Mini-implant assisted maxillary expansion for late adolescents and adults
Official title: Efficacy of Mini-Implant-Assisted Maxillary Expansion on Late Adolescents and Adults and Its Effects on Nasal Permeability and Airway Volume Using Three Different Activation Protocols: A Randomized Controlled Trial (MARPE_1)
Run by Erasme University Hospital · NCT06449014 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether MARPE (mini-implant assisted rapid palatal expansion) using different activation schedules can widen the upper jaw and improve nasal airflow in people aged 16 and older with a narrow maxilla.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 16 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Erasme University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Anderlecht, Brussels Capital and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 2, 2024 |
| Main results expected | July 2027 |
| Study ends | September 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 11, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06449014 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
People aged 16 years and older with transverse maxillary discrepancy who have not undergone prior palatal expansion and who do not have excluded craniofacial conditions are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with prior maxillofacial surgery, cleft lip or palate, craniofacial syndromes, periodontal disease, anatomical obstacles to mini-screw insertion, or prior palatal expansion are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a three-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial conducted at the Orthodontics clinic of Erasme University Hospital in Brussels. All participants receive MARPE with four mini-screws and are randomized to one of three activation protocols (continuous rapid, continuous slow, or a force-controlled polycyclic protocol). The appliance is left in place for 12 months to allow bone remodeling, with fixed orthodontic treatment beginning about two months after expansion ends and retention checks at 6 and 12 months. Primary outcomes include success rate of nonsurgical maxillary expansion and secondary outcomes measure nasal permeability and airway volume using rhinomanometry and imaging.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a reliable non-surgical option to widen the upper jaw in older teens and adults and potentially improve nasal breathing.
How similar studies have gone: Previous clinical reports and trials indicate MARPE can open the midpalatal suture in many late adolescents and adults, but outcomes vary and optimal activation protocols and airway effects are not consistently established.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * from the age of 16 onwards * who presented with transverse maxillary discrepancy (unilateral, bilateral, anticipated, or constriction without crossbite). Exclusion Criteria: * history or presence of maxillofacial surgery, cleft lip and palate, craniofacial anomalies or syndromes, congenital tooth anomalies, and periodontal disease. * Patients who had previously palatal expansion were excluded also. * Presence of anatomic or pathological obstacle of the palatal mini-screw insertion (impacted tooth, tumor.) * refusal of study participation
Where it's running
-
service dentaire et d'orthodontie de l'hopital université de bruxelles (HUB)
Anderlecht, Brussels Capital, Belgium Recruiting -
Route de Lennik 900
Anderlecht, Brussels Capital, Belgium Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: arnel NANA, Dr
- Email: narnelredon@gmail.com
- Phone: +32460952160
Similar studies
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.