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If you were to ask any dentist about what particular task is often the most difficult process, they’ll most likely tell you that it doesn’t get any trickier than fitting patients with braces.
As a patient, this key factor may not seem like it affects you since you’re receiving the treatment instead of the other way around. Yet, the truth is that you should be more aware of it because it affects the type of experience you end up with. Considering that placing braces is a challenge, a dental professional will most likely resort to different methods to ease up the process.
With your dentist doing everything they can to ensure that you have a quick, effective, and comfortable time so that you have the best braces experience possible, they’re bound to bring up many add-ons and procedures. During your consultation before the application of the alignment devices, one particular term will pique your interest more than anything else: Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs).
Defining the device
A TAD is a type of fixture consisting of tiny titanium anchors that are implemented for dental cases to provide a patient with improved comfort while expediting a treatment.
In recent years, these specific tools have become essential fixtures for dentists because of how they strengthen braces due to their design and make. Aside from truncating the overall treatment process, TADs have become an essential consideration during treatments because they help minimize the risk of errors or alignment deviances along the way.
How are the devices installed?
Generally, Temporary Anchorage Devices follow a rather simple installation, wherein it is inserted and secured as an anchor point (hence the name) where part of one’s braces are attached.
Throughout the installation process, a TAD is placed inside a patient’s mouth by first numbing the gum tissue and surrounding jaw of the target area with an anesthetic. After numbness is in effect, the anchor will be threaded through the gum tissue and then anchored directly onto the jawbone, creating a strong point that a section of brackets and wires can attach to.
When it comes to placement, these devices are inserted in the alveolar bone and extra-alveolar bone in the upper or lower jaw. If a TAD isn’t placed in the two aforementioned areas, then it is placed in the mandibular symphysis, anterior external oblique ridge, and retromolar areas of the alveolar crest.
When is it administered as a treatment?
Like other add-ons that may be included during a braces treatment, TADs are only administered and set in for specific circumstances where they are most needed.
At Dental House, we install temporary anchorage devices when there are teeth that are held securely in place by gums and the jaw in a defective manner. Considering that this type of condition requires the application of an external force that brackets and wires themselves can’t just generate, the way TADs are built makes them a perfect tool for the problem.
Today, these devices have become a critical tool that is instrumental for the overall progress of a patient with dental alignment issues because they pose a solution for the undesired movement of a tooth or teeth. Yet, it is worth noting that TADs are only available to specific patients who:
- Are older than 12 years old
- Have a dense cortical bone (or the outer surface of the jaw)
- Pass the examination of a dentist in terms of the overall suitability or applicability of the device
Conclusion
While braces are notably effective when it comes to treating dental conditions, there are certain tools and add-ons that improve results even more, one of which is Temporary Anchorage Devices. With this particular device, you’ll be able to experience a significant improvement in your overall condition and help ensure that the end result of your treatment pans out in the best way possible!
If you’re looking for an affordable dentist in Ann Arbor to check on your oral health, get in touch with us for a free consultation!
