What Are TADs (Temporary Anchorage Devices)?
TADs are small titanium mini-implants used as fixed anchor points during orthodontic treatment. Placed gently into the gum and bone, they give your orthodontist a stable spot to move specific teeth with precision, leaving the rest untouched. TADs are temporary and removed once your goals are met.
Think of a TAD as a tiny helper. It does one job: hold steady so your braces or aligners can move the teeth that need to move, and leave the rest alone.
At Vibe Orthodontics, our Hillsboro studio serving the greater Portland, OR area, we use TADs when a case calls for that extra level of control. The placement itself takes just a few minutes, and most people feel only mild pressure thanks to a local numbing step. No surgery, no overnight stay, no big recovery to work through.
Once your tooth movement is complete, the TAD comes out in seconds. The site heals quickly, and you’re left with the result you came in for. Straightforward smiles, built around you.
What Are the Benefits of TADs for Orthodontic Treatment?
TADs open up movements that braces and aligners can’t always pull off on their own. When your orthodontist needs a stable anchor, a TAD gives one, and that often means better results in less time.
Here’s what TADs can do for your plan:
- Make complex movements possible. Intruding teeth, closing tough spaces, or shifting molars without dragging other teeth along.
- Often shorten treatment time. Precise force in the right spot can speed certain phases of care.
- Replace headgear in many cases. No external appliance, no awkward bedtime routine.
- Help fix gummy smiles, deep bites, and open bites. TADs can intrude teeth in ways traditional mechanics struggle to match.
- Avoid jaw surgery in select cases. Not every borderline case, but some that used to require surgery can now be treated with TADs.
- Improve predictability. A fixed anchor means more control, fewer surprises.
| Feature | TADs | Headgear | Jaw Surgery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visible outside the mouth | No | Yes | No |
| Patient compliance needed | Low | High | N/A |
| Recovery time | Minimal | None | Weeks |
| Placement time | Minutes | N/A | Hours |
How Does TAD Placement Work: Step-by-Step
TAD placement is quick, predictable, and far less intense than most people expect. The whole visit usually takes under 30 minutes from start to finish, and most people head straight back to work or school.
Here’s how it works at our Hillsboro studio:
- Planning and imaging. We use digital scans and X-rays to map the exact spot for placement, based on your plan.
- Numbing the area. A small amount of local anesthetic makes the spot completely numb. You’ll feel pressure, not pain.
- Placing the TAD. The mini-implant is gently threaded into the bone through the gum. This step takes just a few minutes per TAD.
- Connecting the TAD. We attach a small elastic, spring, or wire from the TAD to your braces or aligner attachments. That’s what creates the steady, directed force.
- Check-ins along the way. We monitor progress at your regular visits and adjust as your teeth respond.
- Removal. Once your goals are met, the TAD comes out in seconds. No stitches, no downtime.
Most people feel a little soreness for a day or two, similar to a regular adjustment. Over-the-counter pain relief usually handles it. You’ll know what’s happening, why it’s happening, and what’s next, every visit.
Are You a Candidate for TADs?
Good TAD candidates have healthy gums, enough bone at the placement site, and complex movement needs. TADs aren’t for every case, and that’s the honest answer. They’re a tool we reach for when your plan calls for precise anchorage or movements that braces alone can’t handle well.
You may be a good candidate if:
- Your plan involves complex tooth movement or strong anchorage needs
- You’d prefer to skip headgear if possible
- You have a gummy smile, deep bite, or open bite
- You have an impacted tooth that needs to be brought into position
- Your case sits on the edge of needing jaw surgery
- You have healthy gums and enough bone at the placement site
Age is rarely the deciding factor. Teens and adults both do well with TADs. What matters more is your oral health, your goals, and the specifics of your bite.
The only way to know for sure is to come in. At your first visit at our Hillsboro studio serving Portland, OR, we’ll take a look, walk through your options, and tell you whether TADs make sense for your case, or whether a simpler path works just as well. Plenty of families from the Intel and Nike communities ask us about TADs in Portland OR, and we give every one of them a straight answer.
Why Choose Vibe Orthodontics for TADs in Portland
Our team brings specialty training and a calm, modern approach to TADs in Portland OR. Dr. Brandon Zegarowski, DDS, MS earned his DDS and a Master’s in Orthodontics. He leads care with a steady hand and a clear plan for every patient.
What you can expect at our Hillsboro studio:
- Same Day Consultations and Same Day Starts when you’re ready to move
- Digital scanning and digital treatment planning for precise TAD positioning
- Coordinated care across Invisalign, braces, MARPE, and jaw surgery referrals when needed
- Bilingual team (English/Spanish)
- Transparent pricing and clear payment options
Frequently Asked Questions About TADs
Do TADs hurt?
Most people are surprised by how easy placement feels. The area is numbed first, so you’ll feel pressure but not pain during the few minutes it takes. Afterward, mild soreness for a day or two is typical, similar to a regular adjustment. Over-the-counter pain relief usually handles it.
How long do TADs stay in?
TADs are temporary by design. Most stay in place for several months while they do their job, usually 4 to 12 months depending on what your plan needs. Once the targeted movement is complete, we remove the TAD in seconds at a regular visit.
How much do TADs cost in Portland?
Cost varies based on how many TADs your plan needs and what they’re being used for. In most cases, TADs are included as part of your overall treatment fee, not billed separately. We’ll walk through the full cost at your first visit so there are no surprises later.
Can TADs be used with Invisalign?
Yes. TADs work with both braces and aligners. With Invisalign, we use small attachments and elastics that connect from the TAD to your aligners or buttons on your teeth. This gives aligners the anchorage they need for movements that would otherwise be tough.
What happens after the TAD is removed?
Removal is quick and usually doesn’t even need numbing. The small site heals on its own within a few days, and the gum closes over completely. No scar, no stitches, no special care beyond normal brushing.
Are TADs safe?
TADs have a strong safety record in modern orthodontics. They’re made from medical-grade titanium, similar to dental implants, and the placement is fully reversible. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, TADs are a well-established tool for improving control and outcomes in orthodontic care.
Schedule Your TADs Consultation in Portland Today
Ready to find out if TADs are right for your plan? Book a Same Day Consultation at Vibe Orthodontics in Hillsboro, serving the greater Portland, OR area including the Intel and Nike campus communities. We’ll take a look, talk through your goals, and build a plan around you, not a template.
Call (503) 924-2248 or book online to get started