Airway Orthodontics · Phase II Therapy
Palatal Expander & Upper Arch Expansion
Adult expansion is now possible. And it is revolutionary.
Fixing the structural problem — not just managing the symptoms. When the upper arch is properly expanded, the airway opens, the tongue finds its home, and the body finally finds relief.
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A trusted TMJ, Sleep & Airway Doc in Scottsdale, Arizona
The Root Cause
A narrow arch.
A lifetime of consequences.
Narrow upper arches are a result of inadequate orofacial development during childhood and adolescence. If the arches are not widened during those early years — and not corrected adequately during orthodontic treatment — the narrow upper arch can cause havoc on the body throughout life.
Without a proper place for the tongue to rest, the narrow arch forces the tongue low in the mouth — causing poor posture and driving the mandible posteriorly during swallowing and biting. Over time, this leads to TMD pain and a wide range of symptoms that most people never connect to their bite.
- Headaches and migraines
- Neck aches and cervical pain
- Facial pain and jaw soreness
- Back pain and postural problems
- Jaw clicking, popping, and locking
- Disrupted sleep and airway restriction
Spark Aligners + DOME — Combined Protocol
"Teeth Dominate. Muscles Accommodate. And when the arch is narrow — everything downstream pays the price."
Treatment Philosophy
Relief is Phase I. Correction is Phase II.
Our MORA appliances and custom sleep appliances can alleviate TMD pain effectively — and for many patients, Phase I therapy provides lasting relief. But for those who are searching for a permanent structural answer rather than relying solely on an appliance, Phase II therapy is the path forward.
Phase I
Relief & Stabilization
MORA orthotic therapy repositions the jaw, relaxes the muscles, and delivers 80–90% pain reduction for most patients. For many, Phase I is the complete solution.
Phase II
Structural Correction
Airway orthodontics — including palatal expansion — corrects the underlying structural problem permanently, reducing or eliminating reliance on appliances and unlocking whole-body health benefits.
Why Expansion Changes Everything
We call it Airway Orthodontics for a reason.
When the upper maxillary arch is properly expanded, the benefits extend far beyond the teeth. The nasal cavity widens simultaneously — increasing nasal breathing capacity by up to 4 times. The tongue finally has the room it needs to rest where it belongs: up in the palate, right behind the two upper front teeth.
This single structural change can reduce TMD symptoms, improve sleep apnea, correct posture, restore nasal breathing, and remove the forces that have been loading the jaw joint for years.
- Nasal breathing improved by up to 4x — reducing mouth breathing and sleep apnea
- Tongue posture corrected — tongue rests in palate behind the upper front teeth
- TMD pressure reduced — mandible no longer driven posteriorly during swallowing
- Facial symmetry improved as the upper jaw expands and lifts
- Long-term structural change — not just symptom management
Nasal Airway Before & After Expansion
Tongue Position — Before & After
Our Expansion Options
The right approach for your anatomy.
We offer the two most effective adult palatal expansion options — selected based on your anatomy, age, and treatment goals.
Our Preferred Option
DOME Expander
The DOME (Dental Occlusal Maxillary Expander) is our preferred method — combining maxillary expansion with clear aligners in one revolutionary system. It expands the arch and straightens the teeth simultaneously, without screws or miniscrews.
Alternative Option
MARPE
Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE) uses temporary anchor screws to widen the palate. An effective and proven option for adult expansion, particularly in cases where the DOME approach is not indicated.
Ready to Fix the Structure?
Phase II begins with a conversation.
If you’ve had Phase I relief and are ready to address the underlying structural cause — or if you’re new to us and looking for a long-term solution — schedule a consultation with Dr. Patrice Winterholler to discuss whether palatal expansion is right for you.
Scottsdale (480) 767-8400 · Payson (928) 474-2200
