MARPE (Mini-Implant Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) is an advanced orthodontic technique designed to widen the upper jaw (maxilla) by targeting the mid-palatal suture—the joint located in the center of the upper jaw. Unlike traditional palatal expanders, which are primarily effective in younger patients, MARPE uses mini-implants (temporary anchorage devices) to apply direct force to the bone, making it effective for teens and adults whose skeletal structures are more mature.
The HAAS appliance—named after Dr. Andrew Haas—is a type of Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE) commonly used in children and preteens to correct a narrow upper jaw. It features a metal framework attached to the upper molars and an acrylic pad that rests against the roof of the mouth. When activated, the appliance gently widens the mid-palatal suture, a natural growth site in the upper jaw.
