What Are Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs)?
Temporary Anchorage Devices, or TADs, are innovative tools used in orthodontics to enhance treatment effectiveness. These small titanium anchors are strategically placed in the jaw to provide a stable anchor point for moving teeth more efficiently and precisely. Unlike traditional methods that might require cumbersome appliances or headgear, TADs offer a modern, less invasive alternative.
How Do TADs Work?
TADs function by acting as a fixed point in the mouth, allowing for targeted tooth movement without relying on adjacent teeth or headgear. This stability enables Dr. Marc Allen to make precise adjustments to the position of specific teeth, addressing complex orthodontic issues that might otherwise require more invasive procedures.
Benefits of Using TADs
Everyday, you’ll see Dr. Allen placing a tad or 4. He tells patients, “TADS are probably the most impactful technology that predictably change patients’ outcomes. They provide options that are not possible to consider without using them. They also give me the ability to maximize a patients’ natural beauty light years beyond what orthodontists can do without them.“
- Enhanced Control: TADs provide greater control over tooth movement, allowing for more accurate and predictable results.
- Reduced Need for Headgear: By offering a reliable anchorage point, TADs can minimize or eliminate the need for uncomfortable headgear, improving patient comfort and compliance.
- Less Invasive: Compared to traditional methods, TADs are a less invasive option, requiring only a brief placement procedure under local anesthetic.
- Faster Treatment Times: With TADs, Dr. Allen can often achieve desired outcomes more quickly, potentially reducing overall treatment duration.
- Potential for Complex Cases: TADs make it possible to address more challenging orthodontic cases that might previously have been difficult to manage.
The TAD Placement Process
The placement of TADs is a straightforward procedure performed in the comfort of our Huntersville office. Dr. Marc Allen will use a local anesthetic to numb the area, ensuring minimal discomfort during the insertion of the TADs.
The procedure is quick, and most patients experience only slight pressure. Once placed, TADs remain in position for the duration of your treatment and are removed easily once no longer needed.
Maintaining and Caring for Your TADs
To keep your TADs in optimal condition, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene:
- Brushing: Brush around the TADs carefully with a soft toothbrush at least three times a day.
- Antimicrobial Mouthwash: Use the provided antimicrobial mouthwash twice daily to help prevent infection and keep the area clean. We provide chlorohexidine for patients to apply the antimicrobial rinse directly to the tad’s placement.
If you experience any discomfort after placement, over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol® can help. Should any issues persist, please contact our office for guidance.
Consult with Us
At Marc Allen Orthodontics, we are committed to providing the best orthodontic care to patients of all ages. If you think TADs might be beneficial for your orthodontic treatment, or if you have any questions about how they work, please reach out to us. Dr. Marc Allen and our team are here to ensure you receive the highest quality care and achieve the best possible results.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us today or visit our office in Huntersville, NC. If you have not heard what you wish you could change was possible, Dr. Allen may be just the breath of fresh air you have been searching to hear.
