Patient guide After TAD Placement
A TAD — or Temporary Anchorage Device — is a small mini-screw that is placed into the jawbone to provide a fixed point of anchorage during orthodontic treatment. Think of it as a tiny anchor that helps your dentist move specific teeth more precisely and efficiently than traditional braces or aligners alone can achieve. Here's everything you need to know after having your TAD placed.
What is a TAD and why do I need one?
TADs are used when your orthodontist needs a stable, fixed point to push or pull teeth in a specific direction — without causing unwanted movement of other teeth. They are incredibly versatile and are used for a wide range of tooth movements including:
Closing spaces after extractions
Intruding or extruding specific teeth
Correcting the bite
Retracting the front teeth
Providing anchorage for elastic wear
TADs are temporary — they are removed once they have served their purpose in your treatment, usually with minimal discomfort.
Immediately after placement
The area around the TAD may feel sore and tender for 2–5 days after placement — this is completely normal
Take over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen as needed — take it before the local anaesthetic wears off for best effect
Avoid touching or pressing on the TAD with your tongue or fingers
Some minor bleeding or oozing around the TAD site in the first few hours is normal — this will settle on its own
Avoid vigorous rinsing for the first 24 hours
Eating and drinking after TAD placement
Stick to soft foods for the first 2–3 days — porridge, scrambled eggs, yoghurt, soft tofu, and soup
Avoid hard, crunchy, sticky, and chewy foods that could place excessive force on the TAD
Avoid very hot food and drinks for the first 24 hours
Stay well hydrated — drink plenty of water
Chew on the opposite side from the TAD where possible during the initial healing period
Oral hygiene around your TAD
Good oral hygiene around the TAD is absolutely critical — the area around the screw is particularly susceptible to inflammation and infection if plaque is allowed to accumulate.
Brush gently but thoroughly around the TAD after every meal
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and angle the bristles towards the TAD to clean around the screw head
Use the chlorhexidine mouthwash prescribed by your orthodontist for the first 1–2 weeks — this helps prevent infection during the initial healing period
From day 2 onwards, gently rinse with warm salt water 3–4 times a day especially after meals
Use an interdental brush to clean carefully around the base of the TAD where the screw meets the gum
What to expect during healing
Some redness and mild swelling of the gum tissue immediately around the TAD is normal in the first 1–2 weeks
The TAD should feel stable and firm — it should not wobble or feel loose
A small amount of gum tissue growing slightly around the screw head can sometimes occur — this is generally harmless but let your orthodontist know at your next appointment
Most patients feel completely comfortable within 1 week of placement
Signs to watch out for
Contact your dentist promptly if you experience:
The TAD feeling loose or wobbly at any point — a mobile TAD is not providing anchorage and will need to be assessed
Significant swelling, pain, or pus around the TAD site — this may indicate infection
Fever or feeling generally unwell
The TAD falling out — keep it safe and contact your orthodontist as soon as possible. Do not attempt to reinsert it yourself
General TAD care throughout treatment
Avoid habits that place excessive force on the TAD — such as biting on pens, fingernails, or hard objects
Attend all scheduled appointments so your dentist can monitor the TAD and ensure it remains stable
If elastics or other appliances are attached to your TAD, wear them exactly as instructed — compliance directly affects the success of the anchorage
💡 TADs sound a lot scarier than they actually are — most patients are pleasantly surprised by how straightforward the placement procedure is and how quickly they forget the TAD is even there. The most important thing you can do is keep it clean. A clean TAD is a happy TAD! 😊
