A TAD mini screw is a highly effective dental procedure that can be used to align teeth, but many people are unaware of their existence. These little-understood devices can actually be an extremely helpful part of your orthodontic treatment. Here's what you need to know about temporary anchorage devices.  

What is a TAD Mini Screw?

A temporary anchorage device is a very useful orthopedic item. It is installed into the bone of the jaw as part of the process of getting braces. Orthodontists do this because they can use the temporary anchorage device as an anchorage point for shifting the teeth of the jaw. These devices are also called "mini screws" due to their appearance. They look like a very tiny screw that is no more than two millimeters wide. Most temporary anchorage devices are made from a special type of titanium that is entirely removable. This means that it will not integrate into the bones of the jaw like other types of dental implants.  

What Are the Benefits?

Getting a TAD mini screw or screws installed might seem like a rather elaborate procedure compared to the simple process of getting braces. However, it comes with many unique benefits for the patient that make it worth dealing with the dental procedure. Orthodontists frequently recommend getting mini screws because they come with these great advantages.  

Better Outcomes

Orthodontic procedures mostly rely on putting gentle, even pressure on a tooth. This causes it to gradually shift over time into the proper place. Traditional brackets and archwires mean that the teeth are actually the main anchor in the process. Teeth end up pushing against each other, causing slower progress and requiring orthodontists to make even more precise calculations. When the anchor point for the pressure is a stable area in the jaw, orthodontists can control movements with much more precision.  

More Treatment Options

The ability to have a stable point that can be used to push or pull against a tooth allows orthodontists to move teeth in ways that were not possible before. Temporary anchorage devices can be used to manage cases where the person has a very narrow bite, missing teeth, or underbite. This allows for less invasive treatments that do not require extensive dental surgery.  

Greater Convenience

The main drawback in traditional orthodontic methods is that they require the patient to have consistent habits and always remember to maintain their own teeth. This tends to be inconvenient for the patient, and if the patient forgets, their treatment will become delayed. Patients who have temporary anchorage devices do not have to bother with remembering to wear rubber bands, and they do not have to be stuck in uncomfortable or awkward looking headgear.

What is Installation Process?

Once your orthodontist has discussed getting the temporary anchorage device installed, they will set a date for you to come in and get the procedure. The mini screw installation process is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require you to receive general anesthesia. Your doctor will start by numbing the gum and tissue in the area where the implant is going to be inserted. They will then further numb the area with some local anesthetic. Then use a device to install the screw in the carefully calculated position. Most patients feel nothing, and some report a sensation of gentle pressure. The entire procedure only takes a few minutes. Discomfort after the anesthesia wears off is rare, and it can generally be managed with some over the counter painkillers.  

Require Special Care?

Once the mini screw is installed, it will essentially look like a small screw poking out of your gum. Depending on your orthodontic needs, you may have an elastic band, a bracket, or part of an archwire connected to the screw. You will need to take a few steps to make sure that you get the best result possible from the device. Avoid using an electric toothbrush on the screw because this could loosen it. In the first week after getting the temporary anchorage device, you will need to rinse carefully with a chlorhexidine mouthwash. Thus reducing the chance of infection. You can continue to clean it after the first week is up by gently cleaning the area with a toothbrush or q-tip dipped into an antibacterial solution. Your doctor will give you specific care instructions and recommend products for you to use while cleaning the device.  

How Long Do You Wear TAD Mini Screws?

Most patients will not need to wear temporary anchorage devices for the entirety of their orthodontic treatment. The average patient with mini screws will only have them in for a time between two to four months. Of course, each case is different, so you may end up wearing them for slightly more or less time than normal. Depending on how your treatment is progressing, you might end up having the screws taken out early or left in longer than expected.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dav3hb3_3M  

How Can You Stay Comfortable?

Patients who are still feeling discomfort once their TAD mini screw is installed have a few different options. At first, taking over the counter pain medications or rubbing a numbing gel along the gum can be quite helpful. If the screw is still rubbing against the inside of your mouth and causing sores, you can place some orthodontic wax over. This smooths out the area. If you are still suffering from discomfort, ask your orthodontist to check up on it. This is to make sure it is installed correctly. Keep in mind that roughly one out of ten screws to get loose and fall out, so it is perfectly normal to need the screw replaced at some time.  

Are You a Good Candidate?

Accordingly, a TAD mini screw may help to give a better outcome for your case if you need bite adjustments, have unusual teeth spacings, or have twisted teeth. To find out if mini screws are right for you, call Drs. Sam King.

Contact us today for the smile of your life

 

FAIRBORN OFFICE 400 East Dayton Yellow Springs Rd. Fairborn, OH 45324 Phone: (937) 878-1561

 

What is a TAD mini screw? {FACTS}