Sleep Apnea

Take Control of Your Sleep Apnea Today

Sleep apnea can greatly affect your daily life, but there's hope for relief. At Aesthetic Smiles Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we're here to help you overcome sleep apnea symptoms. Our thorough approach tackles:

• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Central sleep apnea
• Complex sleep apnea syndrome
• Snoring and breathing problems
• Daytime tiredness and focus issues

Reclaim your nights and improve your days. Contact us to learn how we can help you get the restful sleep you deserve.

Why Use The MARPE Appliance?

The MARPE expander (short for Mini-implant Assisted Rapid Palatal Expander) is a powerful tool used to widen the upper jaw by gently applying force through mini-screws anchored in the palate. At Aesthetic Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we use a custom 3D-printed metal MARPE appliance with a Tiger Power Screw to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and comfort during treatment.

Palatal expansion through the MARPE can:

• Improve how your upper and lower teeth fit together
• Create space for crowded teeth
• Reduce dark corners of the smile (buccal corridors)
• Enhance your airway and potentially improve breathing
• Improve symptoms of OSA (obstructive Sleep Apnea)
• Support long-term bite stability and facial balance

MARPE Activation Instructions

Activation Overview

Every patient’s expansion protocol is customized. At your appointment, we provided specific instructions tailored to your case. Please follow those directions exactly — including how many “faces” to turn each day and for how long.

We use a Tiger Power Screw with a hexagonal design. Each full turn (6 faces) equals 1 mm of palatal expansion. Each face is approximately 0.17 mm. This allows us to achieve extremely precise movement.

You’ll activate your MARPE appliance using a small wrench provided to you at your appointment.

Step-by-Step Activation Guide:

1.   Use the wrench provided. Insert it into the hex slot in the middle of the Tiger Power Screw until it’s fully seated.

2.   Turn the wrench in the direction indicated by your orthodontist (typically toward the back of your mouth).

3.   One face of the hex = 0.17 mm. You may be instructed to turn one or more per week, depending on your specific plan.

4.   Only turn as instructed — more is not better, and turning incorrectly may cause discomfort or severe complications.

5.   Do not reverse the turn. Always remove the wrench carefully in the same direction of movement.

6.   Weekly photo checks are submitted to the office to monitor expansion remotely.

Managing Discomfort and Oral Hygiene

Managing Discomfort and Medication

Some discomfort, tightness, or pressure is normal during MARPE activation. At your appointment, you may have received a prescription for anti-inflammatory steroids or pain relievers. Please take medications exactly as prescribed to reduce swelling, inflammation, and soreness.

Oral Hygiene During Palatal Expansion

Keeping Your MARPE Appliance Clean

It’s important to maintain excellent hygiene during your MARPE treatment to prevent irritation and inflammation around the appliance.

• Brush around the appliance thoroughly 2x/day
• Use an interdental proxy brush to clean under and around the expander
• Rinse with mouthwash daily
• A Waterpik is highly recommended to flush food from under the appliance

What to Expect with Your MARPE Expander

What’s Normal During Treatment

• Speech changes (e.g., a slight lisp) are normal and temporary. Try reading aloud or singing to adjust faster.
• Tooth and jaw soreness during the first few days of activation is common.
• You may feel pressure or tingling in your cheeks, nose, or palate — a good sign that expansion is occurring.
• Bite may feel “off” during expansion — this will stabilize later in treatment.
• A gap between your front teeth may appear. This is expected and means the appliance is working well. Don’t worry — we’ll close the space as your orthodontic treatment continues.

When to Call Us

Please contact our office if you experience:

• Pain that doesn’t improve with medication
• Swelling or redness around the appliance
• A screw (TAD) feels loose or shifts position
• Bleeding, pus, or signs of infection
• Intense nasal pressure, headaches, or sinus discomfort

Top Do’s and Don’ts for MARPE Activation

 Do:

• Follow the activation instructions given to you exactly
• Use your wrench properly — one face at a time as directed
• Keep the appliance and your teeth very clean
• Take medications as prescribed
• Use a Waterpik and mouthwash daily
• Call us with any concerns — no question is too small!

 Don’t:

• Skip days or “double up” without our direction
• Turn more than instructed
• Pull the wrench forward when removing it
• Eat sticky, chewy, or crunchy foods
• Ignore signs of irritation, swelling, or loose screws

MARPE FAQs

Sleep Apnea Solutions for Better Health

Sleep apnea can impact many aspects of your health. Understanding the benefits of treatment is important:

• Better sleep and daytime alertness
• Lower risk of heart problems
• Improved blood pressure control
• Sharper thinking and memory
• Fewer accidents caused by tiredness
• Better mood and mental health

Treating your sleep apnea is a big step towards a healthier life. Our team at Aesthetic Smiles Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is ready to guide you and provide care that fits your needs.

Why Choose Aesthetic Smiles Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

For sleep apnea care in the Treasure Valley, Aesthetic Smiles Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is the go-to choice. Here's why patients trust us:

• Clean, comfy office for all visits
• Trusted practice since 2005
• Warmly welcoming new patients
• Sedation for nervous patients
• Easy payment options
• Full dental care in one place
• Kid-friendly treatments
• Over 20 years of dental know-how
• Help with insurance paperwork
• Early and late appointments available
• Same-day care for emergencies

Our family-run practice is devoted to giving you great care in a friendly setting. We know how sleep apnea affects your life and we're here to support you from start to finish.

Contact Us

Put an end to restless nights and tired days. Aesthetic Smiles Family & Cosmetic Dentistry offers tailored solutions for your sleep apnea. Our skilled team is committed to enhancing your sleep and overall wellness.

Reach out to us now to book your sleep apnea consultation and start your journey to better sleep and health.