Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) Cumming
Powering Up Your Tooth Movements
For many patients, braces alone are enough to produce adequate tooth movements. However, some individuals need additional accessories in order for their orthodontic treatment to be successful. For example, rubber bands, headgear, and other items can all help. Another additional accessory that is used in certain cases is known as a temporary anchorage device (TAD). What are TADs, and what role might they play in your orthodontic journey? Continue reading below to find out, or contact our Cumming team directly to request a consultation.
What Are TADs?
A TAD is a tiny surgical screw, which may be about the size of a typical earring post. It is placed into the gums, and it is used to anchor rubber bands or wires. The rubber bands wires are also connected to the braces brackets. With the help of a TAD, the braces can apply the pressure needed to carry out complex or challenging tooth movements.
As their name implies, TADs are temporary. They are only kept in the mouth for as long as is necessary to accomplish their purpose, which is typically several months. Since not everyone needs TADs, our team can let you know during your consultation if they may be beneficial in your unique case.
How Are TADs Placed?
While the idea of getting a screw placed into your gums might sound scary, the procedure is really nothing to be afraid of!
To start, our team will use advanced imaging equipment, such as a digital X-ray, to determine the best place to insert your TADs. The images help us avoid causing damage to your tooth roots.
When you are ready for the procedure, we will use local anesthetic to numb the area. You should not feel any pain, but you might experience some pressure as we create a small pilot hole and then insert the TADs into your gums and into the underlying bone tissue.
Once the anesthesia wears off, you may notice some soreness, but it tends to be temporary, and it is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain medications.
The Benefits of TADs
TADs can be beneficial in numerous ways:
- Efficient tooth movement: TADs provide stable anchorage, allowing orthodontists to move teeth more predictably. This can make challenging tooth movements possible and can help achieve desired results faster.
- Minimally invasive placement: The procedure to insert TADs is quick and requires only local anesthetic. Patients typically recover rapidly and experience little discomfort following placement.
- Versatility in treatment: TADs can be used in various orthodontic scenarios, including closing gaps, correcting bite issues, and adjusting tooth positions that might otherwise be difficult to treat.
- Simpler treatment: By providing a fixed point of anchorage, TADs often eliminate the necessity for bulky external appliances such as headgear, offering a more discreet treatment option. TADs may also reduce or eliminate the need for rubber bands between the upper and lower teeth, and they could even help you avoid the need for certain orthodontic surgeries.
- Temporary and removable: TADs are designed to be taken out once their purpose is served. This feature ensures that the accessory does not remain in the mouth longer than needed.
