Advanced Tools, Thoughtfully Integrated: MARPE, Homeoblock®, SFOT and ALF
Because Dr. Santiago is trained across multiple disciplines and modalities, AirSync treatment plans often combine orthopedic, neuromuscular, periodontal, and orthodontic therapies to achieve true 3D skeletal, airway, and facial change, while supporting breathing, sleep, joint health, and appearance.
MARPE® — Skeletal Expansion
Using custom-designed skeletal expanders and expert placement, Dr. Santiago can reshape the upper jaw in three dimensions—broadening the palate, widening the nasal floor, improving tongue space, correcting vertical or gummy smiles, and advancing the maxilla when indicated. This approach can significantly improve breathing and sleep, optimize TMJ function, enhance facial balance, and in many cases reduce or eliminate the need for jaw surgery. While ideal earlier in life, meaningful results are achievable even in adults into their 60s and 70s.
If you are thinking about jaw surgery, MARPE is an ABSOLUTE MUST first!!!
Homeoblock® & POD Appliances
Cranially focused devices that support symmetry, align cranial and cervical structures, improve TMJ function, and optimize airway muscle tone. Often used before MARPE, these appliances prepare the system for safe, precise skeletal change. Homeoblocks are not used as expansion appliances.
SFOT + Clear Aligners
A powerful combination of minimally invasive periodontal surgery and advanced clear aligner planning that supports lower arch expansion and some upper arch expansion, improves bone and gum health, accelerates tooth movement, and delivers stable, functional, and aesthetic results.
ALF Therapy — Neurologic & Cranial Stability
Sometimes the nervous system is not ready for expansion—or expansion may not be needed. ALF therapy, combined with OraLase® and cranial or osteopathic care, helps restore neurologic balance and system stability—creating the foundation for successful, predictable orthodontic outcomes.
When Jaw Surgery Is Necessary and Why Preparation Matters
For some patients with severely underdeveloped jaws, orthopedic, functional and neurologic therapies alone are not enough.
At AirSync, we prepare patients properly for jaw surgery.
Jaw surgery can subtly widen and advance the jaws, but it cannot fix nasal breathing. Without optimizing nasal anatomy and function first, sleep apnea and poor sleep often persist—even after surgery. If the nose is not functional, it does not matter how large you make the airway.
That’s why nasal optimization comes first, often using MARPE, alongside cranial and neurologic support. This airway-first approach is a new way of thinking—one that treats the root cause rather than relying on jaw position alone.
We help determine if surgery is truly necessary, and if so, how to prepare your airway and nervous system to improve surgical outcomes and long-term stability.
Learn more by listening to Dr. Kimberly Santiago on the JawHacks Podcast.
Struggling to breathe, sleep, or feel rested—even after treatment?
Get evaluated. Get answers. Start with the airway.
The AirSync Difference
Teeth are aligned with precision. Airways are respected. Function leads. Esthetics follow.
This is modern and gold standard orthodontics designed for how you breathe, sleep, and live, not just how your smile looks.
Get your plan today!
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