Lingual arch

LLA and TPA can also be used to stabilize molar position in the attempt to avoid side effects that can take place during orthodontic therapy.

As a space maintainer LLA is frequently used in cases where an early loss of the second deciduous molar takes place.

In such a case LLA prevents the permanent molars from migrating mesially (forward) thus blocking off the eruption space for the premolar teeth.

[2] However, many other studies have showed that TPA cannot provide absolute anchorage to prevent mesial movement of the posterior molars.

In this way it is possible to reshape the whole dental arch if molars are connected to the other teeth by means of a buccal archwire.