Power chains are a part of orthodontic treatment, and they are usually used to help your teeth move into the proper position. They are used to replace individual ligatures that can break over time, and they can also help you close gaps between your teeth. Depending on the type of braces you have, a power chain may help you improve your smile.
Contents
Power chains accelerate tooth movement
Power chains are an integral part of the process of accelerating tooth movement with braces. They are made up of elastic loops connected into a long chain. A short chain has no connecting elastic, while a long chain has a longer piece of elastic between the loops. The power chain will accelerate tooth movement by closing gaps and improving the alignment of teeth.
The power chains are usually worn for six to eight weeks, depending on the individual’s situation. The initial period of wearing a power chain will cause soreness and discomfort. However, the pain will usually subside in a few days. In the meantime, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers to ease your pain. People between the ages of eight and 14 years old are the most likely candidates for power chain braces.
They are used to replace individual ligatures
Power chains are used in the same way as individual ligatures to move teeth. They are adjustable and come in different lengths and widths. Your orthodontist will choose the right length and width for your specific case. They also come in a variety of colors to coordinate with your existing ligatures. They are generally white or silver, but you can select different colors to match your braces.
Traditional braces have ligatures that hold the archwire to individual brackets. These are usually individually designed to fit over each bracket. But power chains connect multiple brackets and form a continuous band. Power chains help to bring teeth closer together because they are stronger than individual ligatures.
They can be applied to braces
Power chains are a great way to coordinate colors with your braces. Power chains consist of a series of connected elastic rings, called ligatures, which attach to your brackets. Each ligature is connected to the next by a loop in the middle. This allows your brackets to be connected to each other more securely.
While they look like ordinary elastic loops, power chains are custom-made to fit your specific needs. They are available in three types: closed, short, and long power chains. Each type is used for a particular purpose with braces, and the type you choose will depend on your situation and the type of braces you have.
They can break
If you have braces, you may have noticed that some of the colored ties connecting your teeth are starting to break. While this may not be painful, it can seriously slow down your treatment. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can repair a broken power chain. One way is to use a tweezers to reattach the broken chain.
Another option is to get new power chains every time you go to your orthodontist. Depending on your schedule, you can choose a different color for each visit. It may cause some soreness, but that’s only temporary.
They can be cleaned
A power chain for braces can be cleaned at home using the proper cleaning tools. These tools include scouring powders, rags, metal scrapers, and petroleum-based solvents. Before you begin, you should break down the power chain into its smaller parts. Because the chain is often made of metal, it is likely to become discolored over time due to contact with liquids or saliva.
Cleaning teeth with a power chain is not as difficult as you might think. It is very important to brush your teeth daily, and fluoridated mouthwash is an excellent choice. If you have any difficulty cleaning the power chain, you should visit your orthodontist as soon as possible. A broken power chain can seriously affect the effectiveness of your orthodontic treatment. Luckily, replacing the power chain is a relatively simple procedure that can be completed in a single office visit.