If you’ve been recommended MARPE (Minimally Invasive Rapid Palatal Expansion) as part of your orthodontic or airway treatment plan, you’re probably wondering about one thing upfront:
How much does it cost—and is it worth it?
Like many advanced orthodontic treatments, the cost of MARPE varies depending on several factors, including your specific needs, whether it’s part of a larger treatment plan, and whether insurance will help cover it.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the typical cost range, what’s included, how insurance may help, and the flexible payment options that can make MARPE a realistic choice for improving your health and smile.
What Is MARPE and Why Is It Used?
MARPE (Minimally Invasive Rapid Palatal Expansion) is a modern orthodontic solution designed to widen the upper jaw in older teens and adults. As we age, the bones in the upper jaw fuse, making traditional palate expanders ineffective. MARPE uses mini-implants (TADs) to anchor a custom expander to the roof of the mouth, allowing for stable, non-surgical expansion.
It’s commonly used to treat:
- Narrow palates
- Dental crowding
- Crossbites
- Mouth breathing or nasal obstruction
- Mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
MARPE can improve airflow, align the bite, create room for crowded teeth, and support healthy facial development—making it a powerful alternative to more invasive procedures like jaw surgery.
How Much Does MARPE Cost?
In most cases, MARPE costs between $3,000 and $6,000, though the total can vary based on:
Case Complexity
Patients with more severe airway restriction, significant asymmetry, or other anatomical challenges may require more extensive planning, diagnostics, and follow-up care.
Geographic Location
As with most healthcare services, orthodontic treatment costs vary depending on your region. Urban areas and practices in high-cost-of-living locations may charge slightly more than others.
Comprehensive vs. Standalone Treatment
MARPE is sometimes part of a broader orthodontic plan involving braces or Invisalign. In these cases, it may be bundled into a larger treatment quote.
Technology and Diagnostics Used
Offices that use 3D imaging, CBCT scans, and advanced airway analysis tools provide a more thorough diagnostic experience, which may be reflected in the total cost.
Insurance and Coverage
Some patients are able to offset the cost through medical or dental insurance, especially when MARPE is used to treat conditions like sleep apnea or severe crowding.
Is MARPE Covered by Insurance?
Yes—sometimes MARPE is partially covered, particularly if it’s considered medically necessary. Coverage depends on your insurance type and whether the treatment is being used to address a health-related condition.
Medical Insurance
You may be eligible for medical coverage if MARPE is being used to treat conditions like:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
- Nasal obstruction or chronic mouth breathing
- Jaw growth deficiencies that impact airway function
To qualify, your provider may require:
- A formal diagnosis from a sleep physician or ENT
- A letter of medical necessity from your doctor
- Supporting documentation and imaging from your orthodontist
Pro Tip: Sleep studies, CBCT scans, and physician referrals all strengthen your case when applying for insurance coverage.
Dental Insurance
Dental plans typically do not cover MARPE unless it’s part of an approved orthodontic treatment plan. However, if your plan includes orthodontic benefits, you may be able to receive partial reimbursement for the expander, especially if used to correct crossbite or crowding.
Each insurance plan is different, so be sure to speak directly with your provider or ask your orthodontist’s office to assist with pre-authorizations and claims.
What’s Typically Included in the Cost of MARPE?
A comprehensive MARPE treatment package may include:
- Initial consultation and 3D imaging
- Digital scans or CBCT (cone beam CT) to assess airway space and jaw anatomy
- Custom appliance design and fabrication
- Placement of the expander and TADs
- Ongoing activation and progress checks
- Monitoring during the retention phase after expansion is complete
- Coordination with your sleep doctor, ENT, or other specialists if needed
Make sure to ask for a detailed treatment breakdown so you understand exactly what’s included and whether any additional services (like follow-up orthodontics) are billed separately.
Flexible Options to Make MARPE More Affordable
Even with partial insurance coverage, out-of-pocket costs can be a concern. Thankfully, most orthodontic practices offer several payment and financing options to make MARPE more accessible.
Payment Plans
Many offices offer in-house financing with affordable monthly payments and little to no interest. This allows you to spread the cost of treatment out over 6–24 months (or more), depending on your plan.
HSA and FSA Funds
If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can often use these funds to pay for MARPE—especially if it’s being used to address a medical condition like sleep apnea.
Third-Party Financing
Practices may also partner with providers like CareCredit, LendingPoint, or Sunbit to offer extended payment plans with flexible terms.
Ask your orthodontist about your options—they’ll usually work with you to make treatment financially manageable.
Is MARPE Worth the Cost?
While MARPE is an investment, it’s one that can have a lifelong impact on your health, comfort, and confidence. By widening the jaw and improving airflow, MARPE can:
- Eliminate the need for jaw surgery in many cases
- Relieve chronic mouth breathing, nasal congestion, or snoring
- Improve tongue posture and reduce the risk of orthodontic relapse
- Support better sleep, especially for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea
- Create space to align crowded teeth without extractions
- Improve facial balance and symmetry in growing teens and young adults
It’s not just about a better smile—it’s about better breathing, better sleep, and better quality of life.
Looking for MARPE in Bergen County? Choose Bergen Orthodontics
If you’re exploring MARPE as a treatment option, you want a provider who has the right tools, training, and experience to deliver results with comfort and confidence. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Bergen Orthodontics, Bergen County’s trusted leader in airway-centered orthodontic care.
Why patients choose Bergen Orthodontics for MARPE:
- Extensive experience with MARPE treatment for teens and adults
- Airway-focused care for patients with sleep-disordered breathing or nasal obstruction
- Advanced 3D imaging and diagnostics to plan precise, personalized expansion
- Collaborative approach with ENTs, sleep doctors, and other specialists
- Flexible payment options and insurance assistance to make care accessible
Whether you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea or are struggling with a narrow palate, our team is here to guide you through the process—with clarity, compassion, and confidence.
