They allow tooth movements that are difficult or impossible to achieve reliably with braces or aligners alone, significantly expanding what can be accomplished during the adolescent growth years without surgery.
At Lusk Orthodontics, TADs are used as part of complex adolescent treatment plans where standard mechanics would be insufficient, giving patients access to a level of precision and capability that was not available to previous generations of orthodontic patients.
Closing Extraction Spaces
When teeth have been removed as part of the orthodontic plan, or when severe crowding requires extraction, TADs allow remaining spaces to be closed efficiently without unwanted movement of the anchor teeth. Space closure over significant distances is more predictable and better controlled with skeletal anchorage than with tooth-to-tooth mechanics.
Correcting Severe Bite Problems
Closing Anterior Open Bites Without Surgery
An anterior open bite where the front teeth do not make contact when the back teeth are together is one of the more complex problems in orthodontics and is prone to relapse. In adolescent patients, TAD-supported intrusion of the back teeth allows the bite to close at the front as the jaw autorotates. This can achieve significant open bite correction without surgery, and doing so during adolescence when the tissues are responsive and growth can be used advantageously often produces more stable outcomes than treatment attempted in adulthood.
Load moreConventional orthodontic treatment uses teeth as anchors. When force is applied to move one tooth, the tooth used as the anchor is subject to an equal and opposite force. This can limit what is achievable, particularly in cases involving significant bite problems, severe crowding, or complex tooth movements.
TADs eliminate this limitation by providing an anchor point fixed in bone that does not move under orthodontic load. This allows forces to be applied with full directional control, enabling tooth movements that would otherwise require surgery or simply could not be achieved.
During adolescence, when the jaws are still growing and the dentition is developing, TAD-supported mechanics can address problems at the optimal biological moment before growth is complete and while the tissues are most responsive.
Placement is a straightforward, minimally invasive procedure carried out in the orthodontic clinic under local anaesthetic. No incisions are required; the mini-screw is placed directly through the gum tissue into the bone. Most adolescent patients tolerate the procedure very well and report only mild pressure during placement and some soreness for one to two days afterwards.
TADs are removed once the tooth movements they were supporting are complete, which is similarly quick and comfortable. In most cases, removal does not require a local anaesthetic.
5.0
We highly recommend Dr Erfan Sallom. He transformed our daughter’s teeth, and she’s extremely happy with her beautiful smile! We were looking for an Orthodontist who had a reputable history, gave excellent results, held high standards, was kind and gentle, and that is what we got. She didn’t have to get any teeth removed, which was a bonus. Really appreciated the individual time, updates, never felt rushed, and a personable approach. Thank you, Erfan. – Georgina
5.0
I was very anxious about orthodontic treatment and, as such, delayed it for years. I did not need to be nervous with the expertise and professionalism of Erfan. He was very motivational and ensured I achieved an excellent result. I am now extremely happy with my smile. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone. – Ciara K
5.0
I would really recommend anyone to Dr Erfan Salloum. My experience with Erfan was amazing. I had no issue; he was very knowledgeable about his work and was always happy to explain the next steps with my treatment and concerns, or answer any questions about my treatment plan, etc!
I would recommend Erfan to anyone, there’s no safer hands to be in than Erfan for sure! – Martin R
5.0
I have just finished my two-year orthodontic treatment with Dr Erfan, and I would highly recommend him. He explained everything perfectly about the treatment plan, and I was always treated with great care. You are in good hands! Many thanks. – Julie P
5.0
I would highly recommend Dr Erfan from start to finish. He took the time to make the entire process for our daughter as easy as possible. We are delighted with the results & she has received many compliments on her beautiful smile. – Caroline C
5.0
I’m very happy with my treatment and results. I was delighted with Dr Erfan Salloum’s attention to detail, and so happy he took the time to make sure everything was perfect. Thank you. – Orlaith D
5.0
My daughter has been under the care of Dr Erfan Salloum for the past three years, as she had a lot of work to be done. She has had braces removed, and the result is stunning. We are thrilled about how well everything went. – Elizabeth G
5.0
Absolutely delighted with my results. Thank you to Dr Erfan and his team for taking care of me so well! Treatment lasted 24 months, and it was so worth it. Would recommend it to everyone! – Ang
5.0
Everyone was very nice and professional, and Dr Erfan Salloum did a great job with my braces. – Matthew C
5.0
I am very grateful to Dr Efran Salloum for taking the time to do a free video consultation with me to discuss my issue. He listened attentively to my concerns, offered insight and advised me of a range of clear options to explore for my particular issue (which concerns narrow airways). I very much appreciated his expertise, which he conveyed with kindness and without expectation. I would highly recommend Dr Efran for his expert knowledge and professionalism. – Shelagh S
5.0
My daughter had a great experience, thrilled with the results. She was treated very well at every appointment and now has a gorgeous smile thanks to Erfan and the team. – Auds C
5.0
Incredibly happy with my experience with Dr Erfan. He was a pleasure to deal with throughout the process, explained everything clearly, offered all support needed, and the results have been absolutely perfect. Ultimately, I can’t recommend Dr Erfan highly enough. He and his team are incredibly professional and highly skilled, so you’ll be in safe hands throughout your treatment. – Laurence W
5.0
We highly recommend Dr Erfan Sallom. He transformed our daughter’s teeth, and she’s extremely happy with her beautiful smile! We were looking for an Orthodontist who had a reputable history, gave excellent results, held high standards, was kind and gentle, and that is what we got. She didn’t have to get any teeth removed, which was a bonus. Really appreciated the individual time, updates, never felt rushed, and a personable approach. Thank you, Erfan. – Georgina
5.0
I was very anxious about orthodontic treatment and, as such, delayed it for years. I did not need to be nervous with the expertise and professionalism of Erfan. He was very motivational and ensured I achieved an excellent result. I am now extremely happy with my smile. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone. – Ciara K
5.0
I would really recommend anyone to Dr Erfan Salloum. My experience with Erfan was amazing. I had no issue; he was very knowledgeable about his work and was always happy to explain the next steps with my treatment and concerns, or answer any questions about my treatment plan, etc!
I would recommend Erfan to anyone, there’s no safer hands to be in than Erfan for sure! – Martin R
5.0
I have just finished my two-year orthodontic treatment with Dr Erfan, and I would highly recommend him. He explained everything perfectly about the treatment plan, and I was always treated with great care. You are in good hands! Many thanks. – Julie P
5.0
I would highly recommend Dr Erfan from start to finish. He took the time to make the entire process for our daughter as easy as possible. We are delighted with the results & she has received many compliments on her beautiful smile. – Caroline C
5.0
I’m very happy with my treatment and results. I was delighted with Dr Erfan Salloum’s attention to detail, and so happy he took the time to make sure everything was perfect. Thank you. – Orlaith D
5.0
My daughter has been under the care of Dr Erfan Salloum for the past three years, as she had a lot of work to be done. She has had braces removed, and the result is stunning. We are thrilled about how well everything went. – Elizabeth G
5.0
Absolutely delighted with my results. Thank you to Dr Erfan and his team for taking care of me so well! Treatment lasted 24 months, and it was so worth it. Would recommend it to everyone! – Ang
5.0
Everyone was very nice and professional, and Dr Erfan Salloum did a great job with my braces. – Matthew C
5.0
I am very grateful to Dr Efran Salloum for taking the time to do a free video consultation with me to discuss my issue. He listened attentively to my concerns, offered insight and advised me of a range of clear options to explore for my particular issue (which concerns narrow airways). I very much appreciated his expertise, which he conveyed with kindness and without expectation. I would highly recommend Dr Efran for his expert knowledge and professionalism. – Shelagh S
5.0
My daughter had a great experience, thrilled with the results. She was treated very well at every appointment and now has a gorgeous smile thanks to Erfan and the team. – Auds C
5.0
Incredibly happy with my experience with Dr Erfan. He was a pleasure to deal with throughout the process, explained everything clearly, offered all support needed, and the results have been absolutely perfect. Ultimately, I can’t recommend Dr Erfan highly enough. He and his team are incredibly professional and highly skilled, so you’ll be in safe hands throughout your treatment. – Laurence W
About Dr Erfan Salloum Dr Erfan Salloum is the founder and specialist orthodontist at Lusk Orthodontics. He is a winner of the British Orthodontic Society's Maurice Berman Prize for clinical excellence, with…
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“We highly recommend Dr Erfan Sallom. He transformed our daughter’s teeth, and she’s extremely happy with her beautiful smile! We were looking for an Orthodontist...”
“I was very anxious about orthodontic treatment and, as such, delayed it for years. I did not need to be nervous with the expertise and...”
“I would really recommend anyone to Dr Erfan Salloum. My experience with Erfan was amazing. I had no issue; he was very knowledgeable about his...”
“I have just finished my two-year orthodontic treatment with Dr Erfan, and I would highly recommend him. He explained everything perfectly about the treatment plan,...”
Placement is done under local anaesthetic and is well tolerated by most teenagers. Mild soreness for one to two days afterwards is common and settles without specific treatment.
Occasionally a TAD becomes mobile during treatment, usually due to the natural bone remodelling around it. If this happens, it can be re-placed in a slightly different position without significant disruption to the treatment plan.
TADs are small and located in areas of the mouth that are not easily visible. Most patients are aware of it initially but adapt quickly and report little to no awareness after the first few days.
Usually, yes — TADs provide the anchorage, while fixed braces or aligners deliver the tooth movements. They are rarely used in isolation.
Book a consultation today and let our friendly team guide you towards a healthier, more confident smile with personalised advice, modern treatments, and genuine care every step of the way.
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