Great Lakes Dental Technologies has introduced the Great Lakes Custom MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expander), a customizable orthodontic appliance designed to address maxillary transverse deficiency.
According to the company, the appliance is customized to each patient’s treatment needs, with the prescribing doctor determining the number and location of mini-screws needed to achieve the desired expansion. Great Lakes technicians provide an implant placement simulation based on the doctor's prescription to support appliance design before fabrication.
The company said the MARPE appliance widens the maxilla using mini-implants anchored directly into the palatal bone. Unlike traditional tooth-borne expanders, the appliance is designed to provide skeletal expansion through bone anchorage to support controlled expansion.
“We are excited to launch the MARPE, as it addresses a vital gap in traditional orthodontic expansion,” said David Josza, president and CEO of Great Lakes Dental Technologies. “The non-surgical benefits to the patient can't be overstated. Our commitment to partnering with doctors and practitioners to advance patient outcomes drove the development of this unique and effective appliance.”
According to the company, the Great Lakes Custom MARPE incorporates digital implant planning, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) verification, and a consultation process that includes customer approval before fabrication. Great Lakes said its technicians work with practices to support digital treatment planning, precise mini-implant placement, controlled activation protocols, and expansion monitoring.
Great Lakes Dental Technologies is an employee-owned company with approximately 200 employee-owners that designs, develops, and manufactures appliances and products for the orthodontic, restorative, dental, and sleep and airway markets. According to the company, it offers more than 4,000 products and services through its orthodontic laboratory.
