What Does A Power Chain On Braces Do?
Your braces are an effective multi-use orthodontic solution that can address a wide variety of smile concerns, but sometimes they need a little help to effectively and quickly straighten teeth. A power chain on braces can often be what an orthodontist will use to close gaps and resolve other orthodontic problems.
What are Power Chains?
Power chains are strings of elastic rings that are connected together, typically used to help close gaps and spaces.
What Does a Power Chain on Braces Do?
To accomplish their goal, they form a continuous band across each of your teeth to work to connect them. They are often used to achieve certain treatment objectives as well, including the treatment of:
- Crooked Teeth
- Malocclusions
- Misalignments
Types of Power Chains
Depending on the needs of your smile, you may need one of three different types of power chains. These different types have different diameters between the centers of each loop, controlling which bracket the loop can attach to.
- Closed – Connects at every tooth.
- Short – Connects at every other tooth.
- Long – Connects at every third tooth.
How Long will I Need to Wear a Power Chain for?
The continuous band formed by the elastics applies extra pressure to your teeth to aid your braces in correcting smile imperfections like gaps or misalignment. How long you will need to wear your power chain depends on your circumstances, as with any other dental treatment. Some patients will only need to wear their power chain for a short period of time, while others may need to wear them for longer in order to achieve their smile goals. Your orthodontist may also have you continue wearing your power chain after the correction has been completed to prevent your teeth from reverting back to their original condition.
Who Needs to Wear a Power Chain?
Unlike some other treatments, power chains can be used for patients of any age. This means they are often a reliable solution for crooked or misaligned teeth or uneven spacing where other treatments may not be possible. Whether or not you will need power chains as part of your treatment plan depends on your unique smile needs and the recommendations of your orthodontist.
Book a consultation with Dr Geoffrey Wexler in Melbourne to discuss your treatment options.
