Temporary Anchorage Devices

Temporary Anchorage Devices, or TADs, are small titanium screws placed in the jawbone to provide a fixed point of resistance during orthodontic treatment. By giving braces or aligners a stable anchor to pull against, TADs can help move teeth in directions that would otherwise be difficult to control, often reducing the need for additional appliances or reliance on patient compliance with rubber bands or headgear.

When TADs Are Used

Closing gaps — anchoring space closure after extractions or missing teeth.
Correcting bite issues — intruding, tipping, or repositioning teeth that need more precise control.
Complex tooth movement — cases where conventional anchorage from other teeth isn't sufficient.

Planning and Placement

Because TADs are placed directly into bone, treatment planning benefits from detailed imaging. Our offices use 3D Cone Beam CT Imaging and Panoramic X-Ray to evaluate bone structure and identify safe, effective placement sites before treatment begins.

Who Provides This Care

Dr. Sameer Al-Obaidi, an orthodontist on our team, is trained to incorporate temporary anchorage devices into comprehensive orthodontic treatment planning, alongside conventional fixed appliances and clear aligner systems. TADs are typically used as part of a broader orthodontic plan, which may also include Accelerated Orthodontics techniques to help streamline overall treatment time.

This content is for general information only and isn't dental or medical advice. Talk with your dentist or orthodontist about your own situation. If you have a medical emergency, call 911.