Dentaurum RPE Screws: Reliable, Safe Palatal Expansion with a Proven System

Rapid Palatal Expansion (RPE) is a foundational orthodontic technique used to correct transverse maxillary deficiencies. At the heart of every expander lies the screw — the component responsible for delivering controlled transverse forces and determining the predictability, comfort, and success of treatment. Dentaurum’s RPE screws are engineered with this responsibility in mind, designed to provide outstanding mechanical stability, precise activation, and long-term reliability across all appliance designs.

Dentaurum supplies a focused, clinically proven RPE screw range, ensuring orthodontists and laboratories can select the right screw for each workflow without compromising quality.

What Dentaurum RPE Screws Are Used For

Dentaurum RPE screws function as the activation unit of rapid palatal expansion appliances. Their purpose is to deliver accurately measured expansion forces to widen the maxillary arch. These screws are used in:

• Tooth-borne expanders (e.g., classic Hyrax^® appliances)
• Hybrid expanders, combining dental and skeletal anchorage
• Fully skeletal expanders, such as MARPE, require biomechanical precision and high structural rigidity
  
  

Their performance is demonstrated in real clinical settings, including documented MARPE case studies involving Dentaurum Hyrax^® screws integrated with TAD anchorage systems.

Read related article: 'Palatal expansion using the MARPE appliance: Macono Orthodontic and Dental Laboratories' use of the Dentaurum hyrax® screw and tomas® system.'

Clinical Indications for RPE Screws

Dentaurum RPE screws are utilised in appliances designed to treat:

• Transverse maxillary deficiency, including unilateral and bilateral posterior crossbite
• Crowding due to reduced arch perimeter, where expansion creates additional dental arch space
• Airway limitations, particularly cases where maxillary constriction contributes to nasal airflow restriction
• Craniofacial asymmetry, where maxillary width discrepancies require skeletal correction
• Pre-surgical expansion, supporting orthognathic preparation
• Non-surgical skeletal expansion in adolescent and adult patients, when combined with TADs or MARPE frameworks

These indications demand a screw system engineered for precision, strength, and controlled biomechanical behaviour — areas where Dentaurum excels.

Detailed Overview of the Dentaurum RPE Screw Range

All Dentaurum expansion screws share the brand’s core engineering philosophy: uncompromising precision, exceptional material quality, and clinically proven reliability. Below is a deeper look at what distinguishes each screw.

Hyrax^® RPE Expansion Screws

The Hyrax^® is Dentaurum’s flagship expansion screw — a genuine industry standard.

Key product level features:

• Compact screw body engineered for minimal palatal bulk
• Stable guidance tracks that maintain precise screw alignment during activation
• Reinforced, break-resistant retention legs designed for structural stability
• Laser-engraved directional arrow for intuitive activation and reduced clinical error
• Maximum expansion indicator shows when full activation is reached
• Integrated safety stop prevents the screw from disengaging at maximum opening

Ideal for:
Traditional Hyrax^® appliances, tooth-borne expanders, and labs needing consistent, predictable mechanics.

Hyrax^® Click RPE Expansion Screws

The Hyrax^® Click introduces a tactile feedback system for safer and more controlled activation.

Enhanced features beyond the standard Hyrax^®:

• Audible + tactile “click” mechanism after each ¼‑turn, confirming accurate activation
• A reverse mechanism that prevents accidental back-turning during treatment
• Same precision body, guidance, and safety features as the classic Hyrax^®
• Built-in stops to prevent separation at full expansion

Ideal for:
Clinicians seeking more activation control, parents managing home activation, and cases where accidental reverse movement must be avoided.

Titan Hyrax^® RPE Expansion Screws

The Titan Hyrax^®  is the world's first titanium RPE screw, designed for maximum biocompatibility and strength-to-weight performance.

Material-based and mechanical advantages:

• Titanium alloy construction offering exceptional biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and reduced weight
• Rigid body design ideal for high‑force or skeletal‑anchored expansion
• Laser-marked indicators for activation direction and maximum expansion
• Integrated safety stop for secure termination of activation

Ideal for:
Patients with metal sensitivities, MARPE and TAD‑supported expanders, and any case requiring premium mechanical durability.

Hyrax^® & Hyrax^® Click Screws Without Retention Legs

These versions provide all the mechanical and safety features of the Hyrax^® and Hyrax^® Click, but without integrated retention legs.

Why this variant exists:

• Gives technicians maximum flexibility in custom frameworks
• Facilitates unique lab-designed configurations
• Allows integration into more specialised or non-standard appliances

Ideal for:
Advanced labs, custom appliance workflows, SLM and digitally designed frameworks, and unique appliance geometries.

Variety & Variety Click Expansion Screws

The Variety special expansion screw is designed primarily for precise tooth movement in the mandible using fixed appliances, and can also be utilised for early palatal expansion.

Key product-level features:

• Monoguided design for controlled, linear tooth movement
• Small dimensions with maximum expansion capacity
• Integrated spindle friction to prevent unintended reverse activation
• Permanently laser-marked directional arrow indicating opening direction and maximum expansion
• Screw can be securely tied down once the desired expansion has been achieved

Ideal for:
Mandibular fixed appliances requiring distalisation, mesialisation, or space closure through individual tooth movement, as well as selected early palatal expansion cases where compact design and controlled mechanics are essential.

What Makes Dentaurum RPE Screws Different and Better

Dentaurum’s superiority lies in the combination of engineering, materials, and clinical-grade design:

1. Unmatched precision engineering

Every screw is produced with tight tolerances to ensure measured, consistent expansion forces.

2. Superior mechanical stability

Guidance tracks, reinforced arms, and sturdy screw bodies ensure stable force transmission.

3. Built-in safety features

Stops, indicators, and activation markings reduce risk and increase predictability.

4. Material excellence

From polished stainless steel to medical-grade titanium, Dentaurum offers unmatched quality.

5. Clinically validated

Case evidence shows the Hyrax^® system performing reliably in MARPE expanders, hybrid expanders, and traditional appliances.

Read related article: 'Palatal expansion using the MARPE appliance: Macono Orthodontic and Dental Laboratories' use of the Dentaurum hyrax® screw and tomas® system.'

6. A range that covers every appliance need

Multiple models, sizes, and leg-free options ensure compatibility with any lab workflow.

Summary: A Complete, Proven System for Palatal Expansion

Dentaurum’s RPE screw range offers the precision, safety, and versatility required for predictable palatal expansion—whether performed with tooth-borne appliances, hybrid designs, MARPE, or digitally designed Selective Laser Melting (SLM) frameworks. Their engineering reliability and real-world clinical performance make them a trusted choice for orthodontists and laboratories seeking consistent outcomes and long-term appliance stability.