What Is a Temporary Anchorage Device?
Dr. Grussmark provides a variety of treatment options to meet the needs of our patients. For example, a temporary anchorage device can be used in conjunction with braces or orthodontic headgear to help promote quicker and more comfortable tooth movement.
A temporary anchorage device (TAD) is a tiny screw that we embed in your jawbone above the affected tooth. Once it’s in place, we stretch an elastic band or extension from the TAD to the bracket of the tooth that needs fixing. The extra force provided by the band and your own skeletal structure help shift the tooth in the direction it needs to go.
As the name suggests, temporary anchorage devices aren’t permanent. Your orthodontist will remove the screw once it’s no longer necessary.
FAQs About Temporary Anchorage Devices
Are temporary anchorage devices painful?
No, temporary anchorage devices aren’t painful. You may feel some sensitivity and discomfort, but TADs usually don’t cause serious pain. The sensitivity often fades as you get used to the device.
Some discomfort is normal with orthodontic treatment because your teeth are being forced to move around in your mouth. If you feel discomfort that gets in the way of your daily life, let us know and we can help.
What are temporary anchorage devices used for?
Temporary anchorage devices are used to help your braces move your teeth. They serve as a temporary fixed point around which your braces can position your teeth properly. They’re a small screw that can help your teeth to move more efficiently.
It can be difficult to move your teeth without anything to push against. The TAD can provide a base against which your teeth can be moved.
Are temporary anchorage devices safe?
Yes, TADs are safe. TADs help move your teeth around more efficiently for short amounts of time. The TAD will be inserted for a short amount of time, then removed when it’s completed its job.
All that a TAD will do is help your teeth to be moved into position more efficiently. They’re often painless and won’t cause a significant change in your oral health or daily life.
Visit Dr. Grussmark for a Temporary Anchorage Device
If you’re self-conscious about the way your smile looks, Dr. Grussmark has an orthodontic solution for you. Temporary Anchorage Devices have been helping patients achieve perfect smiles for over three decades. To learn more about what we can do for your smile, contact our office for a free consultation today.
