Narmexis
𝔊𝔯𝔢𝔢𝔡
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- May 3, 2026
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Dentist Visit Recap + IPE Treatment Plan — Need Opinions
Went to the dentist today for minor crowding. Asked a bunch of questions while I was there.
Maxilla: Not recessed, average projection, but arch is narrow
Mandible: Not recessed
Treatment Discussion
They gave me several options for the crowding, none of them bone-related. I asked if an expander would work — since I'm 17 they said my sutures are probably closed, might only give minor results, and told me to get an X-ray. Results coming in ~12 hours.
I pushed and asked about MARPE. They shut it down, said my suture is likely closed and even if it isn't, I shouldn't get it. Felt annoying to hear.
Knowing my maxilla is done growing genuinely killed my cope. Aesthetics are my only concern here.
Their Recommendation: IPEs + Invisalign
- SARPE was mentioned but ruled out as unnecessary
- Going with Invisalign Palatal Expanders (IPEs) coupled with regular Invisalign
- Claiming I can achieve ~5–7mm of skeletal expansion
Dad is funding the whole thing which I'm grateful for, but I'm skeptical about the results. Crowding will obviously get fixed but I wanted real maxillary expansion.
Also — why are they willing to do IPEs but not MARPE? Both work on the palate. Feels contradictory. Anyone have experience with IPEs? Is 5–7mm actually enough to make a visible difference?

