ages, excluding toddlers and young children. Dr. Koval avoids using mini-screw expanders in the youngest age groups, particularly those under 8 years old.
