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Executive | Lab Tech Talk

Step Down Lingual Arch

Category:

Appliance Purpose / Function:

The lingual arch appliance is a fixed appliance designed primarily to hold “E” space resulting from prematurely exfoliating second primary molars. In addition to holding space left as a result of premature tooth loss, the lingual arch can be used as an anchorage device in extraction cases, to maintain transverse arch width, and to prevent molar tipping resulting from some arch mechanics.

Appliance Components:

  • Bands on the 1st permanent molars
  • .036 wire is bent from the 1st molar to the cingulum of the cuspids

Suggested Materials:

  • Wire: Chromium Cobalt wire or Stainless-Steel wire
  • Solder: Silver Solder (Cadmium Free)

Options:

  • Laser welded (removes the solder)
  • Soldered Occlusal rests

Appliance Fabrication Standards:

  • The base arch slightly o the tissue

  • The base arch touches all of the anterior teeth
  • The loop ends at the interproximal of the cuspid and the 1st bicuspid
  • The wire placed at the top 1/3 of the band and laying against the band for 4 to 5mm The wire is stepped down in the posterior