Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE): A general review

Miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) has emerged as a non-surgical alternative to correct maxillary transverse deficiency in late adolescents and young adults. Compared with tooth-borne methods, MARPE transfers loads to the skeletal base through miniscrew anchorage, increasing the skeletal component of expansion and reducing dental tipping. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses report high success rates in non-growing patients, with clinically relevant increases in skeletal and dental widths and favorable changes in the upper airway, although heterogeneity remains and longer follow-up is needed (1–3). The most widespread MSE protocol begins with 0.25 mm twice daily until a midline diastema appears and then continues with 0.25 mm once daily until the target is reached; retention with the same appliance in a passive mode is typically maintained for 3–6 months (3,4,8). This review synthesizes the limitations of traditional methods in adults, the rise of MARPE, and the biomechanical logic underpinning its clinical adoption.