Risks & Complications of Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) in Orthodontics

Skeletal or temporary anchorage devices (TADs) constitute a compliance-free alternative to conventional anchorage systems. Current literature suggests that skeletal anchorage devices, such as orthodontic implants or miniscrew implants which are fixed to the bone, can provide a more stable anchorage than conventional methods and thus, they can be used clinically to enhance anchorage support. Nevertheless, the clinical use of TADs is associated with potential side effects (i.e., unwanted effects that are generally predictable and expected) or/and complications (i.e., unwanted and unexpected events due to treatment), which can occur during their insertion, use, or removal. The aim of this presentation is to present and discuss the potential risks and side effects, as well as the complications associated with the clinical use of TADs when they are used to support anchorage during orthodontic treatment.