Orthodontic Temporary Anchorage Device (TAD) at Loudoun Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Expert TAD Placement for Precise Results

At Loudoun Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, our skilled surgeons – Dr. Andrew E. Bluhm, Dr. Steve S. Dorsch, Dr. Gene A. “Jay” Vandervort, and Dr. Amir Itani – collaborate with orthodontists to place TADs safely and effectively. We proudly serve patients in South Riding, Ashburn, and Leesburg, VA, using advanced techniques to support successful orthodontic outcomes.

What is a Temporary Anchorage Device (TAD)?

A TAD is a small, screw-like device made of titanium that is temporarily placed in the jawbone to provide a stable anchorage point for moving teeth. Unlike traditional braces, which rely on surrounding teeth for support, TADs provide direct anchorage, allowing for more efficient and accurate movement of targeted teeth. Once the desired movement is achieved, the TAD is easily removed.

When is a TAD Needed?

TADs are often recommended when:

• Specific or complex tooth movements are required: TADs allow for control over challenging movements that may not be possible with traditional braces alone.
• Reduced treatment time is desired: By creating a stable anchor, TADs can accelerate treatment, achieving results more quickly.
• Orthodontic treatment needs to avoid unwanted side effects: TADs prevent movement of surrounding teeth, focusing the treatment only on the intended teeth.

By providing a fixed point in the mouth, TADs improve treatment predictability and allow orthodontists to correct difficult alignment issues with greater efficiency.

The TAD Placement Procedure

1. Consultation and Evaluation: Our team works closely with your orthodontist to evaluate the best placement for the TAD. During your consultation, we may use i-CAT™ Cone Beam Scanner imaging to ensure precise placement.
2. Anesthesia and Placement: To ensure comfort, we offer Anesthesia & IV Sedation options for TAD placement. The procedure is quick and minimally invasive, with the TAD being inserted into the bone with a small amount of pressure.
3. Attachment and Orthodontic Treatment: Once the TAD is placed, it is used as an anchor point, allowing your orthodontist to apply gentle forces to the targeted teeth. This anchorage improves treatment precision and may reduce the need for other appliances.‍
4. Removal: Once the TAD has served its purpose, it can be easily removed in a quick, comfortable procedure. The bone typically heals quickly, requiring no additional recovery time.

Benefits of Orthodontic Temporary Anchorage Devices

TADs offer several advantages for orthodontic patients:

• Improved Treatment Efficiency: TADs enhance the effectiveness of orthodontic treatment, achieving results that may not be possible with traditional braces alone.
• Minimized Movement of Neighboring Teeth: TADs allow precise control, preventing undesired movement of adjacent teeth.
• Quicker Treatment Times: TADs often reduce overall treatment time by allowing targeted and stable movement.‍
• Less Need for Other Appliances: TADs eliminate the need for headgear or other bulky appliances, simplifying the orthodontic process.

Why Choose Loudoun Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery for TAD Placement?

Our team of surgeons is highly skilled in TAD placement, using advanced technology and techniques to ensure a safe, comfortable experience. We understand that precision is essential, and we work closely with orthodontists to integrate TADs into your treatment plan. With convenient locations in South Riding, Ashburn, and Leesburg, we make accessing TAD placement easy for patients across Northern Virginia.