Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) in Orthodontics: A Review
Résumé
Hallmark of orthodontics is the important fact that there should be movement of designated teeth in the line of force intended to be in proper positions harmonious with all other hard and soft tissues and there should be absolutely no movement of any other tooth as a reaction to the force applied. This resistance to movement of the reactive teeth is called anchorage. Absolute anchorage to achieve practically seems to be next to impossible at present. But “Secure Anchorage” atleast is a prerequisite for successful treatment of various malocclusions. Routine methods of anchorage for orthodontic tooth movement involves teeth, extraoral and/or intermaxillary appliances. But these methods are still inadequate in terms of anchorage control of the reactive units and result is often unsatisfactory intra and inter-arch alignment. Skeletal anchorage in the form of temporary anchorage devices (TADs) or miniscrews, has changed the scenario of anchorage control providing maximum anchorage with minimum patient compliance and without a complicated clinical procedure. The aim of this article is to extensively discuss the historical development, design, types, clinical procedure, important factors for stability and other biologic parameters necessary for their clinical use.