Custom 3D-Printed MAPE Design, Fabrication, and Installation.
Custom MAPE Sutural Split and Simultaneous Invisalign Treatment (No Diastema Protocol)
Dr. Audrey Yoon developed the No-Diastema Protocol — a breakthrough approach that expands the upper jaw through MARPE skeletal expansion while keeping your front teeth together throughout treatment.
What is the No-Diastema Protocol?
Traditional MARPE skeletal expansion for adults often results in a large gap between the front teeth (diastema) that can remain visible for months, causing significant esthetic concerns and sometimes deterring patients from pursuing treatment.
Dr. Yoon pioneered the No-Diastema Protocol to eliminate this drawback. By coordinating custom clear aligners (Invisalign) simultaneously with bone-borne MARPE expansion, the protocol ensures that as the upper jaw widens, the aligners guide the front teeth together, keeping the gap virtually closed at every stage of treatment.
- Maintains front tooth aesthetics throughout the entire expansion process
- Prevents papilla loss, black triangles, and other gum side effects from a large diastema
- Simultaneously corrects crowding, bite, and midline from day one — shortening total treatment time
- Allows lower arch decompensation during expansion, preventing buccal crossbite
- Proven in 1,000+ adult patients with predictable, esthetic results
A Coordinated, Step-by-Step Approach
The protocol integrates 3D-printed bone-borne expanders with custom Invisalign aligners in a precisely timed sequence — so expansion and alignment happen together, not one after the other.
01 Digital 3D Planning
Intraoral scanning and CBCT imaging allow Dr. Yoon to virtually plan the custom MAPE device and aligner sequence in one unified workflow.
02 MARPE Placement
The custom 3D-printed expander is placed with 4–10 miniscrews in 30 minutes under local anesthesia. Minimal discomfort, managed with OTC pain relief for 1–4 days.
03 Sutural Opening
The mid-palatal suture separates within 1–3 weeks. Once a ~1 mm diastema confirms opening, No Diastema Protocol begins immediately.
04 Simultaneous Expansion + Diastema Closure + Alignment
Clear aligners guide the front teeth together as the jaw widens — closing front spaces throughout, while simultaneously aligning all other teeth.
05 Further Detail Teeth Movement
Once skeletal expansion is complete, any remaining tooth angulation control and rest of detail teeth movement using refinement.
06 Post-Expansion Consolidation Period
The expander framework stabilizes bone maturation for several months while refinement aligners fine-tune occlusion and achieve finishing objectives.
Ready for Expansion Without the Gap?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Yoon to find out if the No-Diastema Protocol is right for you. Most adults with narrow upper jaws are candidates. (213) 215-2450