Temporary Anchorage Devices (TAD)

Temporary Anchorage Devices (TAD’s) are mini implants or mini screws that are used to move teeth without using other teeth as the anchor. When braces are used, all the teeth are tied together with the wire. All the teeth move in relationship to the adjacent teeth. Using a TAD allows tooth movement to be specific to that tooth. While planning treatment, the use of TAD’s can shorten treatment time, prevent dental implants, and prevent the need for Jaw Surgery. We have been successfully utilizing the Vector TAS TAD system since 2006.

Dr. David Alpan attended the first certification course to be able to place TAD’s. Since then he has placed hundreds of TAD’s with no pain or sensitivity. The local area is made numb and the TAD is placed. There are no shots or uncomfortable healing associated. There is some minor discomfort for the first 24 hours. Since we immediately load the TAD with a spring, it is working as soon as we place the TAD.

The Evolution of Temporary Anchorage Devices

Orthopedic surgery has provided the framework for introducing metal screws into human bone. Ankylosed tooth roots served as the catalyst for introducing orthodontists to the advantages of using TAD’s in orthodontic care. History has brought us to the breakthrough of temporary skeletal anchorage on a firm foundation of osseo-integrated implants, orthognathic surgery, bold clinicians and the increasing anchorage demands of adult orthodontics.

In the late 1990’s a slow trickle of skeletal anchorage case reports began entering the orthodontic literature. Nearly 10 years later, interest in mini screw anchorage has grown dramatically. Orthodontists are mastering the wonder of fixed skeletal anchorage, no longer trapped within the confines of anchorage loss due to reciprocal tooth movement.

Since the creation of the Vector TAD system the temporary skeletal anchorage device success ratio has been impressive. The placement and maintenance has improved exponentially compared to earlier technologies. Vector TADs are cutting-edge technology and we believe they are the very best in innovation for our patients’ orthodontic care. Please call or send us an e-mail with any questions you may have.

Ask the Orthodontist (Questions and Answers with Dr. David Alpan)