| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| ID | OA-0160 |
| Type | anchorage |
| Category | anchorage |
| Fixed/removable | fixed (soldered or removable via lingual sheaths) |
| Primary function | anchorage reinforcement; molar rotation / torque control |
| Malocclusion target | extraction cases; molar control; transverse anchorage |
| Inventor | Robert Goshgarian (1972) |
| First year | 1972 |
| Period | modern |
| Status | current |
| Wire gauge | 0.9 mm (0.036″) or 1.0 mm (0.040″) SS |
| Uses TADs | no |
The transpalatal arch (TPA) is a horizontal stainless steel wire running across the palate, connecting the lingual surfaces of the maxillary first molar bands. Originally described by Robert Goshgarian in 1972, it is one of the most commonly used adjuncts in fixed orthodontic treatment. It can be cemented permanently (soldered into the bands) or inserted into lingual sheaths for a removable/adjustable version. As a passive device it prevents mesial drift and molar rotation; as an active device it can derotate, expand, constrict, or torque individual molars.
The TPA rigidly connects the two upper first molars through the palate, creating a cross-arch unit that resists independent movement. As a passive retainer it prevents mesial molar drift in extraction cases (anchorage reinforcement) and holds transverse width after expansion. As an active appliance the wire is pre-activated before cementation: palatal bends derotate mesiopalatally-rotated molars, helical loops add flexibility for expansion, and tip-back bends control vertical molar position. Force delivery is through the rigid metal-to-band interface and the palatal vault resistance.
Anchorage reinforcement in extraction and non-extraction cases to resist mesial molar drift during space closure; bilateral bilateral molar de-rotation correction (first molars commonly tip/rotate); prevention of buccal molar tipping in segmented arch mechanics; unilateral molar correction via asymmetric activation; post-expansion retention holding transverse width; combined with headgear for enhanced anchorage; used during molar distalization as a retention device after active phase.
Patients with deep palates may experience speech and tongue interference with the wire. Poor oral hygiene — the wire is a plaque trap and requires special cleaning. Soldered versions cannot be adjusted after cementation; sheathed (removable) versions allow reactivation but require extra lab fabrication. Not indicated as sole anchorage in severely compromised anchorage scenarios — TADs or headgear should supplement.
or welded directly)
button added anteriorly converts it to a Nance appliance; double TPA (two wires at different levels for added rigidity)
Adapt bands to the model first. Bend the wire so it follows the contour of the palate, sitting 1–2 mm off the tissue to avoid impingement. The wire must be symmetrical — asymmetric bends deliver unintended forces. Solder joints at the bands must be smooth and strong; grind any excess solder flush to avoid tissue irritation. For the omega-loop variant, the loop is placed at the midline to provide 2–3 mm activation range. The 3D-printed version is digitally designed on the scan model, improving fit consistency. For removable TPA, weld small round tubes to the lingual of molar bands and form the wire with ball-end inserts.
anchorage and minimal rotation correction.
molar derotation or expansion.
protraction or heavy anchorage need.
converts to Nance appliance.
lab workflow. See CFL SKU.
used when banding is not feasible.
UJDS](https://www.ujds.in/index.php/ujds/article/view/814)
Orthodontic Update](https://www.orthodontic-update.co.uk/content/articles/transpalatal-nance-and-lingual-arch-appliances-clinical-tips-and-applications)
ClinicalTrials](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03755622)
business notes.