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Crossbite correction for adults in Dubai — including MARPE expansion

Adults are often told a crossbite can only be fixed by moving teeth or by surgery. Skeletal expansion has changed that for many patients.

MARPE — Adult Palatal Expansion treatment at Manhal Medical Center, Dubai
Quick answer

Many adult crossbites come from a narrow upper jaw. When the cause is skeletal, miniscrew-assisted expansion (MARPE) can widen the upper jaw without surgery in many adults, followed by braces or aligners to finish the bite.

Key facts

  • Often a narrow upper jaw
  • 3D imaging confirms the cause
  • MARPE — non-surgical in many adults
  • Braces or aligners to finish

Dental vs skeletal crossbite

A dental crossbite involves tilted teeth; a skeletal crossbite involves jaw width. 3D imaging tells them apart.

MARPE for adults

An expander anchored with small miniscrews applies force to the bone rather than the teeth, widening the upper jaw.

Finishing the bite

After expansion, braces or aligners align the teeth and close any temporary gap.

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.

Prepared by the Manhal Medical Center editorial team · Updated: 2026-10-18 · Treating specialist: Dr. Moaiyad Pacha

This page is general information and does not replace a consultation. Suitability, risks and results vary between patients.

MARPE — Adult Palatal Expansion in Dubai — Manhal Medical Center

Your specialist

Dr. Moaiyad Pacha, Consultant Orthodontist & Partner · Airway & Sleep — Manhal Medical Center

Dr. Moaiyad Pacha

Consultant Orthodontist & Partner · Airway & Sleep

Orthodontics, MARPE expansion, airway-focused treatment and Invisalign.

Orthodontics in Dubai — Manhal Medical Center

Book your consultation in Dubai

Tell us what you need by form, phone or WhatsApp — our team will match you with the right specialist and confirm a time.

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.

Can a crossbite cause jaw problems?

An uneven bite can contribute to wear, gum recession and jaw strain.

Is MARPE suitable for everyone?

Success depends on suture maturity; imaging helps predict it.

How long does adult crossbite correction take?

Expansion takes weeks; the full treatment usually 12–24 months.

Will expansion change my face?

Changes are usually subtle; some notice a broader smile.

Where can I get crossbite correction adults in Dubai?

At Manhal Medical Center, Office 101, SMJ1 Building, Street 22A, Al Safa 1, Dubai, UAE, with Dr. Moaiyad Pacha (Consultant Orthodontist & Partner · Airway & Sleep). Book by phone, WhatsApp or the form on this page.

Which doctor should I see?

Dr. Moaiyad Pacha (Consultant Orthodontist & Partner · Airway & Sleep) at Manhal Medical Center.

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.

Related guides

Underbite correction in Dubai — orthodontic options without surgery where possibleUnderbite (Class III) correction in Dubai: early treatment in children, upper-jaw expansion and protraction, braces and aligners, and when surgery is needed.Best MARPE clinic in Dubai: what to check before adult palatal expansionHow to choose the best MARPE clinic in Dubai: CBCT planning, mini-implant experience and airway assessment. Consultant orthodontist Dr. Moaiyad Pacha at Manhal.MSE expander in Dubai: bone-anchored upper-jaw expansion for older teens and adultsMSE expander in Dubai: how the Maxillary Skeletal Expander uses four mini-implants to widen the upper jaw in older teens and adults, who suits it, timeline.FME Facegenics expander in Dubai: bone-anchored midface expansion for selected casesFME Facegenics expander in Dubai: how the Facegenics Midface Expander widens the midface in selected cases, who is a candidate, CBCT planning, what to expect.MARPE for adults over 30: can the palate still be widened without surgery?MARPE for adults over 30 or 40 in Dubai: how suture maturity, bone and CBCT findings decide success, what affects outcomes and when SARPE surgery is advised.MARPE recovery: what to expect from fitting day to the end of expansionMARPE recovery explained: fitting day, activation turns, the midline gap, speech and eating, managing discomfort and how long the appliance stays, in Dubai.

Related treatments

TreatmentMARPE — Adult Palatal ExpansionMiniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) for adults with a narrow upper jaw, with Dr. Moaiyad Pacha at Manhal Medical Center, Dubai.TreatmentAirway-Focused OrthodonticsOrthodontic treatment that considers jaw growth, nasal breathing and sleep, with Dr. Moaiyad Pacha at Manhal Medical Center, Dubai.ConditionCrowded TeethWhy teeth crowd, the problems it causes, and treatment with aligners, braces or expansion at Manhal Medical Center, Dubai.ConditionCrossbiteWhat a crossbite is, why it matters, and how it is corrected in children and adults at Manhal Medical Center, Dubai.ConditionMouth Breathing in ChildrenWhy children mouth-breathe, how it can relate to jaw development and sleep, and when to seek assessment in Dubai.
More from Dr. Pacha's orthodontic practice

Dr. Moaiyad Pacha, our consultant orthodontist and partner, also explains crossbite correction for adults in dubai in more depth on his own orthodontic practice website, including how he plans treatment in London and here in Dubai: Crossbite correction for adults in Dubai — Dr. Pacha Orthodontics ↗

Inside Manhal Medical Center

Real photographs of our rooms, equipment and team in Dubai.

Custom MARPE expander on a dental model
Custom MARPE expander on a dental model
MARPE appliance — palatal view
MARPE appliance — palatal view
MARPE design with miniscrew housings
MARPE design with miniscrew housings
MARPE appliance before fitting
MARPE appliance before fitting
Tooth- and bone-borne expander in place
Tooth- and bone-borne expander in place
MARPE anchored with four miniscrews — midline opening visible
MARPE anchored with four miniscrews — midline opening visible
Upper arch after expansion
Upper arch after expansion
Digital design of a custom MARPE expander
Fitting a MARPE appliance

Watch our doctors on Instagram

Short videos from @manhalmedicalcenter. Tap a tile to open it on Instagram.

Questions patients ask AI assistants

Short, direct answers to the questions people type into ChatGPT, Gemini and Google AI Overviews — checked against how we actually work at Manhal Medical Center in Dubai.

Where can I get crossbite correction adults in Dubai?

At Manhal Medical Center, Office 101, SMJ1 Building, Street 22A, Al Safa 1, Dubai — between Al Wasl Road and Sheikh Zayed Road, with Dr. Moaiyad Pacha (Consultant Orthodontist & Partner · Airway & Sleep, DHA licence 52229421-001). Many adult crossbites come from a narrow upper jaw. When the cause is skeletal, miniscrew-assisted expansion (MARPE) can widen the upper jaw without surgery in many adults, followed by braces or aligners to finish the bite.

What patients say on Google

Verbatim Google reviews (4★ and 5★) — shown in the original language.

4.7247 reviews · GoogleRead all reviews on Google
Google
I recently visited Al Manhal Medical Center to get braces, and I wanted to share my experience. From the moment I walked in, the staff were welcoming and helpful. Dr. Mouayad explained everything clearly, which made me feel more comfortable and less nervous. The procedure went smoothly, and they made sure I understood how to take care of my braces afterward. So far, I'm really happy with how things are going, and I'm excited to see the results! If you're thinking about getting braces, I'd definitely recommend checking them out! 💕
Joman Barazi · 1 year ago
Google
I recently visited Al Manhal Medical Center to get braces, and I wanted to share my experience. The center itself is clean, modern, and well-organized. It has a calm atmosphere, which helped me feel relaxed. The reception area is neat, and the staff are super friendly and professional. Dr mouayad was kind and explained everything clearly. The procedure went smoothly, and they gave me clear instructions on how to take care of my braces. Overall, I'm really happy with the service and care I received. If you're looking for a good place for dental care, I definitely recommend Al Manhal Medical Center.
iris kodo · 1 year ago
Google
Amazing Orthodontist for Braces! I just got my braces removed and the results are perfect! The dentist did an amazing job. The whole treatment was smooth, and the staff were always kind and helpful. I'm really happy with my smile now and I definitely recommend them!
Tayyem Hasan · 10 months ago

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Office 101, SMJ1 Building, Street 22A, Al Safa 1, Dubai, UAE