MARPE in Dubai — non-surgical upper jaw expansion for adults
Miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) for adults with a narrow upper jaw, with Dr. Moaiyad Pacha at Manhal Medical Center, Dubai.
MARPE in Dubai is a non-surgical way to widen a narrow upper jaw in many adults, using an expander anchored with small miniscrews. At Manhal Medical Center, MARPE is planned by Dr. Moaiyad Pacha after 3D imaging and airway-focused assessment.
Why patients consider MARPE — Adult Palatal Expansion
Adults consider MARPE for crossbites, crowding caused by a narrow arch, or — in selected cases, alongside a sleep physician — nasal breathing difficulties linked to a narrow palate.
About this treatment
In adults the midline suture of the palate has usually fused, so traditional expanders mostly tip teeth instead of widening the jaw. MARPE anchors the expander to the palatal bone with small miniscrews, allowing skeletal expansion in many adults without surgical expansion. Published clinical studies, including randomised trials, report improvements in nasal airway dimensions and, in selected patients, in sleep-disordered breathing measures.
Orthodontics at Manhal looks beyond straight teeth. The position of the jaws affects the bite, the joints and the space available for breathing, so assessment covers all three before an appliance is chosen.
Problems it can address
Crowded TeethWhy teeth crowd, the problems it causes, and treatment with aligners, braces or expansion at Manhal Medical Center, Dubai.CrossbiteWhat a crossbite is, why it matters, and how it is corrected in children and adults at Manhal Medical Center, Dubai.Mouth Breathing in ChildrenWhy children mouth-breathe, how it can relate to jaw development and sleep, and when to seek assessment in Dubai.Who it may suit
- Adults with a narrow upper jaw or crossbite
- Crowding caused by lack of arch width
- Selected patients with nasal breathing difficulty or snoring, after assessment
Who may not be suitable
- Patients with thin palatal bone unsuitable for miniscrews on imaging
- Some older adults with fully mature sutures, where surgical expansion may be more predictable
- Active gum disease
Treatment options
MARPE
Miniscrew-anchored skeletal expansion.
Surgically assisted expansion (SARPE)
When the suture is too mature for MARPE.
Dental expansion with aligners/braces
Limited, tooth-based widening.
Consultation and diagnosis
Orthodontic assessment records the teeth, the bite, jaw relationships and — where relevant — breathing and sleep history. Photographs, a digital scan and radiographs are taken as needed to plan treatment and estimate its duration.
Pain and anaesthesia
Miniscrews are placed under local anaesthetic. Activation causes pressure in the palate and nose area rather than sharp pain.
Number of visits
Assessment and imaging, placement, weekly checks during expansion, then stabilisation and orthodontic alignment.
Your treatment, step by step
Active expansion generally takes a few weeks, followed by a stabilisation period of several months before or during orthodontic alignment.
- Airway and orthodontic assessment with 3D imaging
- Custom expander design
- Miniscrew placement under local anaesthetic
- Daily activation during the expansion phase
- Stabilisation, then orthodontic alignment
Recovery timeline
- First daysPressure in the palate and nose area; speech adapts quickly
- Expansion phaseA gap may appear between the front teeth — this is expected
- StabilisationThe appliance stays in place while new bone consolidates
Aftercare
A gap between the front teeth is expected during expansion and is closed afterwards with orthodontics. Keep the appliance clean with a water flosser.
Maintenance
- Keep the appliance clean with a water flosser
- Follow activation instructions exactly
- Attend every review
Common, temporary side effects
- Pressure and a nasal sensation during activation
- Temporary speech changes
Risks and possible complications
- Incomplete skeletal expansion in some adults
- Miniscrew inflammation or loosening
- Temporary discomfort, soft-tissue irritation
Warning signs — contact the clinic
- Loose miniscrew or appliance
- Swelling or pain around a miniscrew
This page is general information and does not replace a consultation. Suitability, risks and results vary between patients.
Prepared by the Manhal Medical Center editorial team · Updated: 2026-09-23 · Treating specialist: Dr. Moaiyad Pacha
Results and how long they last
Successful MARPE widens the upper jaw skeletally; a gap between the front teeth during expansion is expected and later closed.
Your specialist
Dr. Moaiyad Pacha
Consultant Orthodontist · Airway & Sleep
Orthodontics, MARPE expansion, airway-focused treatment and Invisalign.
Why patients choose Manhal Medical Center
- A consultant orthodontist with a PhD from King's College London
- Assessment of the teeth, jaws and — where relevant — breathing, not just alignment
- MARPE and airway-focused care alongside aligners and braces
- Coordination with our dentists for any restorative work
- Consultations in English and Arabic
MARPE — Adult Palatal Expansion in Dubai: practical information
MARPE is a specialised treatment and patients travel within the UAE and from abroad to see Dr. Pacha. Ask the clinic for his Dubai clinic dates.
Travelling to Dubai for treatment?
Patients visiting from abroad can send records before travelling for a preliminary review of what can be done in one trip.
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Questions patients ask
Patients visit us from Al Safa, Al Wasl, Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, Al Quoz, City Walk, Business Bay, Downtown Dubai and Al Barsha — and from Sharjah and the wider UAE.
Does MARPE replace surgery for everyone?
No. Success depends on age and suture maturation; 3D imaging helps assess suitability, and some patients still need surgical expansion.
Will MARPE cure sleep apnoea?
It can improve airway parameters in suitable patients, but sleep apnoea should be diagnosed and managed with a sleep physician. MARPE may be one part of that plan.
Does MARPE hurt?
Miniscrews are placed under local anaesthetic. Activation creates pressure rather than sharp pain for most patients.
Is MARPE surgery?
No. It is a non-surgical expansion using miniscrews placed under local anaesthetic.
Does MARPE work in older adults?
Success decreases as the suture matures; 3D imaging helps predict suitability.
Will MARPE help my breathing?
It can improve nasal airway measures in selected patients, but breathing and sleep problems should be diagnosed with a physician.
How long does MARPE — Adult Palatal Expansion take?
Active expansion generally takes a few weeks, followed by a stabilisation period of several months before or during orthodontic alignment.
How many appointments does MARPE — Adult Palatal Expansion need?
Assessment and imaging, placement, weekly checks during expansion, then stabilisation and orthodontic alignment.
Who should not have MARPE — Adult Palatal Expansion?
These situations need assessment first or may make treatment unsuitable: Patients with thin palatal bone unsuitable for miniscrews on imaging; Some older adults with fully mature sutures, where surgical expansion may be more predictable; Active gum disease.
What are the risks of MARPE — Adult Palatal Expansion?
Possible risks include: Incomplete skeletal expansion in some adults; Miniscrew inflammation or loosening; Temporary discomfort, soft-tissue irritation. Your doctor explains how they apply to you.
How long do the results of MARPE — Adult Palatal Expansion last?
Successful MARPE widens the upper jaw skeletally; a gap between the front teeth during expansion is expected and later closed.
What are the alternatives to MARPE — Adult Palatal Expansion?
Depending on your case: Airway-Focused Orthodontics. Your doctor will compare them with you.
Which doctor performs MARPE — Adult Palatal Expansion at Manhal in Dubai?
MARPE — Adult Palatal Expansion at Manhal Medical Center is provided by Dr. Moaiyad Pacha (Consultant Orthodontist · Airway & Sleep).
Can I have MARPE — Adult Palatal Expansion while visiting Dubai?
Often yes. Send your records and photos first so the doctor can estimate the number of visits; some treatments need a second trip or local follow-up. See our international patients guide.
Where is Manhal Medical Center?
We are at Building 101, Street 22A, Al Safa 1, Dubai, UAE, between Al Wasl Road and Sheikh Zayed Road, with easy access from Jumeirah, City Walk, Downtown and Business Bay.
How do I book an appointment?
Use the form on this page, call +971 4 328 4560, or WhatsApp +971 52 987 2411. Our team will match you with the right doctor.
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Request an appointment
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Building 101, Street 22A, Al Safa 1, Dubai, UAE