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Lower Lingual Arch - LLA

Name: Angle House Orthodontics
Telephone: 03 9817 6427

What is a Lower Lingual Arch (LLA) and how does it work?

A Lower Lingual Arch acts as a space maintainer to keep the molars from drifting forward and prevent them from closing the space where permanent teeth will eventually erupt. A band is glued to each of the lower first molars and attached to the bands is a U-shaped wire.

This appliance is commonly used in cases where premature loss of baby teeth has occurred or when the lower teeth of a growing child are crowded and its use may prevent further crowding and reduce the potential for future permanent tooth extractions.

What is a Lower Lingual Arch (LLA) and how does it work?

How much do I need to wear the LLA?

LLA appliances are fixed (non- removable) so they are worn full time (24/7). The duration of wear varies. Generally, the LLA is removed following the eruption of all the permanent teeth.

What happens once it is fitted? Will it be painful?

It will definitely feel quite strange for the first little while, with some mild tenderness common in the first 3-5 days. We recommend a soft diet initially and suggest Panadol or Nurofen for any initial discomfort. Increased salivary flow and swallowing are also very common but will quickly pass.

How do I care for the LLA?

Avoid sticky or hard foods. Brush and floss daily. Be sure to clean around the bands that are connected to the molars and the wire on the tongue side. This will prevent the formation of cavities or infection of the gums.

What about breakages?

If a breakage occurs please contact our office as soon as possible. Please don’t wait for your next routine visit as this may slow down your treatment. If your appliance breaks, there may be a lab fee of up to $350 to repair/replace it.