What are temporary anchorage devices (TAD’s)? Having crooked teeth is something that affects someone’s confidence especially when it comes to social situations. Earlier, such kind of teeth was fixed using bite blocks, high-pull headgear, elastics, and functional appliances. When someone had serious cases of crooked teeth, it was fixed through surgery. TAD’s or Temporary Anchorage Devices are now available in place of the earlier treatment methods. Instead of going for surgery, these minimally invasive implants are used, but not all TADs can correct all cases. There are situations where surgery is the only option.
TAD’s are made of mini-screw implants that are built from titanium alloy, and they are inserted in the bone of the posterior maxillary molars. These implants allow the teeth to become mobile in different ways. Removing TADs can be done at any time without any significant pain, and the process only takes a few minutes. The procedure can also be done to the kids if they need to straighten their teeth. When orthodontists are working on younger patients, they use a topical anaesthetic gel in place of shots.
What are TAD’s Used to Treat?
The TAD implants are used to correct dental problems like:
- Protrusive incisors
- Deep bites
- Open bites
- Abnormally erupted molars
Unlike other treatments, TADs deliver great results. They are easier to use compared to other options in the industry.
Temporary Anchorage Device Pain?
When TAD’s are placed, they take very little time, and they do not involve a lot of pain. For the little Temporary Anchorage Device pain caused, a topical anesthetic gel is used which will fade off after some time. After the installation, you will experience mild pain for about 3 days. In case the pain lasts for more than 3 days, the implants might be tampered with, and you will need an orthodontist to look at it. If you don’t want to have any complications, you should take care of the implants.
Side Effects of the Implants
TAD’s do not have side effects; they are safe devices. But the risk they have is that over time, they can become loose. In such an instance, you will have to revisit your doctor to fix it. You will get some pain once the implants are set in the bone but the pain will not last for more than three days. To get rid of any discomfort, use Tylenol.
There are instances when the implants will irritate the mouth. You can solve this by placing some extra wax on the TAD’s head. If the irritation persists, you need to go and get checked. The good thing about the implants is that they do not cause any damage to the jaws, teeth, or other areas of the mouth.
How Should You Care for TADs?
It is very easy to maintain TADs. Brush your teeth regularly to have clean implants. Use mouthwash for the first five days to get rid of mouth bacteria. You should do this twice a day for some time. Use the same method to clean the implants’ surface until you remove them. Just dip your toothbrush in a solution and brush the implant gently.
Only use manual toothbrushes when cleaning the implants and avoid the electric devices. You can easily hit the implants with an electric toothbrush. Be careful with your TAD implants and avoid fidgeting with them.
Benefits of the TAD’s
TADs are advantageous for people who have crooked teeth. Below are some benefits of TAD’s:
- TADs placement is almost without pain. The implants are 1.5 millimeters in length. The great thing is that a local anesthetic in the form of a gel will be used.
- They are reliable, and they are used to treat both mild and moderate teeth misalignment cases. It is also easy for the results of the treatment to be predicted.
- They help to prevent the movement of teeth towards unwanted directions.
- It is easy to care for them.
- They are aesthetically pleasing.
- It is easy to remove the implants without lots of pain.
- TADs straighten teeth faster than the alternative options
Although TAD’s on their own is what some patients need, there are others who need an extra boost to support the movement of the teeth. In this case, the patient will need enhanced anchorage that is not provided by a TAD, and that is where titanium skeletal fixation plates are used. The plates that will be used will be prefabricated like the Bollard plates that are used specifically for dentofacial orthopedics. Custom molded plates can also be used to adapt to any part of the facial skeleton respective of the need. These plates are ideally used for:
The Intrusion of Molars for Open Bites Correction
Plates fixation placement will allow molars to intrude to achieve a better mandibular closure when it is not possible to close the jaw completely, reducing the chance of corrective jaw surgery.
Stimulation and/or Reduction of Jaw Growth
The use of Bollard skeletal fixation plates for retrusive facial profiles the traction elastics usage to help guide and stimulate the maxilla growth forward or retard and prevent the growth of the mandibular forward like the way the headgear does. Removal of the plates or a TAD is easy than their own placement. You can clean the plates the same way you clean the TAD’s.
What does a Temporary Anchorage Device Cost?
The fee varies because it depends on the severity of your case. There are cases when the temporary anchorage device cost is fairly cheap, but since TAD’s are done in difficult cases, they tend to be expensive.
Conclusion
There are several treatment options for treating misaligned teeth. For someone who is looking to straighten their teeth, the traditional treatments are not sufficient or convenient. For instance, braces and headgear affect the appearance of the teeth, and Invisalign treatments do not solve the problem of Anchorage.
TAD’s are reliable and highly convenient and work faster compared to other options. You can go for implants if you have open bites, deep bites, molars, or protrusive incisors that have shot up abnormally. If you want to know more about TAD’s and find out if you are an ideal candidate for getting them, contact Dr. Papandreas at 440-582-8585 in North Royalton, Ohio, or at 330-558-9092 in Brunswick, Ohio. You can also visit our website and check out the services offered at the clinic.
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Papandreas Orthodontics
14200 Ridge Rd
North Royalton, OH 44133
United States
tel: 440-582-8585
What are Temporary Anchorage Devices (TAD’s)?