Everything You Need to Know About Temporary Anchorage Devices

Did the professional tell you at your last orthodontic appointment that they would be placing Temporary Anchorage Devices in your mouth to straighten your teeth? And ever since then, your mind has been bombarded with a plethora of questions about these devices. If yes, then you must continue reading this article, which covers everything you need to know in detail.

So, what are Temporary Anchorage Devices?

Also abbreviated TADs, these are small orthodontic appliances that aim at correcting the alignment of your teeth. What’s more, they are also often employed to reposition the jaw due to misalignment.

Orthodontists generally use TADs along with braces or other orthodontic procedures. Not every patient will necessarily need it, but those who do will find this technique worth investing in.

How is the procedure carried out?

When you visit the orthodontist, the professional will meticulously examine your teeth, jaw, and bite. Based on the detailed measurements, you will be guided as to whether TADs are meant for you or not.

Your orthodontist may also perform an X-ray to ascertain that there is no decay or damage present on your current teeth. When they are overlooked, they may play a possible deterrent role in the overall procedure and might also create complications later on.

Finally, it is time for your orthodontist to take impressions of each tooth individually. This step entails calculating how much space needs to be filled between each tooth in order to achieve an aesthetically pleasing smile.

For your information, TADs are a minimally invasive and pain-free procedure. With the help of a local anesthetic, the orthodontist will numb the gums and surrounding areas where the TAD will be placed. And after the insertion, only a few patients realize soreness at first. However, after a day or so, most patients don’t even feel their presence.

What are the benefits of TADs?

TADs offer numerous benefits and have thus emerged as a popular dentistry technique worldwide. Here are some of the compelling ones:

• Various orthodontic issues can be solved

TADs are small metal or plastic screws that are placed in the jawbone to provide temporary support for dental appliances such as braces. TADs are commonly used to treat a variety of orthodontic problems, such as crowding, gapping, and tooth extraction. TAD placement is a relatively simple and quick procedure that can be performed in the orthodontist’s office.

• They may also help you skip the headgear

Before the emergence of TADs, many other appliances were utilized to cure several orthodontic issues. They did, however, have a drawback and caused patients discomfort. One of them was a headgear that could treat a variety of bite problems caused by jaw misalignment.

This means the introduction of TADs completely averted the use of headgear. No, orthodontists still use headgear to correct severe bite issues. But in the majority of the scenarios, they are seen employing discreet TADs to enhance the self-confidence of patients during the teeth-straightening process.

• Placements are simple and pain-free

As previously stated, the entire TAD procedure is simple and painless, despite the fact that they are inserted directly into the jaw bone. With the help of a local anesthetic, the technique is executed.

While experiencing complications on the lower side, mild soreness can be felt by some patients. But these issues can be easily overcome with the aid of over-the-counter pain medications.

Are there any risks involved with TADs?

For tooth alignment, TADs are considered a safe option. Therefore, the chances of tooth damage, tooth loss, tooth decay, sensitivity, or pain do not even enter the picture.

With few risks and numerous perks, an increasing number of people are interested in taking advantage of the benefits of this procedure. Even orthodontists are proactively recommending TADs to their patients for issues related to malocclusions.

How to take care of TADs

If you are wondering whether you need special instruments or tools after the insertion of TADs, the answer is no. Thankfully, there is no rocket science involved when it comes to caring for these devices. All you need is to keep the teeth and gum tissue near the TADs as clean as possible. This will help keep the surrounding areas free of plaque, which can be a factor in oral infection.

This is why your orthodontist may advise you to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to thoroughly clean your teeth and mouth. Additionally, they may also suggest switching from traditional toothpaste to one that is potent enough to kill oral bacteria while you are wearing TADs.

And just like with traditional braces, avoiding things that are too hard, sticky, or difficult to digest is your safest bet. Foodstuffs like popcorn kernels, nuts, and ice cubes, for instance, should be a big no when you are wearing TADs.

Final words

If you’re considering using a temporary anchorage device, it’s important to understand the benefits that it offers. By using a temporary anchorage device, you can:

• Achieve faster, more efficient treatment outcomes.
• Reduce the number of surgical procedures required.
• Feel less discomfort and pain.
• Get back to your everyday activities sooner.

All of these benefits make a temporary anchorage device a great choice for those looking for an efficient and minimally invasive treatment option.

And if you have any questions about Orthodontic Anchorage devices or any other dentistry techniques, the team at Masri Orthodontics has you covered. Simply contact us to learn more about how to achieve affordable smiles.