TADs (Temporary Anchorage Devices)
Temporary Anchorage Devices, commonly called TADs or mini-implants, have revolutionized orthodontic treatment. At Bar Orthodontics in Rockwall, TX, Dr. Bar uses TADs to achieve tooth movements that were once difficult or impossible without surgery.
What Are TADs?
TADs are small titanium screws, typically 6-12mm long and 1.2-2mm in diameter, that are temporarily placed in the jawbone to serve as fixed anchor points during orthodontic treatment.
Unlike traditional braces that rely on teeth as anchors (which can move reciprocally), TADs provide absolute anchoragethat doesn’t move, allowing us to move specific teeth exactly where we want them.
How TADs Improve Treatment
Traditional orthodontics follows Newton’s Third Law, when force is applied to move teeth, an equal and opposite force affects the anchor teeth. TADs eliminate this problem by providing stationary anchorage, enabling:
- Intrusion of over-erupted teeth
- Retraction of front teeth without unwanted movement of back teeth
- Uprighting of tilted molars
- Correction of asymmetric bite issues
- Movement of teeth in directions previously requiring surgery
- Faster overall treatment times
The TAD Placement Process
TAD placement is a quick, minimally invasive procedure:
- Local anesthesia is applied to numb the area (often just topical gel is sufficient)
- Dr. Bar precisely places the TAD through the gum tissue into the bone
- The entire procedure takes only a few minutes
- Most patients report little to no discomfort
- You can return to normal activities immediately
TADs are removed just as easily once treatment is complete, and the small site heals within days.
Common Uses for TADs
Dr. Bar may recommend TADs for:
- Closing extraction spaces without shifting other teeth
- Correcting open bites by intruding back teeth
- Fixing gummy smiles by intruding front teeth
- Uprighting molars that have tipped into extraction sites
- Treating complex bite issues that would otherwise require jaw surgery
- Accelerating treatment for adults with limited bone support
- Creating space for implants or other restorative work
Caring for Your TADs
TADs require minimal maintenance:
- Brush gently around the TAD site twice daily
- Use an antimicrobial rinse as directed
- Avoid sticky or hard foods that could dislodge the TAD
- Attend regular orthodontic appointments for monitoring
- Report any unusual looseness or discomfort to our office
Benefits of TAD-Assisted Orthodontics
Patients who receive TAD-assisted treatment often experience:
- More predictable tooth movement and outcomes
- Shorter overall treatment time
- Ability to avoid jaw surgery in some cases
- Better results for complex cases
- Reduced need for patient compliance with headgear or elastics
- More comfortable treatment experience