Temporary anchorage devices (TADs) help create a stable anchor point during orthodontic treatment, allowing teeth to move with greater precision. They are sometimes used alongside braces or clear aligners when additional support is needed for more complex tooth movement.
Key Takeaway
Temporary anchorage devices are a minimally invasive solution that helps improve control during orthodontic treatment. They provide a fixed anchor point, allowing for more predictable tooth movement and efficient progress toward your treatment goals.
What Is a Temporary Anchorage Device?
A temporary anchorage device (TAD) is a small, screw-like post made from a medical-grade titanium alloy that is placed into the jawbone to support orthodontic treatment.
How Does It Work?
The device creates a fixed anchor point in the mouth. Elastics or springs are attached to help move specific teeth in a precise direction while preventing other teeth from shifting unintentionally.
Your orthodontist plans the tooth movement and determines where additional anchorage is needed, while the oral surgeon places the device in the ideal position to support treatment.
Benefits of Temporary Anchorage Devices
TADs are used alongside braces or clear aligners to improve control when additional support is needed during orthodontic treatment.
Benefits include:
- Improved precision: Helps guide tooth movement more accurately.
- Better control: Stabilizes certain teeth while others are being moved.
- Efficiency in select cases: May reduce treatment time when additional anchorage is required.
- Minimally invasive placement: Quick, in-office procedure with minimal discomfort.
- Temporary solution: Easily removed once treatment goals are achieved.
The Placement Procedure
Placing a temporary anchorage device is a quick and simple in-office procedure with minimal discomfort for most patients.
- Consultation: Your oral surgeon works closely with your orthodontist to review your treatment plan and confirm where additional anchorage is needed.
- Placement: The area is numbed with local anesthesia, and the small titanium post is gently inserted into the jawbone in a specific location. An x-ray is taken after to make sure it’s in the correct position.
- Treatment Phase: Once in place, elastics or springs are attached to help guide controlled tooth movement throughout your orthodontic treatment.
- Removal: After the desired movement is achieved, the device is easily removed in a simple and comfortable procedure.
Good oral hygiene is essential while the device is in place. Keeping the area clean helps prevent inflammation and infection in the surrounding gum and bone tissue, which can affect stability. In some cases, the device may loosen over time and need to be replaced.
How Long Do TADs Stay In?
These devices stay in place only for as long as they are needed. In most cases, they remain for several months, depending on your treatment plan and how much tooth movement is required. Once treatment goals are reached, they are easily removed in a quick in-office procedure.
TAD Orthodontic Treatment in Vaughan, ON
If your orthodontist has recommended TADs, our team is here to provide safe, comfortable placement as part of your treatment plan. To book an appointment at our oral surgery office in Vaughan, call (905) 669-2616 or complete the online booking form.
FAQS
Are temporary anchorage devices safe?
Yes, TADs are a safe and commonly used part of modern orthodontic treatment. They are made from medical-grade titanium and are placed with careful planning to ensure stability and comfort.
Can I brush and floss normally with a TAD?
Yes, but you will need to brush and floss carefully around it. Use a soft toothbrush to gently clean around the device and along the gumline so food and plaque do not build up. Floss carefully around the area, and use an antimicrobial mouthwash if recommended by your orthodontist or oral surgeon to help keep the surrounding tissue healthy during treatment.
How long do TADs take to heal?
Most patients heal within a few days to one week after placement. Mild soreness or irritation around the area is common at first, but it usually improves quickly. Keeping the area clean and following your oral surgeon’s instructions helps support proper healing.
