Orthodontic Power Chain Braces Before & After, Types, Use, Care, Pain & More

A power chain brace is an O-shaped elastic ligature forming a continuous band between the teeth. The brace is used to solve dental issues like gaps, misaligned teeth, and crooked teeth. Power chain braces can be utilized alone, or together with a ligature.

The orthodontic dental brace is recommended by most orthodontists because it applies an extra force on the teeth, thus being able to correct a dental problem within a short period. In this article, we examine the available types of power chain braces, how to take care of them, the duration it takes to restore a problem, and the benefits of using such braces.

Power Chain Orthodontic Braces Types

Power chain braces vary depending on shape and color. Some of the available power chain braces colors include blue, red, silver, and black, among others. Since the braces stay on your teeth for a while, your health specialist will allow you to choose a color that suits your lifestyle.

The general shapes of the braces are O and C shapes. Your doctor will help you choose the structure or shape of your brace depending on the nature of your dental problem and treatment goal. Unlike colors, you cannot select the shape of the brace depending on personal preference. In most cases, orthodontists use the O-shaped braces on adolescents, and the C-shaped braces on adults and seniors.

Orthodontic Power Chain Braces Use

Primarily, the orthodontic braces are used to close unsightly gaps between teeth. Gaps between your teeth can lower your self-esteem, more so when they look like that of an extracted tooth. Gaps can also cause numerous health issues like injury on the gums when chewing hard food. Likewise, hard food can force your teeth wide open, thus increasing the gap. Accumulation of food remains in the gaps is a risk factor for periodontal disease.

Besides closing teeth gaps, power chain braces are used to straighten crooked teeth, guide teeth to assume healthy growth, and correct bite abnormalities. They can be utilized together with other braces like brackets, hooks, and arch wires to induce an additional force that is required to move teeth.

For people with crooked teeth, the braces are used in the space closure stage – a stage that comes after teeth alignment. The use of power chain braces helps restore confidence and self-esteem issues caused by dental abnormalities.

The braces are suitable for people of all ages whose teeth are crooked or have unsightly gaps. In many cases, chain braces are used on teenagers, but C-braces can also be used to rectify dental issues on adults. If you have a problem with your tooth alignment, consult an orthodontist to help you decide if a chain brace can remedy your situation.

Power Chain Braces Pain

Just like any other type of braces, you may experience power chain braces pain or discomfort just after the brace is fitted. The pain and discomfort disappear in less than a week.

5 Tips to Control Power Chain Braces Pain

  1. Use painkillers like ibuprofen. Doctors recommend the use of painkillers for a short time. Consult with your doctor before you decide to use painkillers.
  2. Consume cold or frozen meals. Frozen meals numb the gums and other parts of the mouth, thereby relieving pain and swelling.
  3. Use orthodontist wax to prevent the braces from rubbing against the lips and cheeks. The wax prevents the brace from irritating your gums as well.
  4. Rinse your mouth with warm salty water. Salt boosts the healing process of sores caused by the braces.
  5. Use your fingers to massage your gums gently, since this helps relax swollen gums. However, you should ensure that you don’t disturb the braces while massaging your gums.

How to Avoid Power Chain Braces Pain

In the initial days, orthodontists recommend that you consume soft food to curb further pain. Avoid tough textured foods like apples, sticky foods like candy, and other snacks like fruit roll ups and chewing gum.

Power Chain Braces Care

The first step in caring for your braces is to practice good oral hygiene. Orthodontists recommend that you brush at least twice a day for at least two minutes. Regular cleaning of teeth eliminates food remains between teeth, and prevents formation of plaque. Additionally, brushing eliminates food that can stain your brace.

If you are a sportsperson, use a mouthguard to protect your braces when playing. Ask your doctor to recommend a suitable mouth guard. If your brace gets damaged, breaks, or your tooth cracks while doing sports, book an appointment with your orthodontist.

Floss every tooth, and between the brackets. If it is possible, purchase special floss threaders recommended for people using braces. Do not try to adjust your brace. If you feel that it needs adjustment, ask your orthodontist to help you. Changing it yourself can compromise the treatment goal.

Power Chain Braces Treatment Length

The braces are used for about six weeks. However, the treatment period depends on every individual case. Some patients may get off their braces within two weeks, and some can go for more than six months. Therefore, your orthodontist will remove the braces after ascertaining that you have achieved your treatment goal.

After fitting the braces, your orthodontist will schedule appointments, in which they will evaluate your treatment process, alongside changing the braces. The braces need replacement because they lose their strength with time, and your treatment regime may fail if they are not.

Power Chain Braces Before and After – Conclusion

Power chain braces before and after health and social benefits: dental problems like misaligned teeth, unsightly gaps, and crooked teeth can lower your self-esteem and confidence. Besides the social benefits, the braces also improve gum health and dental hygiene. The braces come in different colors, giving you the freedom to choose the color that suits your lifestyle. Another good thing about these braces is that they are used by people of all ages. If you have ever used power chain braces, lets us know about your experience in the comments below.

5 Comments

  • I have gaps on my teeth and I’ve had braces on for two months why won’t my orthodontists put power chains on my teeth.

    • Hi, Jessica,

      If your orthodontist decided on braces, he probably had a strong reason to do so. However, if you’re not happy with this solution you should seek a second opinion.

      Have a nice day!

  • I’m wearing braces since february last year, now i’m using power chain braces on the top & bottom my teeth, i can see my teeth gap become smaller after 1 night using it, but i can feel the pain during going to sleep and after wake up but i ignore because i know the pain is for temporary.

  • That’s crazy! I’ve always heard of ‘braces’, but never realized there were really different types of braces. This sounds like a pretty interesting dental procedure to be honest.

    • Hello!

      We’re glad we could help you learn something new about braces. The procedure is quite interesting, but it can also be extremely expensive and time-consuming, unfortunately.

      Have a nice day!

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