What is a Temporary Anchorage Device? 

As the name implies, a Temporary Anchorage Device is temporarily positioned in your mouth to add greater stability to braces with issues like bite closure, space closure and others. It is a screw, or pin, made of a titanium alloy, that performs like an anchor and remains during the entire treatment.


How Does the TAD Procedure Work?

The TAD technique could be described as being similar to a boat anchor, which is used to stop the boat from moving. Bone cells and the cells that attach teeth to the bone (periodontal ligaments) will move and reform when tension is provided, as through braces. In order to ensure that only the misaligned teeth are moved, an anchorage point must be provided.

At one time, other teeth were used as the anchorage points, but they were too subject to movement and were not stable. Today, the mini-screws of the TAD are used to ensure that stability. The process is painless and safe and the device will be removed following completion of the treatment.


Maintaining the TAD Device

TAD’s are mostly maintenance free. Eating habits can remain the same and dental hygiene will require only a small change that involves dipping your soft bristle toothbrush into an antimicrobial solution.


Why Choose Woodbury Ortho Clinic For Implanting Your TAD Device?

At Woodbury Ortho Clinic we believe that you should be fully informed prior to any treatment that you receive. Because of our expertise in placing TAD’s we will be able to provide you with a full description of the procedure and gladly address any questions or concerns