Temporary anchorage devices in Duncanville & Grand Prairie
In most cases, your orthodontist can align your teeth with brackets, wires, rubber bands and springs. However, some unique cases require a different approach. Temporary anchorage devices (TADs) let your orthodontist target specific teeth at the perfect angle to enhance your smile. Henderson Orthodontics uses TADs to align your smile safely and comfortably. We will walk you through the process and create a custom plan for your needs.
A TAD is an artificial anchor used for orthodontic treatment. TADs are usually surgical-grade titanium screws that attach to your jaw bone. They may be used with braces or as an alternative to headgear. TADs serve as a fixed point to shift or direct teeth. During treatment, your orthodontist may attach a band to the TAD and your tooth to move it as needed. TADs are sometimes used when the patient is missing a tooth in one spot.
Every orthodontic patient is unique. Sometimes, your teeth may not come in fully or align with traditional braces technology. TADs help your orthodontist approach your teeth from multiple angles to create stunning results. Some of the conditions it can treat include:
Bite issues such as overbites, underbites and crossbites.
Gaps caused by missing teeth.
Misaligned molars with challenging roots.
TADs can also help to stabilize another tooth that is being used as an anchor. TADs allow orthodontists to work efficiently with cases that are normally difficult to treat. They can also shorten the overall treatment length.
Temporary anchorage device placement is a safe in-office procedure that only takes a few minutes. Your orthodontist will walk you through each step beforehand so you know what to expect. During the appointment, we will apply anesthesia to numb the area. Once the patient is numb, we insert the TAD through the gum into the jaw bone with a hand tool. After we insert the TAD, you’re done! You can take over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen for mild pain. If the pain continues for multiple days without improvement, contact our office.
You need to keep your TAD clean to prevent bacteria growth. Brush your teeth after every meal and gently brush the TAD to remove any plaque or debris. We also recommend using an antibacterial mouthwash to keep your mouth clean. You will receive more specific orthodontic care instructions after we insert the TAD.
Henderson Orthodontics is a leading provider serving Grand Prairie, Duncanville and the surrounding areas. We have helped countless patients improve their smiles through braces, surgery, Invisalign® treatment and more. We are certified by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) and give back to our community as much as possible. We develop custom plans for each patient and offer flexible financing options so everyone can achieve the smile of their dreams.
