Every patient is happy when they reach the end of their orthodontic treatment. They are free from any adjustment discomforts or pains. Additionally, they have more food options to choose from. Your orthodontist may recommend power chain braces to close the gap between your teeth.
Power chains might be something you are wondering about. Why do I need them? We’ll explain in this article the power chain of braces, why you are a candidate and how to take care of your mouth during this treatment.
There are many types of braces available. You can combine power chains with brackets that are already attached to your teeth. Because they exert more pressure and force to move your teeth than brackets or ligatures, power chains are effective for orthodontic braces. Combining braces with power chains can result in quick results.
What are power chains?
Power chains are strings made of elastics that connect together to close gaps between teeth according to this dentist in Avon Lake. They are usually made of elastic, but sometimes metal twists can be used.
Traditional elastics can be used to cover individual brackets, while power chains are used to tie the brackets. These chains are placed over each set of teeth to form an uninterrupted band. An orthodontist might place a power-chain on some of your teeth. The rest will be fitted with normal elastics around the brackets. This allows you to simultaneously treat multiple dental problems.
What are power chains?
Power chains are typically used to close the gap between teeth. These can be used to close gaps between teeth that have been spaced or those created by tooth extraction. The power chains can be used to accelerate the treatment by exerting more pressure than arch wires or brackets.
The power chain can effectively address multiple oral problems, such as:
Correcting crooked Teeth
Correcting alignments
Rotating teeth
Malocclusions
Improving dental midline
Different types of power chains to fit braces
Braces and power chains don’t fit into a one-size-fits all model. This is because every patient has a unique issue that must be addressed. The power chain’s spacing between the links will be determined by the patients’ needs. The distances between the centers of each loop determine which bracket it attaches to.
The best way to determine which type of tooth is right for you is with your orthodontist. There are many types of chains available. Each option has many more options.
There are generally three types of power chains that can be used to brace your teeth:
Closed: This type of chain is compatible with every bracket. Because there are no spaces between the rings. Every ring is connected immediately to the next in the power chain.
Short: This type of power chain segregates each ring by a small distance. A short chain connects to an alternative bracket.
Long: This chain is made up of rings that are separated by extremely long distances and connected to each bracket.
Your treatment plan will dictate the type of chain you wear. You might wear different chains during treatment.
Are there associated risks?
Over time, the pressure created by power chains fades. This can be explained by the following factors.
Type of power chain
Material used
Teeth movement caused by eating or other activities
Internal factors such as temperature and moisture are important for the health of your mouth.
Your orthodontist may need to change your power-chain from time to time due to the factors mentioned above.
Power chains have the same side effects and risks as braces. These are:
Gum disease: Food particles can build up around braces. Plaque can build up if you don’t brush your teeth properly. This can lead to swelling and pain in the gums.
Tooth decay can also occur if plaque forms. Tooth decay can either be left in its initial stage of demineralization or get worse.
Teeth with short roots: Your teeth’ roots keep your jaw closed. Braces can cause your teeth to move slowly once you have them. Braces can lead to your teeth becoming shorter, which can result in unstable teeth.
Reversal of treatment: Braces and power chain help teeth move in the correct position. If you don’t wear a retainer, your teeth could move back to the original position.
Are power chain braces uncomfortable?
You will visit your dentist occasionally during braces treatment. During the appointment, your doctor will tighten your bracket’s wire. This is to increase pressure on the teeth to ensure that they move in the right positions.
The visit may include the purchase of a new power chain or the adjustment of an existing one. Your bracket ligatures will be replaced by power chain rings.
After braces adjustments, soreness and irritation are common. But don’t worry. Within a few days, the pain will disappear.
Tylenol, an over-the-counter pain relief medication, can be used to ease discomfort caused by braces or power chain.
Power chain braces are unnecessary.
Power chain braces are most common for those aged 8-14. Because the body is still developing, the teeth move more quickly and are easier than adults, this is the best age for power chain braces.
However, braces and power chain can be worn by anyone over 15 years of age. Braces with power chains can be worn by many people who are over 20.
You can use power chains for many orthodontic procedures. Most commonly, they are used to bridge gaps between teeth and ensure that your teeth have enough space. They can also be used to align the jaw and teeth.
Power chains are best suited for each person’s oral health. To determine if you require simple braces or power chains, your dentist will examine your jaw alignment and teeth.
What length of time will I be able to wear power chains for?
As you might think about orthodontic braces treatment’s duration, so does the length of wearing chains. Each patient will have a different treatment duration.
Your dentist may recommend that you wear power chains for eight months, while your friend might only wear them for five weeks.
The doctor might recommend that the power chains be kept on even if they have fulfilled their purpose in braces treatment (e.g. closing gaps between teeth). This is to prevent the teeth from shifting back, which could lead to a gap. The power chains can be thought of as a retainer.
Power chain colors
You have the same options for colors with power chains as you do with normal ligatures. While your orthodontist will be able to advise you on the best color for you, you can choose what color you prefer.
Be aware that foods and drinks can alter the color of your power chains. Stains are less likely to affect chains with silver or smoked colors.
You shouldn’t be too concerned about your power chains getting stained. You can easily replace the entire set at your next visit.
How to take care of your power chains
It is important to care for your power chains and braces in order to have a smooth treatment. These are some tips to help you.
After eating, brush your teeth
Plaque buildup can occur when food particles accumulate around your braces or power chain. Brush your teeth after each meal. If you are unable to brush after every meal, rinse your mouth with water and mouthwash.
Be gentle when brushing
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. To minimize strain on braces or power chains, gently brush your teeth.
Flossing
Flossing is more than just removing food stuck between your teeth. It also removes sticky intruders from braces and power chains. The floss threader is a small, but useful tool that makes flossing with braces simple.
Rinsing your mouth
After flossing and brushing your teeth, you can rinse your mouth with water to remove stuck food particles. A good option is water or a fluoride-based rinse.
Take a look at your braces in the mirror
After you have completed your teeth cleaning, take a look at your power chain and braces in the mirror. Check for any loose or damaged ends.
Certain food types should be avoided
Certain foods can cause severe damage to your braces or power chain. Avoid these foods and find alternatives.
Sticky foods can be caught in power chains and braces.
Hard food items such as carrots or corn on the cob can cause damage to your braces and power chain.
Plaque can be accelerated by high-sugar foods.
What to do if your braces power chains break?
A power chain can break at any point on it. The break may be noticed while you brush or floss your teeth.
Call your orthodontist immediately if this happens. It is crucial to make sure your treatment is moving in the right direction. A break can affect the effectiveness of the power-chain.