MARPE: Review of Expansion Technique

Contracted maxillary arch has always been a major concern to those who have interested themselves in regulation of teeth. Rapid expansion of maxilla by forceful separation has been discussed in orthodontic literature revealing considerable controversy over the desire and possibility of splitting the hard palate at the midsagittal suture as a mean of widening the dental arch and nasal cavity. Incorporation of mini screws in a conventional RPE appliance transforms it into a MARPE appliance. Mini screws ensure maximum skeletal expansion, keeping the dental expansion and resultant side effects to a minimum. Various designs have been recommended by authors around the globe; exclusively bone borne, teeth-bone borne and tissue-bone borne with two/ four mini screws in the assembly. Paramedian area 3 mm lateral to the suture in 1st premolar region is considered the most appropriate site for placement of mini screws. Anterior screws are placed in the rugae area while posterior screws in the para-midsagittal area