Extra-radicular Temporary Anchorage Devices

Temporary anchorage devices (TADs) like specialized bone screws or plates provide anchorage that is not tooth-borne because they are attached to the surrounding bone. As a result unwanted reciprocal tooth movements involving the surrounding teeth are totally avoided. Skeletal anchorage devices allow orthodontic movements to be designed that were previously thought to be difficult if not impossible. Skeletal anchorage devices do not allow faster movement of teeth or the ability to overcome exceptionally large discrepancies; the devices have limitations. They provide absolute anchorage for orthodontic movement however and do so in a number of novel ways. They allow for more efficient movement of teeth and address a number of anchorage problem areas that previously were difficult or impossible to resolve with traditional orthodontic mechanics alone.TADs can be placed inter-radicularly as well as extra-radicularly. Extra-radicular TADs are placed away from the roots of the teeth and are recommended for a great number of orthodontic therapies that require an efficient and safe anchorage system broadening treatment limits.