MARPE Maxillary Expansion
Skeletal expansion addresses more than crowded teeth—it supports healthy jaw development, airway function, and long-term oral health by treating the underlying cause with a personalized, whole-body approach for both children and adults.
Treating the Cause,
Not Just the Symptoms
Skeletal expansion is about more than creating space for crowded teeth—it's about addressing the underlying cause. We take a whole-body approach, evaluating jaw development, oral function, and airway health to determine the best treatment for children and adults.
An underdeveloped upper jaw (maxilla) can contribute to crowded teeth, restricted airways, and bite issues. By supporting healthy maxillary development through pediatric expansion or adult skeletal expansion (MARPE), we can create space for teeth, improve function, and promote healthier breathing and long-term oral wellness.
Could Your Child Benefit from Early Orthodontic Intervention?
Healthy jaw development begins early. While crowded teeth are often the most noticeable sign, they may also indicate that the jaws are not developing as expected. Early evaluation allows us to identify concerns before they become more complex and, in many cases, guide healthy growth and development.
Early orthodontic intervention may be recommended for concerns such as:
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Underbite, overbite, crossbite, or open bite
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Crowded teeth or limited space for permanent teeth
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Thumb or finger sucking habits
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Mouth breathing or snoring
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Tongue thrust or swallowing concerns
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Narrow jaws or airway development concerns
A simple way to monitor your child's development at home is to look for natural spacing between the baby teeth. These spaces help make room for larger adult teeth. If the baby teeth appear crowded or tightly packed, it may be a sign that an early orthodontic assessment would be beneficial.
At Westwood Dental & Starwood Dental, we take a whole-body approach by evaluating jaw growth, oral function, and airway health to determine whether early intervention can support your child's long-term oral health, breathing, and overall wellness.
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What Every Parent Should Know About Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Children
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Recognizing the Signs
Snoring, mouth breathing, and restless sleep may be signs that your child is struggling to breathe efficiently during sleep. Other symptoms can include difficulty concentrating, behavioural concerns, bedwetting, headaches, chronic congestion, and poor-quality sleep. Because these signs are often overlooked or attributed to other causes, many children go undiagnosed.
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Addressing the Root Cause
Early evaluation allows us to identify concerns with jaw development, oral function, and airway health before they become more complex. By addressing the underlying cause, we can help support healthy breathing, proper jaw growth, improved oral function, and long-term wellness.
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A Collaborative Approach
Every child is unique. We work closely with pediatricians, ENT specialists, orthodontists, lactation consultants, and myofunctional therapists to provide comprehensive, whole-body care. When appropriate, we also assess for tongue ties and coordinate treatment or referrals to ensure each child receives the care they need.