Temporary Anchorage Device

T.A.D.s are used when total anchorage is required for a particular orthodontic movement. This, in turn, eliminates the possibility of any unwanted reciprocal movement. They are always placed in attached gingiva to avoid soft tissue irritation. The “Head” of the T.A.D. is designed to hold retraction springs, chain elastics, or rubber bands.

The T.A.D. is screwed into the cortical bone using a driver unique to the particular head and does not integrate with the bone. They are removed using the same driver to simply unscrew the T.A.D.