Braces TPA (Transpalatal Arch)

Braces Explained: TPA (Transpalatal Arch)


In this video we will be answering “what are TPAs, or transpalatal arches, and what are they used for?”

The TPA is a bar that runs from one side of the mouth to the other that often has a small adjustable loop on the top of the palate. It is usually soldered to bands on your molars and is made by a laboratory prior to being cemented. It is often used after expansion to hold the width and prevent relapse until the bone has filled in. TPAs can also be used for anchorage by being added to a Nance appliance (see link below) for cases of extractions and/or space maintenance. Additionally, in certain scenarios TPAs can be used to correct rotations.

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As always, if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me via the comments below!

See you next time!

Greg Asatrian, D.D.S., M.S.

This video may contain orthodontic appliances, devices and/or procedural content. The content seen in this video is provided only for education purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For personalized advice, please be sure to visit a professional orthodontist near you!

[oliviaclark]

i never knew how many different things you could get until i watched all your videos. it’s so interesting. i’m getting braces in 5 days and your videos are so helpful

[lovedanceever]

I have a tpa and a nance! It’s super annoying because I have an impression on my tongue from it and it’s so painful. 😭

Thanks for a great video!

[mundo]

Uh, I was chewing on ice when I received this notification.😂😂
The world is trying to tell me to not break a bracket ahahah.
Love you Dr. Greg!!!

[georgiamoorvan]

I got mine a week ago and I've gotten used to it!
Thank you, this video was very helpful

[burntbeansoup]

Is there any way to eat with this? I literally cannot chew, the food gets stuck in the top and gags me. Currently I am eating a smoothie for dinner, not because of pain, but because it is literally impossible to eat solid food.

[supermariioo_v]

Can anyone tell me how to eat with these things on? I can’t even swallow my food and it gets me irritated because I’m hungry and it gets stuck on the wire and I choke

[lymariramirez]

I have a TPA is been 11 months... if you are new it will be ok you will get used to it ☺️

[saltireeagle]

I've had this type of TPA fitted for two months now. It does not hurt my tongue at all. I've heard of poorly fitted ones hurting the tongue. Theres a YouTube video of a girl suffering for months when she shouldn't have. The first few days are rough while you adjust to eating and swallowing.

Anyway, mine is being used to help anchor and pull back my 9.5mm overjet and close my upper premolar gaps. I will be wearing mine for the entire treatment 18-24 months 😱

[Yvch]

Can’t wait to get my Tpa away 😭 how long does it take

Update: I got it taken out in 2020

[Marceladmw]

Is there anything I can do to prevent my TPA from hurting my tongue so much ?

[ivaivandic]

Interesting how you don't say anything about bad sides of having it. You didn't respond to any of the comments about cutting a tongue and other problems

[DebraChiang]

Just had my TPA on today !! That’s why I’m watching this video 😀 I noticed immediately, my left upper an lower molars can’t touch each other when I chew on food, but the right side do. My doctor said it’s because my biting is a bit off, so it’s more obvious when those bands are on my molars, I just need to get used to it and through time, when adjustments come it, the biting will gradually be balanced. However, when they put the TPA on, they only told me to bite for the left side(to push the band up so it fits the molar), not the right... wonder if the right side band is not completely pushed up and cause the biting issue ?

[syahirahrafi]

got mine on today and i cant stop gagging

[fadeitfilms]

Had the orthodontist yesterday, hopefully getting my "Transpalatal Arch" taken out early December, can't wait till later when I get my braces off!

[jonellewilliams]

I have a TPA attached to my tongue appliance for about 4 weeks my ortho said that i need to have it in for at least six months. I have had this put in before my braces as well.

[Ashley-fecc]

When is the video on impacted canines going to come? Nice video btw

[annawigh]

Im getting this in a few weeks, Thanks for explaining

[MrBere]

Omg i have this!!! But mines have something else added that i dint find in this channel 😭 cant wait to finish

[jaimehaddad]

Thank you so much for making this video!

[elodiejarillot]

Hi!Can you make a video about lingual braces please?