Normally all permanent teeth have erupted by the early teenage years. Occasionally, some teeth do not make it all the way into the mouth and become impacted, or stuck in the jaw. When this occurs it is important to guide these teeth into the mouth or they will be permanently impacted. This condition occurs most frequently in the upper canines, but could occur in any location. After seeing the oral surgeon to have tiny chains placed on the impacted teeth a little time is taken to heal. Then Dr. Middleton will make an appointment to tie the chain to the wire to help bring the tooth down. Expose and Ligate - PDF.
A TAD is a temporary anchorage device, “mini-implant” that is inserted without any discomfort.
A TAD is a device fixed to bone specifically for the purpose of providing orthodontic anchorage and is removed at the completion of treatment. It is fixed to bone for the purpose of providing absolute anchorage without affecting the adjacent teeth negatively. TAD’s are removed and discarded at the end of orthodontic treatment.
In conventional orthodontic treatment, there are often unwanted tooth movements that occur when certain movements are attempted. TAD’s allow us to move only the teeth that we want to and thus help to not only shorten treatment time but also to accomplish goals that are not achievable with conventional braces alone.
Orthodontics and TADS can:
• Reduce orthodontic treatment time
• Possibly eliminate the need for headgear
• Provide a more ideal finish
• Allow limited tooth movement in preparation for a bridge, crown or implant without braces
• Close most open bites without surgery
• Eliminate the need for rubber bands
• Close space more effectively
TADS Patient 1
TADS Patient 2
Patient 1
(roll over image for enlarged picture)
Before
Before
Before
Pre-surgery showing lower jaw very deficient
Pre-surgery showing lower jaw too forward
Pre-surgery showing lower jaw too far back
Post surgery to advance lower jaw with chin implant
Post surgery with lower jaw surgically retruded
Post surgery with lower jaw advancement producing excellent profile
Patient 2
Patient 3