When a patient loses teeth, there is a distinct risk that maxillary molars will start to move, which shortens the length of the arch and creates malocclusion. This could lead to crooked teeth, a poor bite pattern, and even skeletal discrepancies in the future.

As a dentist, your priority is to prevent arch length loss. If the problem is occurring in the upper arch, you can treat it with a Nance appliance, one of the many dental supplies offered through SML. The Nance has bands that wrap around the molars and a palatal arch wire that has an acrylic button attached to it in the pre-maxillary region. This button acts to keep the molars in place and hold the arch length. If you do recommend the Nance for your patient, make sure you observe them carefully. Left unobserved, the button can become embedded in the tissue or irritate the mouth for some patients.

To learn more about the Nance or any of our other dental supplies, contact SML today.