Temporary anchorage devices (TADs for short) are mini anchors which are placed in the bone around the teeth. Because TADs are used as a fixed point, they allow for unique directions of force that move teeth in ways that were not possible in the past with conventional orthodontics. TADs now provide an option for that fixed point that is smaller, more discrete, more efficient and requires significantly less work for the patient, therefore, efficiency and effectiveness of treatment is enhanced. Before TADs, orthodontists who wanted to move some teeth while keeping others still, or to achieve orthodontic movement in a mouth with missing teeth, had to rely on headgear for their fixed point. TADs can even successfully treat cases that were once treated with only corrective jaw surgery.
Placement of TADs is not painful and is done in the office by Dr. White. TADs are generally placed for six months to a year and then removed.
Temporary anchorage devices may not be recommended for everyone, and, in fact, anchorage devices may not be needed in all cases. Contact us if you’d like to know more about TADs.