Complications Encountered in Temporary Orthodontic Anchorage Device Therapy

Are you about to get a temporary orthodontic anchorage device installed? What does it include? At Mack Orthodontics, we provide TADs as an added component to orthodontic treatment. Simply, a Temporary Orthodontic Anchorage Device(TADS) is a small, screw-like dental implant made of a titanium alloy that is put in temporarily for several months of orthodontic treatment. However, with any oral implant, it comes with risks and complications. The good news is that with the right supervision, you can trust that Dr. Steven Mack and his staff provide comfortable and thorough care. If you are about to get TAD therapy, here is what you need to know.

How Does TADS Help?

TADS can provide certain benefits that, historically, could only be achieved by using other devices- such as headgear, facemasks, or jaw surgery. By screwing a dental implant into the jaw, TADS can achieve quicker tooth movement with more efficiency and are used with braces. The benefits of using TAD therapy include:

• Shortening orthodontic treatment time.
• Fixing the eruption of impacted teeth.
• Closing spaces from extracted or missing teeth.
• Eliminating the need to wear elastic rubber bands.
• Correcting molar positions.

Depending on what your orthodontist thinks, you or your child may be a good candidate to receive a TAD device.

Risks & Complications

With any medical implant, certain risks and complications can arise, although rarely. Here are the risks to be aware of before the procedure is done:

• Irritation to the oral tissues.
• TAD placement might come in direct contact with the root of a tooth. If damage to the root were to occur, close monitoring of the root might be necessary and additional dental procedures could then become necessary.
• Occasionally, a TAD can come prematurely loose. If this occurs, it's generally painless and all that's likely needed is for a replacement to be issued.
• In rare circumstances, a TAD might break during its insertion or removal. If the residual portion were to be a source of irritation it would be necessary to have this portion removed.
• If pain is present long after the procedure is done, contact your orthodontist.

Most of the time, placing a TAD device is minimally invasive and pain-free. The procedure is done by having the doctor numb the area where the implant will be placed. Also, with good oral hygiene, you can prevent yourself from receiving complications.

Need Orthodontic Care? Contact Mack Orthodontics!

No matter what type of orthodontic treatment you're searching for, Mack Orthodontics can help with all of it! Our staff provides high-quality care to all patients who walk through our doors. If you think that you may need a Temporary Anchorage Device as part of your braces treatment, contact us! We are happy to address any concerns or questions you have. Our offices are conveniently located in both Bettendorf and Eldridge, IA.