05/31/2026
MARPE is changing what's possible for adult orthodontics! 🙌🏼
Did you know that a narrow upper jaw can affect SO much more than your smile?
A high, narrow palate, crowded teeth, mouth breathing, snoring, waking up throughout the night, or chronic grinding can sometimes be signs that the upper jaw did not develop properly — and this can affect breathing, sleep, and bite function.
Because the roof of the mouth is also the floor of the nose, a narrow palate can create more resistance when breathing through the nose. And when nasal breathing is harder, the body finds ways to compensate — like mouth breathing, snoring, awakening throughout the night, clenching and grinding.
MARPE / MASPE is a custom adult expander. They are anchored to the upper jaw with temporary accessories. Dr. Godley and Dr. Bradley are able to use this to gently expand the palate in older teens and adults — without jaw surgery! 🙌🏼
These adult expanders allow us to create space for crowding, widen the upper jaw, support a healthier bite, and give the tongue more room to rest where it belongs. For many patients, this can also help support nasal breathing and improved sleep quality. 😴
The most meaningful part is hearing patients tell us they can breathe better, sleep better, snore less, and finally feel more rested. 🙌🏼 Those moments make us SO happy, and remind us exactly why this work matters so much.
Because this is not just about creating an amazing, confident smile. Of course we do that too! It is also about supporting a healthier bite, healthier breathing, and a healthier foundation for the whole body!🫶🏼
Breathing is influenced by many factors, which is why we are grateful to collaborate with amazing ENTs, myofunctional therapists, maxillofacial surgeons, tongue-tie specialists, and dental colleagues to provide the most comprehensive care possible.
Orthodontics is not only about a beautiful, straight smile. It is about a healthy foundation, healthy breathing, and a healthier life.
Better breathing.
Better sleep.
Better function.
Better — and healthier — smiles! 💛
Learn more about palatal expansion for adults here:
https://godleyfamilyortho.com/adult-palatal-expansion/
