Dr. Wu believes in continuing education, particularly when it comes to learning the latest techniques and advancements in orthodontics. Recently, Dr. Wu attended a conference on Temporary Anchorage Devices, or TADs. Temporary Anchorage Devices are micro implants. The devices are temporarily fixed to bone of the tooth in order to enhance the orthodontic anchorage. This can happen in one of two ways. First, it may support the teeth of the reactive unit or it may remove the need for the reactive unit altogether. In the latter case, the micro implant is subsequently removed after use.
These high tech appliances will eliminate the need for headgear, distalizers, and further reduce the need for extractions. Dr. Wu even had one placed on himself to see if it was painful and he didn't even feel a thing. This is a great advancement for patients who may need true molar intrusion; TADs reduce the need for prosthetic crown reduction, in some cases.
