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Temporary Anchorage Devices: An Overview

Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) comprise of an immovable object that may be used to pull, push, lift, or intrude teeth that need to be straightened. They offer a simple, inconspicuous solution to replace previous unwieldy dental solutions, such as headgear. TADs are also known as mini-implants, mini-screws, and micro-implants, and are between 6 and 10mm long, which is roughly the size of a small wood screw. When a TAD is in place, it resembles an earring resting on the gum. The implant plate has two parts – 1. Implant head and 2. Implant body. Some of its popular types are:

Small Head (SH) Type
No head (NH)Type
Long Head (LH)Type
Circle Head (CH)Type
Fixation Head (FH)Type
Bracket Head (BH)Type

TADs are constructed from biologically inert materials that are safe for use in the mouth. They will not corrode the gums or harm the body in any way. TADs are intended to hold fast in bone and are compatible with the soft tissue that they pass through. These are made of biologically compatible titanium alloy. TADs require very little maintenance to stay clean and healthy. In addition to regular brushing and flossing, most orthodontists recommend a Chlorhexidine mouthwash. As long as your gums are healthy, it’s very unlikely to have issues with a TAD. There are different size options are available by various manufacturers.

To place a TAD, the orthodontist uses a topical and a very small anesthetic dose in the soft tissue region overlying the placement area for the TAD. It takes less than a minute for the orthodontist to insert the TAD. The soft tissue is the only area of the body that may experience pain or discomfort during the procedure, as it’s not possible for the bone to feel pain. When the gums are completely numb, the procedure will be pain free. Many patients don’t feel anything during the placement.

Since TADs don’t move, an orthodontist may use them to adjust teeth in any direction and to a degree that was not possible previously. While TADs don’t eliminate the need for teeth pulling and jaw surgery, they may lessen the amount of additional dental work required. It can be removed in few months once. As the name indicates, it is for small duration. Once the purpose is served it can be removed.

TADs have become widely accepted and extremely popular in recent years. Dental practitioners are getting good results which were not possible with braces alone. TAD is for patients who have permanent teeth. TAD is also suitable for the patients aged between 10-12 years of age. Those suffering from any gum problems cannot go for TAD. The removal process of a TAD is even easier than its placement. During the removal of implant, there is a breach of soft tissues so there won’t be pain by unscrewing it. It is a painless procedure.

With the help of TADs dentists can move teeth in different directions which were not possible previously. TAD is not an answer to a dental surgery but it can convert a surgery into tooth extraction and an extraction into a non-extraction. But for proper counseling you need to visit a good dentist who can give you a good advice.

Some of the most common features of TAD are:

It is not very expensive
It is simple to use
It is easier to use
It should be biocompatible
It should provide superior results

According to a study, success rates of TADs have been in the range of 80% to 95%. The stability of TAD increases with implant length. Finally we can conclude that there are many advantages of TAD. It can improve treatment times and offers a greater relief to the patient.