Nance Holding Arch
Pronunciation: NANSS HOL-ding arch
A fixed space-maintenance appliance consisting of bands on the upper first molars connected by a wire that rests against the anterior palate via an acrylic button, preventing mesial drift of the molars.
Full Definition
The Nance holding arch (also called a Nance appliance or palatal arch) is used in the mixed dentition following early loss of primary teeth to preserve arch length. Bands are cemented on the maxillary first permanent molars and connected by a palatal wire, which bears an acrylic pad (the 'Nance button') resting against the rugae area of the hard palate for anchorage. The acrylic button resists mesial movement of the molars by bracing against the palatal tissue. Editors should capitalise 'Nance' (eponymous) and be aware that 'Nance appliance' and 'Nance holding arch' are interchangeable; however, 'Nance button' refers specifically to the acrylic pad component.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalise 'Nance' throughout. The term 'Nance button' refers specifically to the acrylic palatal pad; do not use it as a synonym for the entire appliance.
In Context
- "A Nance holding arch was placed following premature loss of the upper left second primary molar to prevent mesial molar drift." — Paediatric dentistry treatment record
- "The Nance holding arch should be distinguished from the transpalatal arch, as the former uses palatal tissue for anchorage while the latter does not." — Appliance classification review article