In the context of braces used in dental treatment, power chains should not be understood as components of motor boats or weightlifting. On the other hand, power chains merely represent rows of ligatures (elastic) used by orthodontists to help a wide range of issues. In recent times, the popularity of this treatment has been rising steadily, partly due to the versatility it offers.
Modern orthodontics offers several types of braces for patients to choose from
Commonly, power chain braces are used along with the brackets attached to the teeth. Power chains attached to braces are significantly efficient since they add more force and pressure for moving the teeth compared to the traditional ligatures and brackets alone. Power chains when used in combination with braces have proved to be effective in achieving excellent results in a short space of time.
Embrace the journey of aligning your smile, for in the gentle pull of chain teeth braces lies the promise of a radiant transformation that unlocks newfound confidence.
Understanding power chains
One can imagine connected strings of elastics (ligatures) for a better understanding of what is a power chain. Normally the power chains are made of the same material employed for the ligatures. In some instances, metal twists may be employed instead of elastics. Typical elastics will fit on each bracket individually while the power chains connect these brackets. The chains then make a continuous band running across the teeth. You can also notice that a power chain may be used for some teeth while others have the traditional elastic around the brackets. This combination of elastic and power chains allows orthodontists to handle multiple treatment goals.
How power chains work
The most common use of power chains is for helping to close the space between teeth. It can also be deployed for closing space after a tooth extraction or generally used for spacing. Since the force delivered by power chains are more compared to archwire or brackets alone, the power chain helps in speeding up the treatment time. Orthodontic Power chains are also helpful in correcting several dental problems including:-
- Malocclusions
- Crooked teeth
- Misalignments
Types of power chains
Power chains come in 3 distinct types, closed, long, and short because the one-size-fits-all approach cannot be employed in the case of braces and power chains. Within the 3 types also, therefore, multiple options are available to dentists/patients. The spacing of the links on the power chain will be determined by your specific needs as diagnosed by your orthodontist. Between the centers of every loop, different diameters are provided to control the specific bracket that the loop will fit into. The connections can be either closed (each tooth), an alternate tooth (short), or every third tooth (long). Depending on the treatment objectives, the orthodontist will be actively involved in choosing the type of power chain that is best suited for the patient.
How long should the power chain be used?
Similar to many other situations the treatment duration will vary with each individual seeking power chain/braces treatment. How long your treatment takes can be determined by your orthodontist has examined your oral condition thoroughly and arrived at the line of treatment to be adopted. Generally, some people complete the treatment in about six weeks while some others may have to wear power chains for as long as six months. Even beyond the period when the purpose of using power chains has been achieved, your orthodontist may advise you to keep them on so that the condition does not revert like in the case of a retainer.
Who should use power chains?
Unlike certain orthodontic procedures where the age of the patient plays a critical part, age is not a criterion for treatment using a power chain, Therefore, a teenager, as well as a senior citizen, can wear power chain braces during the same period.
Color options for the power chain
Power chain colors are very similar to normal ligatures. Your orthodontist can guide you with a choice that offers the best fit for your lifestyle. However, you will have the final say on the choice of color. However, similar to the normal ligatures, your power chains also get stained and therefore change color. Smoke or silver colors are generally preferred for power chains particularly because of their stain-resistant quality. Further, your orthodontist changes the power chains during each visit and therefore there need not be much worry about the color and you get the opportunity to try out multiple colors.
Are power chains painful?
Similar to other types of adjustments, you should expect a certain level of discomfort from the new force on the teeth. Braces or power chains generally do not cause any significant pain and can be compared with similar types of oral health procedures. During the initial days when the power chain has been installed, you may experience some discomfort, but your orthodontist will advise you on measures to handle this short period, particularly with regard to the type of food that you can consume and those that you should avoid.
Caring for your power chains
Power chains are simply a part of the orthodontic treatment and therefore you should follow the oral hygiene routine that you would follow with traditional braces or any other orthodontic option advised to you. However, with the power chain on, you may notice more food particles trapped along the elastics and you may only need a little extra time to brush them out. Taking care of your oral hygiene is important to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment.
