Issues like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and UARS, overcrowded and crooked teeth, and snoring can easily disrupt your life. OSA and UARS impact sleep health, which in turn results in general health issues such as low energy, insomnia, fatigue, dry mouth, depression, and other problems. Sleep disordered breathing also links to a higher risk of heart disease, obesity, and hormonal imbalance.
If you have OSA, UARS, or orthodontic problems that affect your sleep patterns, you’re likely struggling with side effects. These conditions take a toll on the human body by depriving us of sleep. You may feel tired all the time, irritable, unable to focus or enjoy the things you love.
Sleep disordered breathing can also cause poor orofacial development. When unaddressed, patients can encounter overcrowded teeth, hindered nasal development, a jutting or sunken chin/lower jaw, and bite misalignment. All of these symptoms can impact a patient’s self image and confidence, breathing function, and dental health.
Fortunately, there are many treatment options available for OSA, UARS, and orthodontic issues that result in or from sleep disordered breathing. At Beyond Smiles of Park Ridge, we’ve made it a priority to utilize these treatments to offer effective relief.
A cutting-edge method known as MARPE, or Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion, is highly beneficial for many patients. This advanced technique works by widening the upper jaw, or expanding the maxillary bone, with minimal or no surgery. It’s the narrowness of the maxilla that usually leads to nasal cavity blockages, crowded teeth, and poor facial growth.
If you’re tired of chasing a good night’s sleep, learn more about MARPE therapy from Beyond Smiles of Park Ridge below.
How MARPE Transforms Airway Dentistry
The MARPE orthodontic appliance presents a modern alternative to traditional maxillary expansion. Normally, skeletal expansion methods, like growth guidance appliances such as ALF, primarily cater to children. MARPE therapy is an innovative approach that is viable even for young adults. This extends the treatment window beyond the typical age when the mid-palatal suture, a critical bone junction in the maxilla, naturally fuses.
The MARPE technique works by enlarging the roof of the mouth. This in turn increases the space within the oral cavity. The airway is expanded and nasal resistance is reduced. This also allows the tongue more freedom, preventing airway blockage during sleep.
The Procedure
A maxillary skeletal expander is placed strategically along the mid-palatal suture, located at the roof of the mouth. The process takes about 20-30 minutes under local anesthesia. It is relatively painless, and any discomfort post-procedure is manageable through standard pain relief methods.
Expanding the Mid-Palatal Suture
Following the installation of MARPE, patients engage in a 4-8 week period of daily expander activation. This process gradually separates the mid-palatal suture, creating a small gap between the front teeth. The gap is closed using orthodontic clear aligner therapy. The expander remains in place until there is new palatal bone formation, which typically occurs within 4-6 months.
The Benefits of MARPE With Orthodontic Treatment
Using the MARPE appliance with clear aligners to address certain breathing and orthodontic problems can offer several benefits.
- This treatment method is suitable for a broader range of patients compared to traditional rapid palatal expanders.
- MARPE uses mini-screws unlike conventional methods that depend on the teeth for support. This approach allows MARPE to achieve substantial bone expansion while minimizing unwanted tooth movement and other dental complications.
- MARPE effectively maximizes airflow and helps alleviate symptoms of OSA and UARS.
- MARPE offers a permanent solution to sleep disordered breathing. Other treatments, like CPAP machines, require nightly use.
- MARPE requires minimal or no surgery.
What Conditions Does Palatal Expansion Treat?
MARPE therapy with clear aligners can effectively treat several conditions, including:
- Sleep Disordered Breathing (OSA, UARS)
- Snoring
- Overcrowded Teeth
- Crooked Teeth
- Bite Misalignment
- TMJ
- Poor Facial Development
When MARPE addresses sleep disordered breathing, patients can benefit from:
- Improved Sleep Health
- Improved Breathing Function
- Improved Overall Health
You might be surprised to learn how significantly sleep disordered breathing impacts your health. When regular disruption of oxygen intake and sleep patterns occur, the body can’t function as well as it should. This is why you may experience a range of symptoms, from memory loss and brain fog to fatigue, heart disease, and headaches.
Visit Beyond Smiles for MARPE | A Dentist in Park Ridge
If you’re looking for a dentist who understands MARPE therapy in Park Ridge, IL, contact Beyond Smiles. We provide patients with access to holistic airway dentistry treatments that correct dental alignment and improve overall respiratory health.
The comprehensive care we provide ensures patients achieve a beautiful, healthy smile and improved quality of life. Reach out to schedule an appointment today!