The use of one or more Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) as a part of the orthodontic treatment to obtain orthodontic anchorage is widely accepted.
TAD’s are tiny titanium pins (screws, mini-implants, mini-screws) with a length of 7-12mm, a diameter ranging 1.7-2.5mm, with various shaped heads. They are used in combinations with braces or other fixed appliances. Being so small, they aren’t too intrusive, and after some initial discomfort of the soft tissues around the area of insert, they’re soon part of you. The procedure of insert is quick and requires some local anesthetic. Occasionally they can become loose, as they are only temporary and do not connect to the bone like actual tooth implants. Keep up with good oral hygiene and refrain from smoking, and you will avoid most issues.
TADs help with specific corrections, which historically could only be achieved by using other extra-oral devices like cervical headgear, a face mask, or through orthognathic surgery (which corrects the bite and the position of the jaws). TADs provide a fixed point (anchorage) to apply a force to move one or a group of teeth or as anchorage for a palate expander (which traditionally was attached to teeth). They can be placed in many different sites within the mouth; their use as part of comprehensive orthodontic treatment has generally proved safe and predictable.