Palatal Expanders With TADS
Advanced Bone-Anchored Expansion for Adults and Complex Cases
The Gold Standard for Adult Palatal Expansion
TADS-assisted palatal expansion combines the proven effectiveness of palatal expanders with the precision of temporary anchorage devices. This revolutionary approach allows us to widen the upper jaw in adults and achieve pure skeletal expansion—something traditional expanders alone cannot accomplish!
Bone-Anchored Expansion
Traditional expanders push on teeth to widen the jaw. TADS-assisted expanders anchor directly to bone, bypassing teeth entirely for pure skeletal expansion.
No Tipping of Teeth
Because force goes directly to bone (not through teeth), there's minimal tooth tipping or root damage—just clean, skeletal expansion.
Works for Adults
Traditional expanders work best in growing patients. TADS-assisted expansion can successfully widen the palate in adults whose bones have fused!
How TADS-Assisted Expansion Works
Understanding the components and mechanism
TADS (Mini-Implants)
4 small titanium screws are placed in the palate (roof of mouth). These anchor directly into bone.
Function: Provide bone anchorage
Expansion Appliance
A custom expander connects to the TADS. It looks similar to a traditional expander but attaches differently.
Function: Delivers expansion force
Activation Screw
You turn the screw with a special key, just like traditional expanders. Each turn creates expansion.
Function: Controls rate of expansion
Direct Bone Force
Force transfers directly from TADS to bone, creating true skeletal expansion without dental side effects.
Function: Achieves skeletal change
TADS-Assisted vs. Traditional Expansion
Why TADS make all the difference for 16+ year olds
Works for Adults
Traditional Expander:
Only effective in growing patients (for 16+ year olds)
With TADS:
Effective for adults of any age—even 40+!
Skeletal vs. Dental
Traditional Expander:
Expands by tipping teeth outward (dental expansion)
With TADS:
skeletal expansion—widens actual bone structure
Root Safety
Traditional Expander:
Can cause root resorption (shortening) from pressure
With TADS:
Minimal stress on tooth roots—safer for long-term
Relapse Rate
Traditional Expander:
Higher relapse rate as teeth want to tip back
With TADS:
Lower relapse—bone has actually changed
Treatment Stability
Traditional Expander:
Results depend on facial growth continuing
With TADS:
Predictable results regardless of age or growth
Treatment Timeline
What to expect from start to finish
TADS Placement
15-20 minutes
Four small TADS are placed in your palate under local anesthetic. Quick and minimally invasive.
What to Expect:
Expander Installation
Same appointment or 1-2 weeks later
Custom expander is connected to the TADS. You'll receive detailed turning instructions.
What to Expect:
Active Expansion
2-6 months
You turn the expander as prescribed (typically 1-2 times daily). Jaw gradually widens.
What to Expect:
Stabilization/Retention
6-9 months
No more turning! Expander stays in place while new bone fills the expanded space.
What to Expect:
Removal
15-20 minutes
Expander and TADS are removed. Your palate is now permanently wider!
What to Expect:
How to Turn Your Expander
Step-by-step activation guide
Get Good Lighting
Use a flashlight or good bathroom lighting. You need to clearly see the activation hole.
Insert Key Fully
Push the special key all the way into the activation hole until it engages.
Turn Toward Throat
Rotate the key smoothly toward the back of the throat until the next hole appears.
Remove Key Forward
Pull the key out toward the front of the mouth. Never pull backward!
Confirm Activation
Verify the screw advanced. You should see/feel the device has expanded slightly.
Important Reminders
Cleaning Your Expander & TADS
Proper care ensures success
Clean After Every Meal
3+ times daily
Salt Water Rinses
2-3 times daily (especially first 2 weeks)
Monitor TADS Sites
Daily
What to Eat
Protect your appliance and TADS
Foods to Avoid
Hard Foods
Can damage expander or loosen TADS
Nuts, Hard candy, Ice, Raw carrots, Popcorn kernels
Sticky Foods
Extremely difficult to clean from appliance
Gum, Caramel, Taffy, Bagels, Gummy candy
Very Hot Foods
Can irritate palate around TADS
Boiling soup, Hot pizza, Hot beverages
Safe Foods
Soft Proteins
Eggs, Fish, Soft chicken, Yogurt, Beans
Soft Fruits & Veggies
Bananas, Berries, Applesauce, Mashed potatoes, Steamed vegetables
Grains & Pasta
Pasta, Rice, Soft bread, Pancakes, Oatmeal
Soft Treats
Ice cream, Pudding, Soft cookies, Smoothies
Common Questions
Answers to your most frequent concerns
Does TADS placement hurt?
The area is completely numbed with local anesthetic. Most patients report feeling only light pressure—no pain. Afterward, mild tenderness for 1-2 days is normal.
Will the gap between my front teeth close?
Yes! The gap is a sign that expansion is working. It will close naturally during retention or with braces once expansion is complete.
Can TADS fall out?
TADS have a 90%+ success rate. Occasionally one may loosen—if this happens, we can replace it. Report any looseness immediately.
How long does the entire process take?
Active expansion takes 2-6 months. Add 3-6 months for retention. Total treatment time is typically 6-12 months from start to removal.
Will I have trouble eating or talking?
You'll adjust quickly! Most patients adapt to eating within a week and speaking within 3-5 days. Practice talking aloud to speed adjustment.
Is this better than traditional expansion?
For adults and patients needing skeletal (not dental) expansion, yes! TADS-assisted expansion provides true bone-level changes with less relapse.
Tips for Success
Expert advice for optimal results
Turn Exactly as Prescribed
Follow the turning schedule precisely. Skipping turns delays treatment; extra turns can cause problems.
Water Flosser Is Essential
Invest in a quality water flosser. It's the #1 tool for keeping TADS and expander clean!
Salt Water Rinses Daily
Rinse with warm salt water 2-3 times daily, especially in the first few weeks.
Don't Panic About the Gap
The gap between front teeth is NORMAL and EXPECTED. It proves expansion is working!
Report Looseness Immediately
If a TAD feels loose or moves, call us right away. Early detection prevents bigger issues.
Be Patient with Results
Expansion is a gradual process. Trust that every turn brings you closer to your goal!
Achieving the Impossible
TADS-assisted palatal expansion represents the cutting edge of orthodontic technology. It allows us to achieve results that would have required surgery just 10 years ago—and does so predictably in adults of any age.
Questions About TADS-Assisted Expansion?
This advanced treatment opens doors that were once closed. If you've been told you need surgery to widen your palate, TADS-assisted expansion may be the answer! Let's discuss your options.