We are often asked whether it’s possible to have MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) privately with our practice, while continuing NHS orthodontic treatment at another provider. Because this can be confusing, we want to be completely clear from the outset.
The Short Answer
No MARPE cannot be combined with NHS orthodontic treatment elsewhere.
NHS regulations do not allow orthodontic treatment to be split between NHS and private care, even if:
The MARPE is paid for privately and the treatment is carried out at a different practice
Why Can’t NHS and Private Orthodontics Be Mixed?
Under NHS rules, a course of orthodontic treatment must be:
Fully NHS, or Fully private
You cannot 'top up' NHS orthodontic treatment by paying privately for:
MARPE, Specialised appliances or additional orthodontic procedures.
This applies regardless of which practice provides the treatment.
We Do Not Offer Stand-Alone MARPE
At our practice, MARPE is not provided as a stand-alone treatment, MARPE is only offered as part of a complete private orthodontic treatment plan, which includes:
Comprehensive orthodontic assessment and planning
Management before, during, and after expansion
Ongoing orthodontic treatment following MARPE
We do not place MARPE for patients who intend to:
Continue NHS orthodontic treatment elsewhere, or return to NHS braces after MARPE
This is because MARPE directly affects the overall orthodontic plan and requires full clinical responsibility.
When Can MARPE Be Carried Out With Us?
You may be suitable for MARPE with our practice if:
You are not currently undergoing NHS orthodontic treatment, or you have formally completed or withdrawn from NHS orthodontic care, and
You wish to proceed with a fully private orthodontic treatment plan
In these cases, our practice would take full responsibility for your orthodontic care from start to finish.
Common Questions We Hear
“I have NHS braces, can I have MARPE privately with you?”
No, unless the NHS treatment is formally ended first.
“Can I have MARPE with you and then return to NHS braces?”
No, this would be mixing NHS and private orthodontic treatment.
“I’m on an NHS waiting list but haven’t started treatment yet.”
You may choose to proceed with private treatment instead, subject to consultation.
Key Takeaways
NHS and private orthodontic treatment cannot be combined
MARPE cannot be added to NHS orthodontic care
We do not offer stand-alone MARPE
MARPE with our practice is part of a complete private orthodontic treatment pathway only.
