Temporary Anchorage Devices

The beneficial and dramatic changes orthodontics can make in the face and smile are well-known and accepted.  Braces unfortunately have limits and certain conditions are not easily treated by braces alone.  This is where Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) come in. 

TADs are a revolutionary technique that combines the tremendous benefits of implant technology and orthodontics.  In short, they are special metallic pins that can be placed in the jawbone to allow orthodontists to move teeth in ways that have never been possible before!

One common question is: Why would I want TADs?

TADs are only used when they permit treatment options that are otherwise not possible. 
They may also be used to provide better or faster treatment plans.

TADs can have the following benefits:

1. Allows us to move just one or several teeth preventing the need for full braces in some patients. This may make your treatment much less noticeable to others.
2. Can potentially save thousands of dollars by closing spaces for missing or extracted teeth (this saves the cost of expensive dental implants)
3. Can help avoid jaw surgery in adults
4. Can help avoid jaw surgery in teens by providing orthopedic traction to help the jaws grow better
5. Can speed up braces treatment in certain cases
6. Allows certain tooth movements which simply would not be possible without TADs

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Patient 1
Before: This picture shows a patient of Dr. Martinez’s before braces. Note that he is not holding his mouth open. This is his actual bite! The arrow shows the only place where his teeth actually touch. In the past, this patient would have required jaw surgery to correct this condition.
The arrow points to a TAD. This metallic pin placed in the roof of the mouth permits specialized movements which allowed Dr. Martinez to treat this patientwithout jaw surgery!  This pin is temporary and will be removed after treatment.
This shows the remarkable improvement of the bite following braces treatment with the help of a TAD.
Patient 2
Before: This patient had braces 20 years ago before TADs were available. and the original orthodontist was not able to properly position the roots of the lower front teeth leading to severe recession and imminent tooth loss. (Note: This was the best that could be done at the time given what was available 20 years ago)
Treatment: Notice the arrow pointing to the TAD. This was used to properly position the roots of the lower front teeth. Also notice that full braces were not necessary with the TAD. Only partial braces were needed, minimizing the social impact for this adult patient.
After: Notice the arrows pointing to the complete regeneration of the gum tissue following proper root alignment and gum grafting.
Patient 3
Before: The arrow in this X-ray points to an area where a tooth was congenitally missing and the TAD used to close the space orthodontically.
The arrow shows where the space has been closed and the TAD removed. This procedure has saved the patient upwards of $3000 in dental implant costs down the road.
Patient 4
The arrows point to 3 baby teeth where the 3 permanent teeth are congenitally missing.
The arrows point to TADs needed to close the spaces for the missing teeth. This procedure will save this patient upwards of $10,000 in dental implant costs in the future!