Temporary Anchorage Devices
Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) are a modern orthodontic tool that allow orthodontists to achieve predictable results when difficult tooth movements are needed. As the word "anchor" suggests, a TAD is a very small screw that acts as anchor that we use to carefully plan the forces placed on your teeth. Placing a TAD is surprisingly comfortable & easy, and takes about 1 minute. Keep reading to learn more about when a TAD may be recommended.
Borderline Jaw Surgery Cases
Some bites that could benefit from jaw surgery can be "camouflaged" with the use of TADs. This means that we use the TAD to achieve tooth movements that allow for a good bite without surgically repositioning the jaws. Not every potential jaw surgery bite can or should be camouflaged. Dr. R will discuss your options and recommend TADs if you are a good candidate for it.
Challenging Tooth Movements
Sometimes, we need extra power to move large teeth (molar teeth) over large distances. TADs can help us to create spaces for future implants and or help close spaces to avoid leaving spaces for future implants.
Over-erupted Teeth
Sometimes when there is no opposing tooth, our teeth can grow too far up or down. This is because our teeth are programmed to grow until they touch something. When this happens, putting them back where they should be can be a very challenging thing to do (imagine pushing something straight down into bone!). TADs can be a great tool to help achieve these movements.
Expansion
Expanders are not great at giving skeletal expansion after the age of 15-16 yrs. After this, the suture in the middle of the roof of the mouth becomes too intertwined. Using TADs on the roof of the mouth, we can offer expansion to some of our older patients.