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Same-Day Starts, Braces, and Consultations Available!

Your Top-Rated Orthodontist in
Charleston, SC, For Braces & Invisalign

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A temporary anchorage device (commonly abbreviated as “TAD”) is an appliance that can be used to move certain teeth holding or anchoring other teeth in place. TADs used to be constructed in the form of face masks that attached to dental headgear, which for a long time were the stereotypical “embarrassing” orthodontic treatment in movies and TV.

Today, temporary anchorage devices are much subtler and more advanced. They can offer patients with braces a unique corrective solution that can help them avoid long-term problems that would otherwise require surgery (and they don’t require headgear). Continue reading to learn what are temporary anchorage devices, including what they do and why you or your child might need one.

Want to find out if you or your child needs braces? Visit Reese Orthodontics in Charleston, SC for leading orthodontic care.

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What are Temporary Anchorage Devices?

TADs are made from a titanium alloy. They consist of dental implants that screw into place to “anchor” certain teeth while others are moved by braces and other appliances.

This works because in addition, to eliminating the need for uncomfortable headgear, TADs can anchor certain teeth without using the teeth themselves as the anchor. The older versions of these devices that did that often risked several complications.

Beyond the possibility that the tooth might not be in the exact right place for an ideal anchor, the anchor tooth itself could move because of the force being applied to it. Now, with modern TADs, orthodontists can establish anchor points in ideal positions and not risk other teeth.

What Does a TAD Feel Like?

When orthodontists put in your TAD, you will feel a gentle amount of pressure. Your gums will need to be numbed when they screw the appliance into the bone. Afterwards, patients may feel a sensation of pressure or tightness. But a TAD should never be painful.

For a few days after your appliance is put in, you may want to use a mild OTC painkiller to mask your discomfort. If the appliance produces any kind of numbing or shooting pain, contact your orthodontist.

What are the Benefits of a TAD?

TADs provide many benefits to eligible patients by allowing their doctor to strategically manipulate tooth movement during various treatments. The specific benefits provided by these appliances include:

  • Removing the need for uncomfortable headgear
  • Restricting tooth movement before a crown or dental implant
  • Closing an open bite (or opening a deep bite) without corrective jaw surgery
  • Eliminating the need to use rubber bands in conjunction with braces
  • Modifying the patient’s bone structure during growth phases
  • Correcting Class II and Class III malocclusions
  • Uprighting tipped molars without braces
  • Correcting a one-tooth crossbite
  • Simplifying orthognathic surgery
  • Reducing total treatment time

TADs can aid your orthodontist in treating many conditions, as well as simplifying procedures for conditions that have alternate treatments. Many of the conditions listed above, like cross bites and uprighted molars, can require surgery or extended treatment time with braces if they are not addressed, which is why TADs can save patient’s pain, time, and money in the long term.

How Long Will I Have to Wear a TAD?

TADs are typically worn for a few months. During this time, teeth can be moved around the anchor for as long as your orthodontist thinks you need it. TADs are not usually worn as long as braces or other appliances, but you should speak with your provider to learn how long they expect you to need a temporary anchorage device for your specific treatment.

How to Maintain your TAD

Temporary anchorage devices do not require a ton of maintenance. However, it’s important to brush them twice a day using a soft, non-mechanical toothbrush. This is to ensure that plaque doesn’t build up around the TAD.

You should never try to move the device. However, if it feels slightly uncomfortable, your orthodontist can give you dental wax to soften the areas where it touches your lips or gums. A TAD should never be painful.

Choose Reese Orthodontics

If you’re an adult who is considering braces, you need professional advice on your treatment and payment options. For orthodontic treatments in Charleston, SC, Reese Orthodontics offers the latest technology and treatment plans. Our advanced and comfortable orthodontic treatments can be customized to suit your needs. A consultation with Reese Orthodontics includes scans, a comprehensive exam, and a conversation with the orthodontist to discover which treatment options are right for you.

Schedule an appointment with us today to stay ahead of your oral health and receive the best possible treatment in your area.

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If you want to learn more about our orthodontic practice - where we offer extensive experience with a Board Certified Orthodontist, where we offer a satisfaction guarantee, and where we offer flexible payment options - Reese Orthodontics is here to serve you.

READ WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE REESE ORTHODONTICS FOR BRACES & INVISALIGN
"Dr. Reese and staff share an inviting personality with a clean and professional atmosphere. I am very happy with the service, the product and the final result. I would encourage any of my friends and family to consult with Dr. Reese around their Orthodontic needs."
- Austin H.
"It has been a great experience all around getting braces at Dr. Reese Orthodontics. It's a great office with wonderful and friendly staff. I am extremely happy with the results. Can't say enough good things about Dr. Reese and his staff. I highly recommend him!"
- Nicole S.
"Dr. Reese and his staff was referred to me by a friend, and I highly recommend them! They were friendly, professional, helpful and quick to respond. I could not be happier with the results of Invisalign. I wore them about 7 months and my teeth are as straight as can be. Thank you for the great care and results!"
- Dancy E.
"I chose the absolute perfect orthodontist to perfect my smile. Dr. Reese has a personality that calms you and removes the anxiety that may come with the process. Dr. Reese is a true artist. I am so excited with my new smile. Dr. Reese accomplished the goals I was looking for and I am forever grateful. Thank you Dr. Reese!!!"
- Melanie C.
"Just awesome! Dr. Reese is the one to go to. He knows what he's doing and is great at what he does. Makes you feel like family every time you go visit. I can't get over how great my smile looks now. Definitely recommended."
- Harsha P.
*The reviews listed are from actual patients of Reese Orthodontics.
Individual results may vary. Reviews are not claimed to represent results for everyone.
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Our Charleston
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2057 Charlie Hall Blvd. STE D
Charleston, SC 29414

843.573.7279

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Dr. Reese McElveen, our award-winning orthodontist in Charleston, South Carolina has transformed the smiles of over 11,000 patients. Reese Orthodontics offers the most advanced orthodontic care for children and adults. Types of braces and orthodontic treatment include metal braces, clear braces, gold braces, Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, Damon Braces, SureSmile. Dr. Reese can even help you achieve your confident smile faster with AcceleDent.

Call 843.573.7279 today to schedule your appointment with our board certified orthodontist in Charleston, SC, at our conveniently located Charleston orthodontic office. Come experience Reese Orthodontics and you will see for yourself that we offer innovative and effective orthodontic care in Charleston, Downtown Charleston, West Ashley, James Island, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, Johns Island, Goose Creek, Hanahan and Ladson, South Carolina (SC).