Braces can be used to correct bite alignment and straighten crooked or crooked teeth. The power chain elastomerics have a series of elastic O rings that are connected to each bracket, instead of one O-ring per bracket.
This article will discuss the types of power chain braces, their benefits and proper maintenance.
What are Power Chain Braces?
Traditional braces are made up of brackets attached to each tooth. The wire runs across the teeth and holds them together. Each bracket is attached to the wire with its own O-rings and ligatures.
Power chain elastomerics attach the wire to your brackets using a chain of connected O rings, instead of individual O-rings.
What do Power Chain Braces Do?
Power chain elastomerics can be used for many reasons.
You can exert more force: Power chain elastomerics are designed to increase pressure on your teeth.
Power chain elastomerics can be applied easily by your orthodontist. Each O-ring is bent to fit around your brackets. Applying individual O-rings to each bracket may take longer than using a power-chain.
Multiple uses: The power chain elastomerics are versatile and can be used to perform multiple actions, including closing spaces, redistributing space, and de-rotating your teeth. These movements are necessary to get your teeth in a good final place.
Power Chain Braces: Treatment Goals
For many types of treatment, power chain braces can be used.
To close gaps between teeth, power chain elastomerics can be used. Gaps can occur naturally or during orthodontics.
You can promote even spacing with power chain elastomerics. This is usually done when additional dental procedures are required, such as crowns or fillings.
Aligning crooked Teeth: Power chain elastomerics use constant pressure to gradually align crooked or misaligned teeth.
Rotating teeth: Power chain elastomerics can be used over time to rotate teeth.
Correction of bite: Power chain elastomerics are able to correct your bite. This refers to the way your top- and bottom teeth meet when you close your mouth. Malocclusion is a misalignment or alignment of your teeth that can be caused by habits such as thumb sucking and tongue thrusting.
Power Chain Braces: Side Effects and Risks
There are side effects and risks associated with power-chain braces as with all types of braces. These are:
Gum disease and tooth decay. Whether braces are attached with power chains or not, it makes it harder to maintain your gums and teeth clean. Plaque can buildup on your teeth, which can lead bacteria to reach your gums and cause infection. You can reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease by brushing your teeth several times per day.
Tooth roots that are short: Teeth roots anchor your teeth into the jaw. Root resorption can occur when you apply pressure to your teeth. This is not an issue for most people and stops once your braces are out.
Loss of correction: Your power chain braces can cause your teeth to shift after removal. To help maintain your alignment after braces are removed, your orthodontist may recommend that you wear a retainer.
You may feel some pain when your braces are put on for the first time. Most discomfort and pain disappear within one week after braces are put on or adjusted.
Permanent adjustments: The power chain elastomerics will require you to make adjustments every time your teeth move. Each patient is different, but most adjustments occur every four to six week.
Power chain braces are suitable for the following candidates
Sometimes, the type of treatment that a person is eligible for can be affected by their age. Power chain braces are available for anyone of any age.
Types of power chains for braces
To address particular dental problems, different types of power chain elastics can be used. There are three types: short, long, and closed power chain braces.
Closed: O rings attach to each tooth/bracket
Kurz: O-rings attach every tooth/bracket to which they are attached
Long: O-rings attach every third tooth/bracket
The best type for you will be determined by your orthodontist. It is often based on the way they want to adjust your teeth.
Care for Power Chain Braces
To ensure the best treatment outcome, you need to properly care for your power chain elastomerics.
Brushing your teeth: After you have eaten, brush your teeth. Be gentle when brushing. Aggressive brushing could cause damage to your gums, remove your protective coating, and even damage your braces.
Flossing with braces: It may be difficult to floss the first time you have them, but it will get easier over time. Braces make it more likely that food will get stuck between your teeth.
Rinsing: After brushing and flossing, rinse your mouth to get rid of any food remnants.
To inspect your mouth, check your power chain in the mirror.
Avoid certain foods. Certain types of food can damage power chain elastomerics. Avoid hard, sticky or chewy foods. To protect your brackets, avoid biting down on foods with your front teeth.
Call your orthodontist immediately if you see damage to your power-chain braces.
Summary
Power chain elastomerics is a type orthodontic appliance that’s linked to a series of elastic O-rings. They are simple to use and can be used for multiple purposes. They can be used to correct malocclusions, align crooked or displaced teeth, fix rotated teeth and correct misaligned teeth.
Some side effects of power chain elastomerics include bacterial buildup and root resorption. You can maximize the results of your braces with minimal discomfort by taking care of them.
A word from Verywell
Although power chain elastomerics may be uncomfortable and require a lot of maintenance, the end result is worth it. A beautiful, healthy smile will soon follow. Your braces and power-chain elastomerics should be taken care of. If you have any questions, contact your orthodontist.
FREQUENTLY ASKED Questions
What speed do rubber bands move teeth in?
Although treatment times vary from person to person and can take up to six months for rubber bands to move your teeth, it is common to require braces that last at least six months.
How long can you wear power-chain braces?
Although each patient’s treatment time is different, power chain braces can be worn for up to six months.
What is the final step in braces?
In later stages of braces treatment, power chains are frequently used.
Are power chains more efficient?
The power chain applies more force to the teeth which can reduce treatment time.
