MARPE Jaw Expansion in Dubai for UK Patients

What MARPE is

MARPE stands for miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion. Small temporary anchorage devices (TADs) are placed in the roof of the mouth and connected to an expander, so force is applied directly to the bone rather than only to the teeth. In suitable adults this can open the midpalatal suture and widen the upper jaw, which conventional expanders rarely achieve after the teenage years. It is usually followed by braces or aligners to refine the bite. Suitability depends on age, bone maturity and anatomy, which a CBCT scan helps assess.

Why some adults consider it

Adults look into MARPE for reasons such as a narrow upper jaw, a crossbite, crowding, or a narrow nasal airway noticed alongside snoring or mouth breathing. Dr. Pacha's work includes airway-focused orthodontics, and he received the American Association of Orthodontists' Turpin Award in 2021 and Dewel Award in 2024. MARPE is not a treatment for sleep apnoea on its own. Where breathing or sleep problems are suspected, the clinic may recommend assessment by a sleep physician or ENT specialist as part of the overall plan.

Consult in London, continue in Dubai, or the reverse

Dr. Moaiyad Pacha, PhD (Queen Mary University of London), M.Orth RCS Edinburgh and F.Orth RCS England, practises in both London and Dubai. Some UK patients see him first in London and continue parts of their treatment in Dubai, while others start and are reviewed in London, where his schedule allows. Arrangements depend on his diary in each city and on the stage of treatment, so contact the clinic for his Dubai dates before planning travel around specific appointments.

Timeline and number of visits

MARPE is a staged treatment lasting many months, not a short trip. A typical sequence includes assessment with records and a CBCT scan, placement of the miniscrews and expander, an active expansion phase with regular turns over several weeks, a stabilisation period, and then braces or aligners, often for a year or more. In-person reviews are needed during expansion. Be realistic about how often you can travel; the clinic will discuss which appointments can happen in which city and where local support may help.

What to send before your first visit

Useful records include recent photographs of your teeth and face, any previous orthodontic records or treatment details, a CBCT or panoramic X-ray if you have one, and notes on snoring, mouth breathing or any sleep study. Mention jaw joint symptoms, gum recession and previous extractions. If you see a UK general dentist regularly, tell them about the plan; they will continue your check-ups and hygiene visits during treatment, which matter more while you wear appliances. Records can be sent by email or WhatsApp to +971 52 987 2411.

Practical points for UK patients

Dubai is three to four hours ahead of the UK and about seven hours away by air, so a review trip can fit into a long weekend, although most patients plan a few days. The expansion phase often causes pressure, temporary speech changes and a gap between the front teeth that later closes; this is expected and is explained beforehand. Fees are not published and depend on the full plan, so ask the clinic. Outcomes vary between individuals, and no specific result can be promised in advance.

Prepared by the Manhal Medical Center editorial team · Updated: 2026-10-18