40 years old with skeletal open bite. I don't like the idea of surgery. Can TADs help? (Photos)

Question

I have a skeletal class 3 open bite and shifted midline.Used Damon braces for the upper teeth only covering 9 front teeth,regular braces were used for the 10 lower front teeth.molars are porcelain crowns. 10 months now on braces.Brackets were put on my upper molars 3 weeks ago to use them for class 3 elastics but without connecting it to archwire is it ok to use it this way? I am told i will be done in 2 months! Can TADS be a better option for me knowing that I have lots of artificial crowns.

James J. Awbrey IV, DMD · Answer

We have completely eliminated openbite surgery with the advent of TADs.  The TAD should be placed in the palate and a TPA arch utilized with springs to the TADS.  A Transpalatal arch is a metal bar that is extend between the back molars.   A TPA will need to be used to prevent aberrant movement while intruding the molars.  You only have to intrude or move up the molars a couple of millimeters to have a dramatic affect on the front teeth and bite closure.  You need to find an orthodontist who is comfortable placing his own TADs.  Best regards,Dr. Awbrey

Robert Waxler, DMD, MS · Answer

why does everyone seem to feel that it is necessary to tell us that they have "Damon braces"?  Damon is just the name of a particular type of brace (kind of like toyota vs kia).  Nothing really special about them (contrary to what some doctors will tell you!)As to your problem....just not enough info to really tell you what to do other than the fact that class III open bite problems are extremely difficult to correct

40 years old with skeletal open bite. I don't like the idea of surgery. Can TADs help? (Photos)

Answers (2)