title: Effects of lingual arch used as space maintainer on mandibular arch dimension: a systematic review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this systematic review was to examine the effects of a lingual arch on mandibular arch dimensions when it is used as a space maintainer.
  
  
  METHODS
  PubMed, Medline, Lilacs, Cochrane Central, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were surveyed for articles published between January 1980 and January 2009. Inclusion criteria were human subjects, prospective or retrospective method, effect of the lingual arch used as space maintainer in the mandibular arch, and publication in English.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 262 studies identified in the search, only 2 met the final inclusion criteria.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results showed that the lingual arch is effective for controlling mesial movement of molars and lingual tipping of incisors.
authors.affiliation: Research fellow, Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy. Electronic address: azzurravi_9@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Azzurra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Viglianisi
mesh_terms: D003724:Dental Arch / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D003818:Dentition, Mixed; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor / Q000503:physiopathology; D008334:Mandible / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008644:Mesial Movement of Teeth / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008963:Molar / Q000503:physiopathology; D009967:Orthodontic Appliances; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013027:Space Maintenance, Orthodontic / Q000295:instrumentation*