TAD Treatment with Braces in Anacortes & Bellingham
At Derek Damon Orthodontics, we strive to provide high-quality braces, Invisalign and other orthodontic treatments in a friendly, warm office environment. Dr. Derek R. Damon has led the way in providing his patients in the Anacortes and Bellingham areas with exceptional orthodontic care, giving each patient custom care. Dr. Damon designs specialized orthodontic treatment plans that are custom-made to suit each patient's unique orthodontic needs. We're proud to use only the latest in cutting-edge orthodontic technology, which is why we're proud to use Temporary Anchorage Devices - also called TADs - in our treatments.
What Are TADs?
Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) are similar to a dental implant in that they are made of small titanium screws that are inserted into the jaw to help Dr. Damon control the movement of teeth during braces treatment. TADs combine the tremendous benefits of implant technology with orthodontics by working alongside braces to help speed up your braces treatment. TADs are often used for treating challenging orthodontic problems, which eliminates the need for bulky and uncomfortable headgear.
How Do Temporary Anchorage Devices Work?
This treatment tool has been around since the 1980s but has recently grown in popularity because of its ability to enhance braces treatment. Braces work by applying a gentle, constant force on teeth in the desired direction. The TAD acts as a fixed anchor (a substitute anchor for the back molars traditionally used) to secure wire braces, giving them a more stable point which the force can push against to encourage teeth to move into alignment more successfully. TADs offer an effective, safe, and remarkably convenient way to place and remove an anchor during the treatment when molars aren’t a viable option.
How Are TADs Inserted?
The procedure for inserting your TAD is simple and involves very little discomfort. Dr. Damon uses local anesthesia and screws the TAD directly into the soft tissue and bone. Once the area is numbed, the patient only feels some gentle pressure as the TAD is inserted. Usually, the procedure takes only a few minutes from beginning to end. Removal is fast too. While most patients do not have any problems with discomfort in the days following the procedure, some patients may feel some minor aching and/or pressure for a short period. If this happens to you, contact our office to let us know. We may suggest that you take an over-the-counter pain medication, like Ibuprofen.
Benefits of Temporary Anchorage Devices
TADs provide many benefits, such as:
- Easily placed and removed in a minimally-invasive, pain-free procedure.
- Allows Dr. Damon to move just one or several teeth, to avoid the need for full braces in some patients.
- Saves the patient money by closing the spaces left after teeth are lost or extracted wherein expensive dental implants won't be necessary.
- Eliminates the need to use teeth as anchors, or stabilize a tooth that's being used as such.
- Helps the patient avoid jaw surgery.
- Eliminates the need for wearing headgear to use as an anchorage point. Headgear can be uncomfortable and is often not worn as needed.
- May eliminate the need for wearing elastics (rubber bands) with your braces.
- Shortens the time a patient must spend wearing braces.
Keeping Your TADs Clean
Cleaning your TADs is easy, as you simply brush your teeth as you normally would when wearing braces. On the day your TADs are placed, we will provide you with a special anti-bacterial mouthwash with instructions on how to use it to prevent infection.
Ready for Braces or Invisalign? Contact Us Today
If you have any questions about TADs, please don't hesitate to contact us at our Anacortes or Bellingham orthodontist offices. Dr. Damon and his friendly staff are proud to offer the exceptional orthodontic treatments you need — whether that is braces, Invisalign or TADs. Orthodontic treatment doesn’t provide results overnight, so we do our best to make sure our patients feel like they're a part of our family on their journey to perfect teeth. Contact us today by phone or using our online appointment request. We can't wait to hear from you, and we look forward to helping you achieve and maintain a beautiful new smile.