Temporary Anchorage Devices, or TADs, are small titanium anchors used for the purpose of providing orthodontic anchorage, and are removed at the completion of treatment. They may be used in certain cases to help fix more complex orthodontic problems and achieve quicker tooth movement with more efficiency and comfort.
TADs may be used in addition to braces or as an alternative to headgear. In conventional orthodontic treatment, there are often unwanted tooth movements that occur when certain movements are attempted. TAD’s allow us to move only the teeth that we want to and thus help to not only shorten treatment but also to accomplish goals that are not achievable with regular braces.
In the past, the use of bone anchorage was limited due to expense and complexity of placement. However, newer Temporary Anchorage Devices are safer and less expensive.
TADs can:
Stabilize a tooth being used as an anchor
Eliminate the need to use a tooth as an anchor
Provide an anchorage point where tooth anchorage is not normally available
Orthodontics with TADs can:
Reduce orthodontic treatment time by one third
Eliminate the need for a headgear
Provide a more ideal finish
Allow for significant skeletal changes during growth modification procedures
Allow limited tooth movement in preparation for a bridge, crown or implant without braces
Close most open bites without surgery
Eliminate the need for rubber bands
Unlike most orthodontists, Dr. DeRocher places the TAD himself, there is no need to refer patients to other specialists for the procedure.
A TAD is an implant that is fixed to bone for the purpose of providing an absolute anchorage point for movement of teeth. TADs are removed and discarded at the end of orthodontic treatment.
A TAD is capable of:
Replacing a headgear
Closing an open bite
Opening a deep bite
Correcting a Class II
Correcting a Class III
Correcting an occlusion asymmetry
Uprighting a tipped molar in preparation for restorative without full braces
Intruding or extruding teeth for restorative procedures usually without full braces
Correcting a single tooth crossbite without full braces
Orthognathic surgery can be simplified to one jaw
TADs are good fixation points to manage post-orthognathic surgery patients
TADs do not work for every patient but in many cases, they shorten treatment and improve our final result. Please contact our office for more information about this treatment.
