FAQs

What are TAD’s

TAD’s are Temporary Anchorage Devices, also referred to as micro-implants that are placed as an adjunct to orthodontic treatment to add anchorage for appliances or for movements where side effects should be avoided.

Pre-appointment

A CT scan of the jaw bone will be necessary to the purpose of implant planning. This is usually done 1-2 weeks prior to the procedure. On the day of the procedure, please take 400mg of Ibuprofen 30-60 minutes prior to arriving to the office.

The day of the appointment

The appointment will last approximately 60 minutes. Local anesthetic (an injection) will be used at the site of the implant. After confirming that the site is numb, the TAD(s) will be inserted. As these are not “tooth implants” they are much smaller (usually less than 2mm in diameter), and temporary (will eventually be removed after their Orthodontic use has been completed). There should not be any pain, but you will feel pressure because the jaw bone expands as the screw is inserted. Some of that pressure may stimulate nerves involved with the teeth, so you may have some sensation in the teeth as well. If the TAD(s) are being placed for a MARPE appliance (expander), you may also feel some tingling in the nasal cavity.

After the appointment

Continue to take 400mg of Ibuprofen every 6-8 hours or as needed. Do not exceed the limits as detailed on the bottle. We also recommend rinsing with warm salt water twice a day. Please keep the area around the implants clean; if food gets stuck on them, you may gently brush it off and swish with water. Although the head of the implants are not sharp, they may create an imprint on the tongue and/or irritation. We will provide you with intra-oral wax, which you can safely place over the head of the implant if needed. In most cases, you should expect to be able to cease the need for Ibuprofen within 24 hours.

TAD’s for Expanders: appointments and logistics

If you are getting TAD’s for expanders, the order of appointments are as follows:

  1. CT scan of jaw and 3D impression of the teeth. This appointment takes 15 minutes.

  2. One to two weeks later, appointment to place the TAD’s. This appointment takes approximately 60 minutes.

  3. Three weeks alter, insertion of the expander appliance, and instruction on how to use it (30 minutes)

    • Please note, the type of expander we use is a “fixed” expander, meaning it is cemented in the mouth during use (i.e. cannot be removed daily, in order to eat, etc). The use of a fixed expander is necessary in order to obtain true orthopedic expansion. Removable expanders do not achieve orthopedic expansion, and lead to tooth tipping instead. In most cases, the expander will be in the mouth for 9-12 months.

  4. The first appointment after inserting the expander is usually 2 weeks later, and then following appointments are usually 4 to 8 weeks apart. These “check” appointments are usually 10 minutes.

If you are getting an expander called a “MARPE”, the order of appointments are as follows:

  1. CT scan of the jaw and 3D impression of the teeth

  2. Three to four weeks later, insertion of both the TAD’s and the expander on the same day. This appointment will take approximately 60-75 minutes.

  3. First check at approximately 2 weeks

  4. Follow up checks at 4-8 weeks apart