TADs
TADs
WHAT ARE TEMPORARY ANCHOR DEVICES OR TADS?
Essentially, TADS are small, screw-like dental implants made of a titanium alloy. As the name implies, they’re temporary — they usually remain in place during some months of treatment, and then they are removed.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF TADS?
TADs are used to augment anchorage when the desired tooth movement is in need of a “power boost”. These appliances are hooked to braces on the teeth to aid in space closure, midline correction, bite closure, and many other functions. TADs are often used to supplement or substitute for elastics.
ARE TADS FASTER?
TADs straighten teeth faster than most alternative options. The speed of treatment will vary among patients. In some cases, you will only need to keep the implants for a month.
DOES IT HURT?
TADs are minimally invasive, safe, and cause little to no pain. Before the TADs are inserted, the area is numbed using an anesthetic. There may be small amounts of pain after the anesthetic wears off within the first 24 hours.
HOW DO YOU PLACE A TAD?
While TADs are inserted right into your jawbone, the insertion process is surprisingly pain-free. Before inserting your TADs, your orthodontist will numb the area where the device will be placed with a local anesthetic. Then, the TAD will be inserted into your jawbone with a simple hand tool. These TADs can also be positioned in a number of regions of the jaw, depending on the anchorage and movement needed. After treatment is completed, these devices are then simply removed from the mouth.
CAN TADS FALL OUT?
TADs will not damage your mouth tissue or teeth according to all known research. TADs are typically a very stable treatment option and, once placed, they shouldn’t be any nuisance to you whatsoever. Sometimes, they can fall out prematurely, but it’s rarely a painful process.
CAN TADS CAUSE INFECTION?
The area around a TAD may become infected. In the unlikely event that an infection develops the doctor who placed the TAD should be notified immediately. Antibiotics may be prescribed. Symptoms of infection include (but are not limited to) pain, redness, swelling, foul taste, and fever.
CAN I EAT AFTER TADS?
Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.