But, if we need the anchor to be somewhere where there isn’t a tooth that can do the job or the force is strong enough that it will shift the anchor teeth in a way that’s undesirable, then, it’s not an option.Īs I noted, a temporary anchorage device serves as this fixed anchor point instead. Often, the back teeth can serve this purpose. To be able to get the necessary force to do this, there has to be something fixed to push or pull against.
Then, the bone and tissue reform and hold your teeth in position. When we straighten the teeth with braces or Invisalign, the continuous force that’s exerted from the appliance causes the cells in the bone and periodontal ligament to break down, allowing the teeth to move to their new places. Some patients will have their temporary anchorage devices for several months, while others will have TADs for the duration of their orthodontic treatment. When I achieve the movements I want, I remove the orthodontic TADs.
Essentially, it lets me create a customized system for exerting pressure that’s tailored to your smile needs. With breakthroughs like TADs, orthodontists can move teeth in ways that weren’t possible in the past, allowing us to treat some seriously complex cases. Once the TADs are in place, they serve as an anchorage, which means they are a fixed point that can be used to provide force to shift the teeth in the desired direction. TADs are usually made of titanium alloy, which is a durable, safe, biocompatible material. I know, that sounds a little scary but, as I’ll get to shortly, the process is actually painless. What is a TAD in Orthodontics?Īn orthodontic TAD is a tiny dental implant that looks like a mini screw that’s temporarily placed through the gum tissue and into the jawbone. Though TADs are an amazing tool, not a lot of patients are all that familiar with them, so I’m covering the basics. I believe in using modern techniques that can make treatment more effective and easier for my patients at Richard Chan Orthodontics, which is why I’m trained in the use of TADs. Thankfully, these days, there’s an alternative: a temporary anchorage device (TAD). As you can probably guess, not too many patients were thrilled with the prospect of having a large, bulky, highly visible appliance attached to their hardware. In the past, headgear was the go-to treatment in many of these instances. In other cases, however, we need an anchorage point for a pushing and pulling force to help facilitate movements that can’t be achieved with just brackets and wires. We will be able to answer any of your questions and provide you with detailed information about your orthodontic treatment.Sometimes, braces alone can bring about fantastic results. If you have questions about TADs, please contact our practice. When your TAD is placed, we will also provide you with an antimicrobial mouthwash that you will need to use twice a day. How can I keep my TAD clean?Ī TAD can be cleaned the same way you clean your braces: by brushing your teeth at least three times a day. If you continue to experience discomfort days after your treatment, please contact your dentist as soon as possible. If you do feel any discomfort from having your TADs placed, Tylenol® is recommended to help relieve your pain. What can I do to relieve discomfort caused by my TAD? Removal of a TAD is a comfortable procedure that takes just a few minutes. Your TAD is removed once your treatment is complete, or when it is no longer needed to help straighten your teeth. While your doctor is placing the TAD, you may feel slight pressure, but within a day, you will no longer be able to feel the TAD.
The placing of a TAD is quick, and may be over before you know it. Once the area is numb, your doctor will gently place the TAD through the gum tissue and firmly into the jawbone. How are TADs placed?Ī strong anesthetic is used to numb the gum tissue and the jaw surrounding the area where the TAD will be placed. TADs may be used in addition to braces or as an alternative to headgear. Temporary anchorage devices, or TADs, are small titanium anchors used in certain orthodontic cases to help achieve quicker tooth movement with more efficiency and comfort.
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