A Modified Nance Palatal Arch for the Treatment of Ectopically Erupting Permanent First Molars

Permanent teeth that remain impacted could lead to the early loss of primary teeth and cause space problems in dental arches. We present two cases of ectopic eruption of the permanent maxillary first molars treated with soft distal movements using a modified Nance palatal arch (NPAm). The wire was soldered to the band and positioned distally to serve as support for the elastic chain, which was attached to a bonded button on the occlusal surface. After a few months, the ectopic eruption was corrected, preserving the adjacent primary teeth and restoring the occlusion. An NPAm is a viable option for distalization and space recovery in the maxillary arch.