Early Treatment Options: Prevention and Durable Esthetics

How to prevent unwanted movement after premature primary molar loss?

Maintain the position of the maxillary first molars using a Nance Appliance.This appliance fits across the roof of the mouth. Bands on the upper first molars are connected via an acrylic “button” that rests in the pre-maxillary palatal region (for added stability).

The SML NANCE APPLIANCE

The Nance is also frequently used during full banding and bracketing to create an anchorage unit. NOTE: The appliance needs to be monitored carefully and cleaned regularly with an oral irrigator. (If neglected, the “button” pad can become a food trap and/or become embedded in the palatal tissue.

Finally, there is one appliance that truly delivers the ultimate in esthetics, comfort and durability in one superior design.

It’s a simple fixed appliance called the Groper Pedo Partial and it provides anterior space maintenance for children who have prematurely lost their anterior teeth.

The GROPER PEDO PARTIAL

Esthetics and strength are the key advantages to this popular design. The anterior bridge is made extra strong by attaching each tooth separately to a specially designed, stainless steel pad. Each unit is then welded and soldered to the arch wire. Placing rest seats and bonding rests into place will prevent the patient from bending or breaking the appliance.

When abutment teeth are partially compromised (or when superior appliance strength is desired) an alternate design utilizes stainless steel crowns in place of bands on the molars. Additional stability can be achieved by adding rests to the lingual wire and then bonding them to the lingual surface of the primary cuspids or first primary molars.