Hi all,

I have found a local doctor using bone borne expanders (not MARPE:  https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Heinz_Winsauer/publication/249997116_A_bone-borne_appliance_for_rapid_maxillary_expansion/links/54ac93a20cf21c47713a20df/A-bone-borne-appliance-for-rapid-maxillary-expansion.pdf )  My main reason for undergoing this treatment is to alleviate sleep apnea which I believe was brought on my extractions. 

I am missing my upper 2 premolars (as well as 3rd molars), but still have a dental class 1: mandible is not that retruded. My mid face is very flat, though and I have breathing issues.

The type of expander I will be getting is purely anchored to the palate and not the molars. I know those practitioners using MARPE are quite aware of combining it with FM, but the developer of my appliance seems more conservative and I cannot find any references to him treating adults, so I imagine my doctor will be the same. I was hoping to bring it up at my next appointment when I have the impression for the appliance made - I see that in order to use FM you need to attach elastics to the molar bands. If my appliance does not attach to the teeth and only the palate  will it be impossible to use a Facemask with it/use it to gain forward movement?

And, last question of all for those who have had MARPE: how long did the gap take to close after expansion? Did you notice any lengthening in your face? Any forward movement of the maxilla from the expansion alone?

Thanks!

C