Survey of Norwegian orthodontists on the use of temporary anchorage devices.

objectivesTo assess Norwegian orthodontists’ perspectives concerning use of Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs). MATERIALS AND

methodsA web-based survey (78 questions) was distributed to all 345 members of the Norwegian Association of Orthodontists. Descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, Chi-square, Fisher’s Exact, or Kruskal-Wallis tests were applied.

resultsSeventy-one orthodontists responded (low response rate of 20.6%). Use of TADs in the buccal/lingual alveolar process, buccal shelf or retromolar pad (ABR) was reported by 41.5%; 29.2% were previous users, 9.2% intended future use, and 20.0% had never used. For palatal TADs, corresponding values were 29.2%, 15.4%, 23.1%, 32.3%; for miniplates: 0%, 10.8%, 21.5% and 67.7%. No associations were found between TAD use and orthodontists’ demographics, clinical experience, or practice type. Common indications included molar mesialization, distalization and posterior intrusion – the latter related to practitioner experience (P = 0.041). Frequent complications included screw loosening (91.3%) and soft-tissue overgrowth/irritation (80.4%). Barriers to use included procedural invasiveness and insufficient training, while discontinuation was attributed to complications, chair time, failures, invasiveness and patient discomfort. Over the preceding five years, 23.9% reported increased use, while 43.5% noted a decline. Among current users, satisfaction with ABR and palatal TADs was 69.2% and 70.6%, respectively. The respondents reported reduced treatment time (55.1%) and improved predictability (79%) when TADs were used.

conclusionsAmong responding Norwegian orthodontists, TAD use was reported by a moderate proportion, with a noted decline over the five years preceding the survey. Among users, satisfaction was generally high. All forms of relevant education were identified as key factors in their adoption.