Orthodontic Treatment
Maxillary Skeletal Expander — non-surgical palatal expansion for adults and teens.
The MSE expander is a non-surgical orthodontic device that widens the upper jaw (maxilla) using 4 titanium temporary anchorage devices (TADs). Unlike traditional palatal expanders, MSE achieves true bone-borne skeletal expansion in adults and teenagers — no surgery required.
Book Your MSE ConsultationFour medical-grade titanium mini-implants (TADs) are placed in the palate under local anesthesia. These anchor the MSE appliance directly to bone for true skeletal expansion.
The MSE expander is activated daily with a key, applying controlled force to gradually split the mid-palatal suture. Active expansion takes 2-3 months.
After reaching the desired expansion, the MSE device remains in place for 3-6 months while new bone fills the expanded suture and stabilizes.
Following MSE expansion, braces or Invisalign align the teeth into the newly widened arch. Total treatment time is approximately 6-9 months.
MSE avoids SARPE surgery (Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion), eliminating general anesthesia and surgical risks. 94% success rate in splitting the palatal suture.
Expanding the maxilla with MSE widens the nasal floor, significantly improving nasal breathing. Many patients report reduced snoring and better sleep quality.
Unlike dental expanders that tilt teeth outward, MSE produces real bone-level widening of the upper jaw — 6-8mm of skeletal expansion is achievable.
Traditional expanders only work on children. The MSE expander uses bone-borne anchorage to achieve skeletal expansion in teenagers and adults of any age.
Adults and teens with a constricted maxilla who need skeletal expansion to correct crossbites, crowding, or arch width discrepancies.
Posterior crossbites caused by a narrow upper jaw are effectively treated with MSE expansion without the need for jaw surgery.
Patients with chronic mouth breathing, nasal obstruction, or sleep-disordered breathing caused by a narrow maxilla and restricted nasal airway.
Patients requiring arch expansion before Invisalign or braces. MSE creates the skeletal foundation for ideal orthodontic alignment.
SARPE requires surgery under general anesthesia to cut the palatal bone. MSE achieves the same skeletal expansion non-surgically with a 94% success rate and minimal downtime.
Traditional Rapid Palatal Expanders (RPE) are tooth-borne and only work in children. MSE is bone-borne and effective for adults with fused palatal sutures.
MSE is a type of MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expander). The terms are often used interchangeably, though MSE specifically refers to the design by Dr. Won Moon.
Both are TAD-anchored skeletal expanders. The Facegenics Midface Expander (FME) is Team Dental's flagship device with a proprietary 6-10 TAD system for enhanced stability.
The Maxillary Skeletal Expander (MSE) is a non-surgical orthodontic appliance that widens the upper jaw by anchoring into the palate with titanium mini-implants (TADs). It produces true skeletal expansion in adults and teenagers.
MSE expander treatment typically costs between $5,000 and $10,000. We accept 40+ insurance plans and offer flexible financing options.
Patients report mild pressure during daily activations, similar to tightening braces. TAD placement is done under local anesthesia with minimal discomfort.
Yes. MSE was specifically designed for adults and teenagers with fused palatal sutures. There is no upper age limit for MSE expansion.
Team Dental offers MSE expander treatment across 5 locations — New York City, Philadelphia, Swedesboro, Ponte Vedra Beach, and Vermont. Our doctors specialize in airway-centered orthodontics with over 1,000 expander installs.
We accept 40+ insurance plans including Aetna, Cigna, Delta Dental, MetLife, and United Healthcare. Flexible financing available.