Temporary Anchorage Device (TAD)

In orthodontics we move teeth with basic mechanics. For example, when you push on something, you have to pull on something that is acting as an anchor.  Most often, another tooth or group of teeth are used to achieve this orthodontic anchorage.  Teeth are convenient anchors, but they do present a few limitations, especially in stability.  This is because when a tooth is used as the anchor, the anchor tooth moves as well, which is in certain cases, undesirable.   As a result of these anchorage issues, orthodontists have been limited in our ability to correct certain severe cases, and often have to resort to bulky appliances, tooth extraction, or even surgery when devising a plan of treatment.

The introduction of TADs has changed this.   These are basically very small screws inserted into the surrounding bone of the jaw.  The TAD is placed in office, and with very little patient discomfort. Most commonly, only a topical anesthetic is necessary for the procedure.  The TAD does not move, and the tooth can therefore be moved against a fixed point.

With TADS, our orthodontists are often able to achieve better treatment options and results, including eliminating headgear wear, closing an open bite, opening a deep bite, correcting over/underbites, correcting occlusal asymmetries, or uprighting tipped molars in preparation for restorative needs. The TADs are removed when they are no longer needed.