Lower arch perimeter preservation using the lingual arch

Abstract The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether the placement of a mandibular lingual arch maintained arch perimeter in the transition from the mixed to the permanent dentition, and if so, whether it was effective at preventing mesial migration of first permanent molars, or whether this migration still occurred en masse, by increased lower incisor proclination. Thirty patients were randomly assigned to either a treatment group ( N = 14, mean age = 11.5 years) or a control group ( N = 16, mean age = 11.3 years). Study models, cephalograms, and tomograms of the patients, taken at the beginning and at the end of the study period, were examined. Statistically significant differences between groups were found for positional changes of mandibular first molars and incisors, and changes in arch dimensions. The results indicate that the lingual arch can help reduce arch perimeter loss, but at the expense of slight mandibular incisor proclination. (Am J Orthod Dentofac Orthop 1997;112:449-56.)