04/14/2026
Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (SARPE).
SARPE is a variation of the LeFort I maxillary Osteotomy used in instances where there is stark deficiency in upper jaw width, requiring expansions of up to 1 centimeter or greater.
Technique: Saw cuts are made through the floor of the nasal cavity, as well as other parts of the upper jaw, to allow for expansion without interference. Then a “palate expander” is used to spread the upper jaw, to the desired width, slowly over a 10-14 day period. Following a 3 month wait, and expert collaboration with orthodontic specialist, the teeth are leveled and aligned accordingly.
SARPE is a form of distraction osteogenesis of bone. It is a predictable form of jaw movement, with high degree of stability.