Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs)
Some orthodontic movements require additional support beyond what braces or aligners can provide on their own.
Temporary anchorage devices, or TADs, provide a stable point of support that can help your orthodontist move selected teeth with greater control.
How TADs Support Orthodontic Treatment
A temporary anchorage device is a small titanium screw placed through the gum and into the jawbone. It provides a fixed point that allows an orthodontist to move selected teeth without relying entirely on other teeth for support.
An elastic, spring, wire, or other orthodontic component connects the TAD to the teeth being moved. Depending on the treatment plan, TADs may be placed between tooth roots, along the upper or lower jaw, or in the palate.
TADs are temporary. Once the orthodontist no longer needs the additional anchorage, the device is removed.
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When TADs May Be Recommended
Your orthodontist may recommend a TAD when a tooth or group of teeth needs to move without causing unwanted movement elsewhere in the dental arch.
TADs may help:
Close spaces left by missing or extracted teeth
Move back teeth forward
Move front teeth backward
Intrude teeth that have erupted too far
Help correct certain open bites or deep bites
Adjust an uneven bite or dental midline
Support difficult movements with braces or clear aligners
Reduce the need for headgear in selected cases
The number and location of the devices depend on the orthodontic movement being planned and the available bone.
Coordinated Surgical and Orthodontic Care
Our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons work with orthodontists throughout Mesa, North Mesa, Queen Creek, Tempe, Show Low, and surrounding communities to support patients who need temporary anchorage devices as part of orthodontic treatment.
If your orthodontist determines that a TAD may help with your treatment, they will refer you to our team for evaluation and placement. Our surgeons coordinate the location and timing of placement with your orthodontist.
The Treatment Process
Treatment is coordinated with your orthodontist so the TAD is positioned to support the planned tooth movement.
1. Evaluation and Planning
At your consultation, we evaluate the proposed placement area and review your orthodontist’s plan. Imaging may be used to assess the available bone, nearby tooth roots, and surrounding anatomy.
2. TAD Placement
The area is numbed with local anesthesia before the small titanium screw is placed through the gum and into the jawbone. Local anesthesia is generally all that is needed to keep you comfortable during the procedure.
3. Orthodontic Treatment
Your orthodontist connects the appropriate orthodontic component to the TAD and uses it as an anchorage point to guide tooth movement. The device remains in place for as long as additional support is needed.
4. TAD Removal
Once the planned tooth movement is complete, the TAD is removed. Removal is generally quick, and the small opening typically heals without stitches.
What to Expect After TAD Placement
Mild soreness, tenderness, or gum irritation may occur after placement. The TAD may also feel unfamiliar against your tongue or cheek at first, but this generally improves as you adjust to the device.
Keep the area clean by brushing gently around the TAD and following the instructions provided by our team and your orthodontist. Softer foods may be more comfortable initially, and hard, sticky, or chewy foods should be avoided around the device.
Contact us or your orthodontist if the TAD becomes loose or you develop worsening pain, swelling, bleeding, or drainage around the placement site.
FAQs About TADs
Will I feel the screw in my mouth?
You may notice the head of the device against your tongue or cheek at first. Most patients become accustomed to it as treatment continues.
How long will the device stay in place?
It remains in place only as long as your orthodontist needs the additional anchorage. The exact amount of time depends on the tooth movement being completed.
Can I brush around a temporary anchorage device?
Yes. Keeping the area clean is important for maintaining healthy gum tissue around the device. Brush gently around it with a soft toothbrush and follow any additional cleaning instructions from your surgical or orthodontic team.
What happens if the screw becomes loose?
Do not try to tighten or reposition it yourself. Contact your orthodontist or our office. The device may need to be evaluated, repositioned, or replaced before treatment continues.
Where can I go for TAD placement in the Phoenix East Valley?
AZ Max Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons provides TAD placement at four Phoenix East Valley locations in Mesa, North Mesa, Queen Creek, and Tempe, as well as at our office in Show Low.
Schedule a Consultation
Book a consultation at one of our five locations:
Mesa, North Mesa, Queen Creek, Tempe and Show Low
