Abstract

MOTHOBELA, TF; SETHUSA, MPS  and  KHAN, MI. The use of temporary skeletal anchorage devices amongst South African orthodontists. S. Afr. dent. j. [online]. 2016, vol.71, n.10, pp.513-517. ISSN 0375-1562.

BACKGROUND: Temporary Skeletal Anchorage Devices (TSADs) are small titanium screws that are inserted through the gingival or palatal mucosa into supporting bone to form an independent rigid anchor unit or may be tied to adjacent teeth to enhance their anchorage capability. On completion of orthodontic treatment the orthodontist is easily able to unscrew and remove the screws. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a survey on the clinical use of TSADs amongst South African orthodontists. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The method consisted of a structured survey questionnaire which was sent to 110 South African orthodontists registered on the South African Society of Orthodontists database in 2013. RESULTS: Forty six orthodontists completed the survey, a response rate of 41.81%. Of these respondents, 63.04% used TSADs, and of those, 58.62% placed TSADs themselves while the remainder referred to maxillo-facial surgeons, and to a lesser extent, to periodontists, for placement. The majority (72.41%) loaded TSADs immediately. TSADs were used mostly to provide anchorage when teeth were moved mesially (52%) or distally along the arch. CONCLUSIONS: South African orthodontists have adopted a cautious approach to the use of TSADs. Training in the placement and the clinical application of TSADs should be incorporated in the curriculae of postgraduate orthodontics.

        · text in English     · English ( pdf )