Orthodontic TADs should not cause significant pain during placement because the area is numbed with local anesthesia first. You may feel pressure while the device is placed and some soreness or irritation afterward, but this discomfort usually improves as the area heals.
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TAD Placement Is Done With Local Anesthesia
A temporary anchorage device (TAD) is a small, screw-like post placed in the jawbone to provide a stable anchor during orthodontic treatment. Your orthodontist may recommend one when braces or clear aligners need additional support to move certain teeth.
Before placement, the area is numbed with local anesthesia. You may notice pressure as the TAD is inserted, but the anesthetic helps prevent pain during the procedure.
What Do TADs Feel Like After Placement?
Once the local anesthetic wears off, the area around the TAD may feel sore or tender. The nearby gum tissue can also feel irritated while it adjusts to the device.
Discomfort is usually most noticeable shortly after placement and then decreases over the next several days. The TAD itself should also become less noticeable as you get used to having it in your mouth.
Eating and Cleaning Around a TAD
You may need to make small adjustments while the area is tender. Chewing near a newly placed TAD can feel uncomfortable at first, so choosing softer foods may make eating easier during the initial healing period.
Keeping the area clean is also important. Carefully brush around the device and along the gumline with a soft toothbrush so plaque and food do not collect around it. Follow any additional cleaning instructions provided by Dr. Barron or your orthodontist.
Does It Hurt to Have a TAD Removed?
TAD removal is generally quick and causes little to no discomfort. Because the device is temporary, it is removed once your orthodontist has achieved the tooth movement for which it was needed. The small hole left behind after the TAD is removed typically closes and heals quickly on its own.
If You Have Discomfort During Treatment
Once the initial soreness has passed, you should be able to continue orthodontic treatment comfortably. If you develop pain or irritation at any point, contact Dr. Barron or your orthodontist so they can check the area and address what is causing the discomfort.
FAQs
Can you feel a TAD in your mouth?
You will probably notice it at first because a small portion remains above the gum so it can connect to your orthodontic appliance. It will becomes less noticeable as you adjust to it.
Can you eat normally with TADs?
Yes. Once the initial tenderness improves, you can generally return to your normal diet. For the first few days, foods such as yogurt, eggs, pasta, rice, and soft-cooked vegetables may be more comfortable. Avoid biting or chewing hard, crunchy, or sticky foods directly around the device, as they can irritate the area or put unnecessary pressure on it.
Can a TAD become loose?
Yes, a TAD can sometimes loosen during orthodontic treatment. If the device moves or feels loose, contact the office rather than trying to adjust it yourself.
TAD Placement for Orthodontic Treatment
If a temporary anchorage device is part of your orthodontic treatment plan, Dr. Robert Barron works with your orthodontist to place it where it is needed for the planned tooth movement.
To schedule an appointment at our oral surgery office in Vaughan, call (905) 669-2616 or visit us at 3300 Hwy 7 W #805, Vaughan, ON L4K 4M3.
