Temporary Anchorage Device (TAD)

Temporary anchorage devices, or TADs, are mini-screw anchors made of a bio-compatible titanium alloy. Used in conjunction with orthodontic treatment, they are inserted into specific places in the mouth as a fixed point from which teeth can move. Before TADs, orthodontists who wanted to move some teeth while keeping others still, or to achieve orthodontic movement in a mouth with missing teeth, had to rely on headgear for their fixed point. But TADs now provide an option for that fixed point that is smaller, more discrete, more efficient and requires significantly less work for the patient.

The surgical placement of TADs is performed under the appropriate anesthesia for patient comfort. An incision is made in the gums and the TAD is inserted, with only the top of the anchorage device being visible above the gums.