We now use an advanced technology "TAD's" that is changing what we can do for our patients. A "TAD" is a unique design of mini-screw that is used in temporary skeletal anchorage.

TAD's are made from medical grade titanium. When placed in strategic areas of the mouth, TAD's can be used as stable anchorage and can enable the orthodontist to complete tasks that were previously impossible.

TAD's can reduce the need for compliance, shorten treatment time and often allow us to avoid more extensive procedures such as orthognathic surgery. They can enable us to be able to close spaces that were previously impossible to close due to anchorage limitations.

TAD's are placed in the office in only a few seconds. We use an effective way of numbing the gums that is "pain free" and "needle free". After a topical anesthetic is applied, a power spray of local anesthetic totally numbs the area. TAD's are likewise removed with only topical anesthesia. The system used in our office was developed by a team of orthodontists and physicians through a premier orthodontic company, Ormco. Dr. Gupton has been a member of Ormoc's insiders task force for the past 23 years. The Ormco group has developed a complete orthodontic specific system which is vastly superior to the previous mini-screw technology of its competitors.

It is exciting to be able to offer more treatment options to oour patients. See the following examples of how TAD's can be used to maximize orthodontic efficiency.