Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs)
Temporary Anchorage Devices, or TADs, are small titanium implants that give orthodontists stable anchor points during treatment. They’re usually removed once they’re no longer needed. TADs can make tooth movement faster, more precise, and more comfortable, especially in complex cases.
TADs can work alongside braces or serve as an alternative to bulky options like headgear. In traditional orthodontics, teeth sometimes move in ways we don’t want — but TADs give doctors exact control, which helps shorten treatment time and improve results.
Recent advancements have made TADs easier to place, more affordable, and safer than older bone anchorage methods.
Benefits of TADs in Your Smile
TADs offer several advantages that can improve your orthodontic experience:
Anchorage Control: Stabilize teeth without depending on neighboring teeth.
Versatility: Provide support where natural tooth anchorage isn’t available.
Shorter Treatment Times: Help reduce treatment length by up to a third.
Improved Comfort: Often reduce or eliminate the need for rubber bands or headgear.
Precise Tooth Movement: Allow targeted adjustments that braces alone can’t achieve.
Surgical Alternatives: Correct certain issues, like open bites, without surgery.
Applications of TADs for your Treatment
TADs are helpful for a variety of orthodontic needs, including:
Correcting bite issues such as Class II and Class III malocclusions.
Opening deep bites or closing open bites.
Uprighting molars for restorative procedures without full braces.
Simplifying orthognathic surgery by focusing on one jaw at a time.
Supporting growth modification and skeletal changes.
Assisting with single-tooth movements like crossbite corrections.
How TADs Are Placed
The process is quick and comfortable. First, a strong anesthetic is applied to numb the gum and jaw in the area where the TAD will go. Once numb, our doctors gently place the TAD through the gum tissue into the jawbone. You might feel some pressure during placement, but most patients stop noticing it within a day. When it’s time for removal, the procedure is simple and only takes a few minutes.
Caring for Your Appliances
Keeping your TAD clean is just like caring for braces: brush at least three times a day. Drs. Kyint and Evan Chwa may also provide an antimicrobial mouthwash to use twice daily.
If you experience any discomfort after placement, an over-the-counter option like Tylenol® usually helps. Persistent discomfort should always be reported to our doctors.
Learn More About TADs
TADs aren’t right for everyone, but for many patients, they can make treatment more efficient and comfortable. If you’d like to learn more about Temporary Anchorage Devices and how they may support your smile goals, contact us to schedule a consultation with our doctors.