I'd like to learn to make RPEs.. will someone teach me?

[Kacey]

I'd like to add RPE's to my small lab offerings, (after 30 years!) but I've only made one, and it was years ago. I think I just need to observe one being made. I'm near Los Banos, CA and would travel to anywhere in the Central Valley of CA, or the Bay Area, or Monterey Bay area. Maybe even further depending on if I need to. I would pay you for your time. Thanks!

 

[Betalab]

Hey Kacey, I can try to give you my knowledge from Australia if you want. If you have been doing ortho for 30 years then you don't need to much info on where to set a screw. We choose to you forestadent "s" type screws as they have a narrow setting width allowing you to set them deeper into the palate and consequently be more effective. The down side is they don't expand as far. ( see PDF.)
http://www.forestadent.com/documentpool/infoblaetter_usa/ad_expansion_screws.pdf
It will depend also on what your clients send you. Some will band on 6's and some will band 6's and 4's. whatever the case you need to bend them. Your hands and fingers will be strong so just bend the arms.if you have 4 bands then then one leg to each of the lingual of the bands. If only to bands then 2 arms to each of the bands. Make sure the arrow faces backwards as the patient or patients parent will need to be able to see the presenting key hole. We use Dentaurum safety keys as they have proven to be the most reliable. Set the screw to the palatal midline in a position of centre of mass and parallel to the occlusal plane. In the four band case we use remanium 0.9 to run from band to band on the lingual of 5 or E to help with stability. With the 2 band case we run remanium 1.1 as low as possible on the lingual of premolars finishing mesial to the 4's or as prescribed by the client. Consideration given to the present position of the teeth and the ideal outcome. Laser or solder the case and I presume you now how to finish fixed appliances. Forestadent have a tool which is like a tube that can help bend the heavy arms if you run into trouble. Looking forward to seeing your first one.

 

[DMC]

That's like saying, "I only need to see One PFM being made....then I will know how to do it too!"

Good Luck!

 

[Kacey]

Thank you! I will copy and save your instructions so I can refer back. I do want to see one being made in person. I made one years ago for my son, and the dentist said it was perfect, so that gives me some confidence, but I really need a refresher. I think I'd like the tool from Forestadent. Thanks for telling me about that. I usually only bend .030 wire. Thanks for the info on the screws, too. I appreciate your response. And, OH! My brother and his wife are in Australia for three weeks! They are loving it!

 

[Betalab]

I'm sure the forestadent rep will be happy to send you a catalogue, I think they also sell a plier just for the purpose. Your a real light wire specialist! I'm sure you will get feedback from your client and don't undervalue your work. It will be fine I'm sure for your now second one

 

[trisha]

Go to you tube, pretty sure you can watch someone fabricating an rpe, there are so many versions that it is hard to explain which one you are thinking about