If you expand the plates prior to the fabrication of the mounting arms for a better grip on the device, this is fine. However, you must make sure that the gear threads are free from all debri, including cleaning agents, prior to the contraction of the plates. Debri in the threads of the gear system will prevent the plates from collapsing back to the 0mm position.

The function of the “O” ring is to create an “organic” tension to the activation screw head so the patient does not turn the head with their tongue. If this “O” ring is hit with the soldering gun during fabrication, it may be compromised and should be replaced.

The VECS palate expander may be cleaned with a surface disinfectant or autoclaved prior to clinical insertion. Never submerge the VECS into any cleaning toxic agent. Traces of the solution may enter the center body of the device and later effect the patient.

The bending arms are no thicker than a traditional RPE and are bent with the same amount of ease. They are 1.4mm thick.

The fabrication of the VECS is no different than the fabrication of a traditional RPE in terms of bending the mounting arms and soldering. There is however, a different approach to insure that the VECS activation head is mounted at an appropriate angle in relation to the front teeth. The lab kit includes 2 jigs that should be used to achieve this angle. The lab kit also includes a custom bending tool that is universal to all RPE’s. The current bending tool will not work with the VECS. There is a rubber O-ring on the VECS that should not be exposed to the heat during the soldering process. The Lab Kit contains 10 replacement O-rings in case the O-ring has been affected by heat.