TAD-assisted lingual retractors

Clinicians can choose palatal temporary anchorage device (TAD) placement sites based on the planned direction of the retraction of the maxillary anterior dentition with fewer anatomic limitations than on the buccal side of the alveolar bone, and with a lower failure rate. This chapter describes clinical considerations, applications, and results of palatal retractor use in clinical cases. In general orthodontic treatment, the anterior teeth are retracted after they have been aligned. However, when a C-lingual retractor is used to treat patients with lip protrusion, their chief complaint can be addressed early because the anterior teeth are retracted before they are aligned. A combination of TADs and C-lingual retractors maximizes the ability to control torque and vertical position of anterior teeth. By changing the position of the palatal TADs and length of the power arm of the lingual retractor, anterior dentition can be retracted as needed.