TEMPORARY ANCHORAGE DEVICES (TADS) OR MICROIMPLANTS are small bone anchors used by Orthodontists and are very useful in speeding up treatment and accomplishing results that cannot be done by brackets and wires alone. TADs are often called microimplants, mini-screws, or mini-plates and can be used in conjunction with Invisalign or any type of fixed braces. TADs or microimplants are NOT dental implants and are only a fraction of the size of a regular dental implant.
TADS or microimplants are made of surgical-grade stainless steel or medical-grade Titanium alloy that are bio-compatible. TADs come in various designs and lengths depending on the indications of use. Compared to a regular dental implant to replace teeth, TADS are infinitely smaller. The diameter of a TAD ranges from 1.4 to 1.8mm only, making them barely noticeable. The length varies from 6.0mm to 10.0mm. There are 3 parts to a TAD: the Head, the Neck, and the Body. Only the Head is visible in the mouth. Sometimes, the Head of a TAD is hidden under the gum or cheek and cannot be seen. The Neck usually has a very small hole so our Drs have the flexibility to run orthodontic wires and threads to effect tooth movement. The Body of the TAD or microimplant anchors it securely into bone.
In situations of complex tooth movement or when heavier forces are required or when the direction of force application is difficult to achieve, TAD’s are nifty support auxiliaries to achieve the best results possible. Treatment time can be shortened by providing much-needed structural support for difficult tooth movement. TADs or microimplants that are firmly anchored to bone allow for effective PULLING action to move a single tooth or groups of teeth.
What are the indications for TADs in orthodontic treatment?
TADs can be used with any type of fixed braces, including Invisalign!
Some of the indications or uses of TADs include:
TAD’s are temporarily placed to move teeth. X-rays are needed to study root anatomy and bone thickness to determine the type, size, and length of TADs to use. TADs are inserted via a simple and fast procedure done under light local anesthetic. Once its mission is accomplished, it is also removed via a simple procedure.
There is usually minimal post-op bleeding and swelling; patients often return to work and school the next day. After TADs placement, painkillers are usually prescribed, and the feeling is much less than a dental extraction. It is crucial to keep the mouth clean to avoid infections that can cause pain. The soft tissue around TADs will need 7-10 days to get used to the new object in the mouth, and temporary ulcers may appear.
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