Modern orthodontics seeks methods to move teeth with greater precision and efficiency than traditional braces allow. Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADS) represent a significant advancement, acting as fixed points to guide complex tooth adjustments. These small, specialized tools allow orthodontists to achieve predictable results, streamlining treatment and expanding the possibilities for correcting various alignment issues.
What Are Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADS)?
Temporary Anchorage Devices are tiny, screw-like implants designed to serve as stationary anchors during orthodontic treatment. They are constructed from biocompatible materials, most often a titanium alloy, and generally measure between 6 to 12 millimeters in length and 1.2 to 2 millimeters in diameter.
The defining characteristic of TADS is their temporary nature; they are only in place for the duration of the specific tooth movement they facilitate. TADS are minimally invasive, fixed directly into the jawbone or the roof of the mouth to provide a secure foundation. Once their function is complete, the devices are easily removed, usually before the end of the full orthodontic treatment.
Why Orthodontists Use TADS
Orthodontists use TADS primarily to overcome reciprocal force, a fundamental mechanical challenge in traditional tooth movement. When force is applied using a tooth as an anchor, that anchor tooth often moves slightly in the opposite, unintended direction, resulting in “anchorage loss.” TADS solve this by creating absolute anchorage, meaning the anchor point is fixed and does not move when force is applied.
This stable anchorage allows the orthodontist to direct force entirely toward the teeth that need movement, ensuring unidirectional results. This precision is important for achieving complex adjustments difficult with conventional methods. For instance, TADS are utilized for molar intrusion, which pushes back teeth to correct a deep bite, or for uprighting severely tilted molars.
Absolute anchorage allows for the movement of entire segments of teeth, such as retracting a full arch to close large gaps after extractions. TADS can also eliminate the need for external appliances, like headgear, by providing the necessary force from inside the mouth. This technology expands treatment possibilities, sometimes allowing orthodontists to avoid the need for jaw surgery in complex cases.
The Procedure for Placement and Removal
The process of placing a Temporary Anchorage Device is quick, often taking just a few minutes in the orthodontist’s office. Before insertion, the specific area of the gum tissue is numbed using a local anesthetic, applied as a gel or by injection. Once the soft tissue is numb, the placement process is generally painless.
During placement, patients typically feel pressure or vibration as the tiny device is guided through the gum tissue and into the bone. This sensation is momentary. Mild soreness or tenderness in the area is common for a few days after the procedure, comparable to the discomfort felt after a routine orthodontic adjustment.
The removal of the TAD is faster and less involved than placement. Because the device is temporary, it is not permanently fused to the bone, and the orthodontist simply unscrews it. This extraction usually takes only a few seconds and rarely requires anesthesia. The small site heals very quickly without the need for stitches.
Daily Care and Management
Maintaining good oral hygiene around a TAD is important to prevent inflammation and promote stability. Patients must brush the area gently using a soft-bristled toothbrush, cleaning the device itself and the surrounding gum line at least twice a day to remove plaque.
To minimize the risk of infection, an antimicrobial mouthwash is frequently prescribed, especially during the first week after placement. Patients should also avoid touching or manipulating the TAD with their fingers or tongue, as unnecessary movement can destabilize the device.
Initial soreness following placement can usually be managed effectively with over-the-counter pain relievers. If discomfort persists beyond the first week, or if the device appears loose, contact the orthodontist immediately.