Temporary Anchorage Devices

Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) are a relative new area of combining orthodontic treatment with minor surgical procedures to assist in the correction of mild dentoalveolar discrepancies.  This technique may be used to help correct mile occlusion abnormalities that may not be corrected with orthodontic tooth movement alone.

The advantages of this treatment may include decreased orthodontic treatment time and may help negate the need for additional surgical procedure such as orthognathic (jaw) surgery.

What is a TAD?

There are currently two types of TADs.  The first is a simple screw that is placed into the upper or lower jaw bone to provide "anchorage" to move teeth orthodontically.  The second is a plate and screw system to provide a longer stability and greater force applied to the tooth movement.  All of the material used is made of titanium alloy and have been around and used in the treatment of fractures for many years, but now applied in the treatment of orthodontic tooth movement in a new and innovative method.

How are TADs placed? and where?

TADs are usually placed under only local anesthetic with only small incisions.  If certain issues exist a patient may be mildly sedated to place TADs as well.  The location and type of TADs will be determined after a consultation with you and a discussion with Drs. Mulder, Kintz or Dingman and the referring orthodontist.

How long do TADs stay in place?

Ultimately the duration of treatment time will be determined by your orthodontist and will very patient to patient.  Occasionally, TADs become loose and need to be replaced.  The loosening of TADs tends to be more likely in the screw form (up to 30%) and can happen in the plate and screw form (up to approx 5%) as well.  If a plates or screws become loose it may be necessary for the TAD to be replaced with another surgery.

What is the scientific evidence of TADs?

Currently the literature relating to the placement and long-term results of TADs is very limited.  The majority of the literature available is mainly case studies and short term follow-up (<5yrs).  TADs are an interesting and possibly excellent treatment regimen but with such a new application of these devices there is no long-term randomized prospective studies validating there long-term stability.