How long does MSE take?

[BarelyLegalTweaker]

I know it's different with each case but let's say I'm aiming for 6-8mm expansion, with the healing process how long would everything take?

I'm mostly concerned about the time it would take for the sutures to heal. I do combat sports and I wouldn't like to be out of training and competing for a long time but getting hit in the face with MSE installed sounds like a bad trip to the ER

 

[TrueEveSlayer]

Phases & Recovery Timeline​

• Expansion Phase:
  • Typically lasts 2–4 weeks for device activation, during which gradual expansion occurs.
• Bone Healing/Stabilization:
  • Device remains in place for 3–6 months (sometimes up to 9–12 months) to allow new bone to fully form in the midpalatal suture and ensure stability.
  • Initial soft tissue healing is much faster but usually about 2 weeks for incisions/sutures, you’ll begin to feel much more normal after this.
• Return to Sports:
  • Light/non-contact training (e.g., cardio, stationary cycling): after ~2 weeks if no pain, swelling, or bleeding.
  • Regular training (low impact): after 4–6 weeks, but best to avoid jaw impact.
  • Heavy/Contact Sports (combat, rugby, football, boxing, MMA): Patients are typically advised to avoid blows to the face for 3 months, minimum. Most surgeons strongly recommend waiting 3 months before any sport with risk of jaw/facial trauma, and some sources advise up to 6 months for full bone union and safety.
  • If you must compete sooner: Use face protection, but remember even with a mouthguard, MSE/TADs make you highly vulnerable to trauma/complications.
    
    MY FINAL VERDICT
    
    3 months minimum before any significant risk of a jaw hit
    
    
    
    Sources:
    
    

    Maxillary Skeletal Expansion (MSE) - How It Works

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    team-dental.com
    

    Post-Op Care for Maxillary Expansion - AZ Family Dental

    Learn essential post-op care tips for maxillary expansion surgery, including recovery time, pain management, and dietary guidelines.

    www.azfd.com
    

    Jaw Surgery and Sports: When can you return to sports after surgery? - Orthognathic Clinic

    When can sports be started after jaw surgery? Which exercises are safe and which ones should be avoided? Read our detailed guide for things to consider after jaw surgery while doing sports and suggestions to speed up the healing process.

    ortognatik.com
    https://www.fullfaceorthodontics.com.au/post/mse-adult-palate-expansion-frequently-asked-questions
    https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/Images/SARPE%20Surgically%20Assisted%20Rapid%20Palatal%20Expansion_tcm75-1862644.pdf
    

    Surgical assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME) — Canberra Oral & Maxillofacial Centre | Dr Ragu Krishnamoorthy | Deakin

    A surgical assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME) is performed in conjunction with orthodontic treatment. The aim is to increase the width of the upper jaw. Sometimes your narrow upper jaw may cause a cross bite or crowding of teeth. In order to give you enough space, a maxillary expansion surge

    www.canberraomfc.com.au