ORTHODONTIC ANCHORING

Occasionally your orthodontist may not be able to move teeth into the proper position using "conventional" orthodontics (braces, retainers, and/or headgear). Orthodontics requires anchor points that then can be used to move teeth in a desired way. Most of the time, they can use other teeth to exert a particular force and direction (vector). However, sometimes there is an insufficient amount of natural anchoring to achieve the desired movement and/or the desired direction of movement is not possible simply using the teeth. To correct this, mini temporary anchorage devices (TAD's) are used. These are small screws that are placed into the bone that come out of the gum tissue and allow the orthodontist to connect different things to the screws. The devices allow the orthodontist to move teeth in a direction they want the teeth to move. Once the movement is completed, the screws are removed. Since the screws are designed to be temporary, unlike dental implants that become "fused" to the bone, these TAD devices do occasionally get loose before the treatment is completed. It is an easy procedure to place another TAD for the orthodontist and complete treatment. Typically the procedure is done with a simple local anesthetic (numbing) and recovery is very easy. The TAD device can be used the same day by the orthodontist if desired, but most of the time a small healing time is suggested before the device is activated. The use of these devices can correct problems that were not possible with conventional orthodontics or required adjuctive procedures (jaw surgery, other extractions, dental implants, etc.). As with most procedures, your dental team will decide if TAD's is an good option to correct your bite.

TAD's in action.

More information can be found here: http://jada.ada.org/cgi/reprint/138/1/56.pdf