Nance Appliance

The Nance button or Nance holding arch is a kind of plastic button that is positioned on the palate behind the upper incisors and is attached to strips on the 1st molars by means of stiff steel wires. The Nance prevents the 1st molars from moving forwards thereby retaining enough space for the remaining teeth to come through. It is often used after the 1st molars have been moved backwards (i.e. distalized), for example with a Headgear or Pendulum Appliance. The Nance is a reasonable appliance that is not really inconvenient to wear. However, it does not really represent any real anchorage. Even in cases where it is used, some loss in distalization must be expected.