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Power Chains: Why Some Colored Braces are Connected
If you take a look at the young woman to the left, you'll notice that she has blue colored rubber bands that attach the orthodontic wire to her braces. You may also notice that it is one long, continuous band. This is known as a power chain.
Most braces currently used require a rubber band, known as a ligature, to hold the orthodontic wire inside of the braces. To learn more about why these rubber bands are necessary, you can read an article I wrote a few months ago about why you have to have rubber bands on each tooth with braces.
Below is a close-up photo that illustrates the difference between the normal rubber bands (ligatures) and the power chain. This teenage girl has a power chain on the top teeth and regular ligatures on the bottom teeth. She also loves hot pink!
Now that you've seen the difference, what you're probably wondering is why on earth the orthodontist would put that on your braces.
Why Orthodontists Use Power Chains with Braces
Orthodontists use power chains on your braces for two reasons:
- To make sure that your teeth don't move apart.
- To help close gaps between your teeth.
Power Chains are Used to Make Sure Your Teeth Don't Move Apart
If your dentist needs to move your teeth, and he or she is worried that when they move, you'll get a gap, then your orthodontist will use a power chain to make sure that you don't get a gap in between your teeth. The power chain can snugly hold your teeth together.
Power Chains are Used to Close Gaps Between Your Teeth
If you have gaps between your teeth, power chains are a good way to help pull the teeth together and close the gaps.
Will Power Chains Hurt Your Teeth?
Power chains do cause some mild discomfort, just like braces do. They might be uncomfortable for the first few days, but your teeth will shortly adjust to them and then your pain should decrease.
What Colors of Power Chains Can You Get For Your Braces?
Power chains, just like ligatures, come in a variety of colors.
If you're curious about what colors you can get on your braces, read my article about what colors of braces you can get.
At the orthodontic clinic at my dental school, I don't think we have quite as many colors for the power chains as we do for the regular ligatures. However, your orthodontist might have a better selection. Just ask, and I'm sure they'd love to show you the variety of colors you can get!
Conclusion
Have you ever had a power chain on your braces? What did you think of it? Do you have any questions or comments about this article? Feel free to submit a comment using the form below.
Thanks for reading!
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Hi, I'm Tom. I'm currently a 4th year dental student in the USA. I started this blog to help people take better care of their teeth. You can 
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Good info for those of us who didn't have power-chains when we had teen braces. Very helpful for parents to understand the differences.
Thanks for your comment, Pamela. I hope it does help some parents figure out what their child's orthodontist is doing in their mouth!
I just got on a power chain yesterday. The orthodontist informed me I would have some discomfort the first day or so, and boy was she right on! My teeth feel as though I just got braces on again for the very first time:/ But they do serve a purpose, and in the end Im sure it will be well worth the pain:)
I remember the pain from braces very well. One of my lower canine teeth was pointing right into my tongue and now amazingly they are all nice and straight. Good luck with the rest of your time in braces - I hope it goes well!
I just got my power chain on yesterday and boy oh boy am i in PAIN!!!!! I have damon braces so its funny to see the band in my mouth seeins as i never have a need for them with the type of braces that i have.....i was shocked at the ammount of pressue i felt getting them on....i think this hurts worse than when i first initally got my braces on!!!! hopefully it feels better tomorrow
Hi Tearel - Thank you for your comment! Once your teeth have shifted, they should stop hurting so much. I remember the dull pain from braces far too clearly!
I hope your teeth feel better soon. Hang in there - your straight teeth will be worth it!
hi,. i just want to ask why i dont have that chain on my braces? you said the chain helps the teeth gap to close., im just wondering why i dont use a chain,. i have so many gaps,. i only use ligatures,. do you think in the coming months i'll be using that too? thanks!
hi Jesa - Your orthodontist may incorporate a power chain into your treatment in the future. There are other ways to close gaps and your orthodontist has most likely chosen the way that will work best for your particular mouth.
Sorry I couldn't give you a very clear answer, but I hope that helps! Thank you for your comment!
Interesting! I just got my powerchain on yesterday! I'm really excited to get my gaps closed. More than any weight issues or acne, etc, my teeth were (and still are, even with braces) my absolute biggest insecurity. I wouldn't even smile with teeth in pictures for the last 20 years of my life until now, with some improvement as i'm half way done
However, my roommate said that when she had braces, at one point her front teeth ended up with a gap, and then her ortho of course did something to reverse that (she also argues that she had a really bad ortho, though). She says if she remembers correctly, it was while she began the power chain treatment.
Does this happen? Is this likely? I haven't found anything on the internet :/
I see it happen on this video but I don't think I saw power chains.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLlZ3qJoR1E&feature=related
Hi Stephanie - During the ortho treatment, gaps regularly open and close as the teeth are moved into their proper position. In the video you linked to, you can see lots of little gaps opening up between different teeth.
Power chains are just one tool that orthodontists can use to help close gaps. Using the proper forces on the orthodontic wire can also close gaps which is what appears to have been done in that video.
I hope that helps! If you have any other questions, let me know. Thanks for your comment, Stephanie!
Hey everyone! Currently, I am 1 year and 5 months into wearing my braces, and just yesterday, I got molar-to-molar power chains put on both my bottom and top rows of my teeth. I admit that they are quite painful, but taking an advil will work great!
Thanks for sharing your experience, Victoria - I'm glad the Advil is working for you. Hopefully your teeth will be ready to get the braces off soon!
I used to not have a gap in my front teeth, but now that ive had braces for awhile it formed? I just got a powerchain today and i can feel the pain already... do you think it'll end up closing with the powerchain? I've heard that it may not end up closing all the way. I really don't want to have that gap. What are some home remedies to help the pain from the pressure on the teeth? Thanks for having this useful website!
Hi Mariah - During braces treatment gaps usually come and go as your orthodontist tries to get all of the teeth aligned perfectly. I'm almost certain that your gap will end up closing by the time you're all finished. I know it's hard, but try to trust your orthodontist, I'm sure that (s)he knows what they're doing and will give you the best possible smile.
As for the pain, Ibuprofen is usually pretty good for reducing pain and inflammation. I remember seeing some various webpages on the internet that have dental home remedies. You can search for those, but none really come to mind.
Thanks for your comment - Good luck with your braces, Mariah!
next tuesday i am getting braces and a chain all at the same time... is the chain that i am getting a power chain or some different type of chain? im really confused!
~brielle
Hi Brielle - That sounds right - the rubber chains used to hold the wire in the brackets (power chains) are the only chains that I know of that are commonly used in orthodontics.
Good luck with your braces treatment - Thanks for your comment!
I had some power chains on my braces, just on the back teeth, and only near the end of treatment, I think. They made my teeth feel tight and sore, but I didn't mind. My ortho's technique and methodology was much better than my siblings' dentists. Their teeth all pointed very far inward for a long time and looked severely abnormal. They also had top-bottom rubber bands which sometimes flew out of their mouth, I never had them. They also came home from each appointment with multiple sticks of wa, as big as table candle sticks, and desperately used all of it to prevent pain. I got a tiny matchbook sized case of wax when I got my braces on and only used a very very tiny amount the entire time I had my braces. Also, their brackets were thick/bulky and alway made their mouths stick out like they were sucking on an orange slice. Mine were thinner. Even my best friends would tell me they'd always forget I have braces because you couldn't tell unless I smiled really wide.
Hi Sarah - Thanks for sharing your experience. It sounds like you had a great orthodontist - if they all could be that good, there would be a lot happier smiles in the world.
I'm an adult and have had my braces on 1 month and half now. I just got my power chains and bands on today. My Ortho said there to help correct the gaps in between my teeth. Normally how long does it take for the gaps to close up? My Ortho said I would probably have to wear my braces for 13 to 14 mths.
Hi Leslie - During the course of your braces treatment, the gaps may close and then open up slightly as your orthodontist positions your teeth into their ideal placement.
The only solid answer that I can give you is that when you're all done with your treatment, the gaps should be closed. Your orthodontist may close the gaps now, only to find that she/he needs to move a few more teeth around, which could create another gap that would need to close.
Take a look at this video on Youtube to see what I mean. It really starts around 1:05. Notice how the upper teeth open and close as the treatment progresses and eventually end up with no gaps.
I hope that helps. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Hi, you had lots of information on here! Very well done. So about power chains, what colors are the best for power chains? I need to go tomorrow after school. What colors would look best for this kind of look-light brown hair, dark brown eyes, light skin, and I always wear purple but I don't want a purple power chain. Thank you!
Hi Haley - Sounds like you're probably at your appointment right now! So I tried to picture you in my head, and it seems like purple and green would be two colors that might go together if you're getting power chains on the top and bottom. I haven't looked into which colors seem to work best.
A post on picking braces colors is definitely in the works. I hope that helps - let me know if you have any other questions, and don't forget to let us know what colors you ended up going with and how you like them!
I just got my power chain on this morning, oh boy it really hurts soo bad ><) and they hurt less than the bottom? I can feel an improvement down the bottom though, they feel straight already! XD
Sorry, I meant the top hurts less than the bottom, and there's a huge gap in the top o_o
Hi Jess - Thanks for sharing! I'm sure by now the pain has gone down a lot. The powerchain may not close the gap between the top teeth right away, and your orthodontist may use other techniques to help close that gap depending on how big it is.
Good luck with the rest of your braces treatment!
I've had braces for about 3 years and 4 months. Right after I first
got them I had 4 teeth removed , two on top two on bottom...after all
this time I still have these gaps and I'm supposed to get my braces
off in 6 or 8 months...last week I went to my denstist and they told
me to start putting " princess" bands which I have to wear two on each
side and they cross each other....my question was ...
are my teeth supposed to be closing with those bands already since I still have
those gaps where there removed my teeth? Or is the space supposed to close with a powerchain?
Hi Cindy - There are a variety of ways to close the space left behind when your teeth were taken out. I'm not sure of the exact braces treatment plan that you are following, but it would be a good idea to ask your dentist how they plan on closing the gaps, and to get some assurance that they will be closed in the next 6-8 months when you get your braces off.
I hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions. Thanks for your comment, Cindy.
Hi sir! , i have here some question for you. Last month in the 21st of may it is the day schedule for my braces. then, after a month i've a suggest to my orthrodontist. Because i really want the powerchain instead of normal band braces. anyway sir before my braces puts in, he had take me first an operation last may 7,2011 he scheduled me an Z-plasty i think? or teeth repositioning co`z my teeth case. Therefore back to the POWERCHAIN isn't good for my case? Hoping for your possible responce as well thankyou!
Hi Ralph - Your orthodontist probably knows what is best for your teeth. If you really think you need the powerchain, ask your orthodontist about it and see why (s)he doesn't think it's a good idea. I wish I could provide more useful information, but every braces case is different, and your treatment plan is custom-made for you.
Let me know if you have any other questions, Ralph. Thanks for your comment!
I see. Well thank you sir for a great informational idea regarding with this case, later on i'll be going to my orthodontist to ask about the power chains and yet i want to introduce myself first I'm Ralph Demiel Balanon a 16y/o boy presently living on the Philippines.
I just got my power chain yesterday and it hurt.
But now it doesn't. 
Hi Steffi - Thanks for sharing - I'm glad the pain went away! It usually goes away pretty fast.
I just got my power chain yesterday, and my mouth is in complete agony.
Hi CB - The pain should go down after a day or two - hang in there! Thanks for sharing your experience with everyone.
I just got my powerchain earlier today and boy do they hurt! Are powerchains only. Effective with small gaps or even big ones? I have a couple bigger ones and I'm concerned they won't close correctly. It's my 9th month with braces on
Hi Mirian - Powerchains are just one way to close gaps in teeth. They may not close the big gaps all of the way, but by then your orthodontist may have something else planned to get the gaps to finish closing.
Good luck with your braces! I hope everything works out well.
I hope that helps - Thanks for your comment! Let me know if you have any other questions, Mirian.
Hi, I just had my first visit today for my braces. Initially I thought I was just going to have my bands changed. The doctor decided to put elastic power chains connecting from my second pre molar to my third molar. The assistant said it was to close my gap and to give room for my two front teeth to move back. But my question is, if that was the case why didn't he do that to begin with? I don't understand, it totally makes me feel like nothing was done in the beginning and instead just made my two front teeth stick out more.
Hi Fe - I'm guessing that the orthodontist needed to see how your teeth would react to braces and was maybe hoping that the braces would help close the gaps. When that didn't work, he decided to go with the power chain.
I hope that helps - Thanks for your comment, Fe. Let me know if you have any other questions.
I just got a powerchain on my top teeth. It hurts a lot but it's to close the gap in my teeth that has formed due to them straightening out!
My daughter's dentist who did orthodonic work on my daughter's teeth also sent her to an oral surgeon to do invasive work on the roof of her mouth-the purpose was to grab her canine teeth that had never came through and to bring them down. However, for some reason the surgeon only placed one chain inside the roof of her mouth and said he could not get a hold of the canine on the other side. He said that I should further discuss options with her dentist.
With the unprofessionalism of this dentist who refused to discuss any options with me, I could not understand what his purpose or goal was along with why he thought it was ok to leave that chain inside my daughter's mouth, (still today) and also for some reason he never brought those canine teeth down.
My question is; how extreme of wrongdoing was his decision to just leave that chain inside the roof of her mouth??? I got a second opinion of a possible infection arising in the future. But what I really need to know is how liable is this dentist for the following:
Not informing me of what my options were at the time as a parent for my daughter who was 14 at the time/ and or communicating and making me aware of all the decisions he made for the best interest of my daughter. I believe that somewhere in there he violated some acts of "The American Dental Acts" please correct me if I am wrong??
What was his responsibility in the completion of getting those canine teeth down, when I got a second opinion from an orthodontist who looked at my daughter's teeth and said, "he couldn't understand why he did not succeed at bringing those teeth down". Is that considered "Abandonment"?
In my view if there were no spaces for those teeth to come down and if for some reason he could not make enough space, why didn't he pull whatever teeth he felt would be the best choice to make that room, he never pulled any teeth, or informed me if getting those canine teeth down required it, or why he didn't pull any teeth at all.
When I did try to get some answers of what his plan was, he told me to sit down and be quiet. I couldn't believe what I was hearing and got a bad feeling and later to find out, his license was suspended and on indefinite probation.
Please tell me what my rights are within this matter, seeing he used up all the insurance money for my daughter's teeth and also that she needs further work done to correct his mistakes. Along with giving her the incorrect/or best retainer to get rid of the space between her teeth which has never gone away.
I'd like to know how and why he is still in practice and why wasn't I made aware before work was done on my daughter's dental procedures, the numerous complaints about him from other clients and his background. Where is the law that protects innocent people that seek outside professoinal people such as this particular dentist.
My exhusband covers the children for thier dental and medical care and chose this particular office for convenience. I thought that he was reccommended, but he never was, which was a concern for me, but I am not the insurance provider. With your professional advice, I'm hoping you can answer all of my questions that are of great concern to me.
Sincerely,
Hi Diana - Here's some thoughts:
- Informing patients of all their treatment options is the ethical thing to do as a dentist. The ADA code of ethics states, "The dentist should inform the patient of the proposed treatment, and any reasonable alternatives, in a manner that allows the patient to become involved in treatment decisions."
- You might want to figure out exactly how much it will cost to fix the problems that he caused your daughter and then see if he would be willing to pay for the treatment.
Here's the ADA code of ethics if you'd like to look over it.
I hope that helps - Thanks for your comment, Diana. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Thank you for this information, I had my braces for about three months nd since my top teeth are close to almost straight, I started noticing two gaps on each side, I began freaking out, a week later at my appointment they put in PowerChains at first I had no clue what they were for (my dentist didnt explain or anything) until hours later I felt a lot of pressure nd my gums hurt so bad. Its been a week since I got the power chains and already saw the two gaps close! So fast! I was happy but now my gums are a bit inflamed still:( and barley stopped huting a couple days ago
Power chains for me did not cause mild discomfort.... It caused extreme pain, and I can deal with pain normally. I got my chains on my uppers 3 days ago and still am in pretty excrutiating pain. All my teeth are literally loose again and it feels a little worse than when I got my braces applied. My orthodontist came close to-removing the chains due to the pain, but I told them no. I just keep taking Advil and trying to push through. On a good note: my gaps have already closed.
Hi Jeannie - I'm glad the power chains are getting your gaps closed. Hopefully the pain is subsiding at this point. Hang in there!
Thanks for sharing your experience.
Hi Tom
I am having the six month braces and have power chains on top and bottom, even though the gaps are only at the top. I don't understand this as the bottom ones are still quite crowded and I should be nearly at the end of my treatment - surely this is going to make them even more crooked?! the gaps on top closed within a week (big gaps too!) but then she took them off for a while as two other teeth got very bunched together. Needless to say the gaps immediately reopened - now she has put chains on both top and bottom, the gaps are closing, but my other teeth and gums are bunching again, and it's agony!
I would love to say I trust my ortho, but she's a regular dentist, just like all the other 6 month brace people. I did speak to several people who were very happy with their results from her though.
Any thoughts would be much appreciated,
Thanks
Becky
Hi Becky - I don't have enough experience in this area to know what's going on in your case, but many times the desired result with braces comes after lots of movement. It sounds like your dentist has done a good job in the past, and it would be a good idea to bring up your questions next time you see her regarding your specific case.
I wish I could be of more help! Thanks for your comment, Becky.
I got my braces yesterday and i got the power chain on the bottom and the 2 top teeth. I was wondering
when the space in the 2 top teeth would start to close.
I just got my power chain on three hourth ago...and it hurth quite a bit, ath if I had just gotten my bratheth on. Pluth, a plathtic thing wath taken out of my mouth, thuth cauthing thith odd way of talking.
Hey, i got my power chains yesterday, and they hurt like crazy!!!!!! Is there anything to make it unsore other than advil, i take childrens advil, cuz im 11, and it still hurts!!!!!!! They said "slight dicomfort" but this hurts really, really bad, i tried ice, but it didnt do anything, is there any way of making it less sore so i can eat food?
hey, what u can try if u havent already is, if it helps, try rubbing your gums gently. sometimes my gums get a little sore because my top and bottom molars are pushed inwards, and when they do hurt, i rub them gently...it usually works for me! try it and reply to let me know if it helped at all id be happy to know if im not the only one that works on, by the way, i dont have power chains but i know i am getting braces mostly for my molars so i dont really know how the pain is with power chains but so far as ive read. people r saying they really hurt so go ahead and try this, and reply to me if it works! hope this is good advice and good luck with ur braces and power chains!
Hi I'm 11 too. Taking childrens advil might not be the best I suggest taking regular advil for ur pain and u need to try to eat a little because it builds strength try using oral gel it helps for me!!! Good luck it's worth it in the end. Hope it helps
Update: took about a 2 weeks for pain to subside from chains.... But wow to the difference they can make!!! Any chance you could tell me what type if chain they have in the picture (red one)??? I only ask because my chain is a lil different. It appears in the pic that persons chain holes hug her brackets more than mine and in between brackets it seems like a longer gap between holes on the chain... Mine are opposite.
Best example I can give....
0--0--0--0 theirs
O-O-O-O mine
The holes/space that fits over my bracket on the chain actually stretches to halfway between the next bracket over... And the area that connects the next part if chain on mine is very short, where in the picture theirs is longer. Just curious about the different types of chains.
Happy Bracing everyone!!!
Great website!
Next month I am hopefully getting my braces off; it’s been 22 months. At my last appointment, which was three days ago, the orthodontist used a power chain for the first time in my entire treatment to keep my teeth together on top and bottom. I was surprised such a thing existed. Three days later, my teeth are still sensitive, which is unusual for me since during my entire treatment, my teeth were never sensitive for more than a couple of hours. Since I also have to use the triangle bands, my teeth are extra sensitive. It’s not painful, but it’s similar to the discomfort I had when the braces were first put on. My teeth are finally aligned, and hopefully next month the braces will come off.
Ok hi again. I go to the ortho in January for the first visit can u tell me wat it's all about and how long it will take to actually get the brace ( day of visit ) and what you do wen ur getting braces I'm a little nervous and over excited so I'm asking these questions thank you for ur time
Congrats!!! Being nervous and excited is normal.
I have been blogging about my dental experience with braces... So maybe that will help you understand what kinda goes on with each visit.... Note: all treatment plans are different, but you can read about my experience and maybe get an idea if what to expect.
http://www.wiredsmile.blogspot.com
Best of luck to you!!!!
Hi Kelsey - No need to be nervous, I'm sure it will work out. Your orthodontist will be able to let you know when your treatment will start and how long it will take. Everyone's case is a little bit different, so I can't give you any specifics.
It doesn't take long to get the braces on, they will glue the brackets to your teeth and put a wire in. I hope that helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. Thanks for your comment, Kelsey.
Hi,
My 1st visit to the ortho is in November & im really scared cuz they might take my tooth out or put an injection in my teeth! My teeth are really crooked so do you think they might take my teeth out??? Im very nervous and exited at the same time!!1
Thankss
If you get Damon braces can you get power chains?
Hi Hiiii! - It appears that you can based on what patients are saying on this forum. I hope that helps! Good luck with your braces treatment.
useful information in good manner
Can you ask if you want a power chain on your braces during an orthodontist appointment?
Hi! I just got my power chains today, and I must say they are a bit painful. Anyways I was wondering if it would be a little bit harder to clean your teeth with power chains, if so can you give me tips on how to keep them cleaner with the power chains? I'm constantly checking on mirror making sure I don't have food stuck in between.
Just got powerchains. They literally hurt so bad I woke up at 2 am because of the pain. Mild discomfort is the understatement of the century.
Got my power chains today. hey hurt so0o0o much.
Hello- I'm scheduled to get braces in less than two weeks and I am overly excited but also scared. One of the most nerve wracking parts is that my dentist is going to do it, not an orthodontist. I have a a few gaps and my right upper teeth are not exactly mirrors of the left. I am only getting braces on the top- to my disappointment. I am really curious if anyone has ever had a dentist do their braces and I want to know if I get a power chain or if I get to pick my ligature colors? I know two kids who didn't get to pick because they had self-ligating braces.
Thanks
dear power chains I want you off my teath rite this instant ,I feel like my mouth is gona explode, and trhere is a giant bruse on everysingle tooth in my mouth, I can't even eat. I am gona die of missery, I got them the week of midterms and it looks lie if I showed up for school tomarrow to take them I would fail and cry and scream at everyone that I see incluing my principl. I can't even eat mashed potatos, or a bannana or scrammbled eggs so I have to dtarve also.
obgoodness I hope myteath r strait when they are finaly removed in four wweks.,but like my mom always said wile brushing my tangled hsir as she yanked it "buety is pain" well mom I haavre to diagreee!!!!!!!!!:-\ I'm gona go put some oragel on my gums now, good luck tpo all victems of the power chain!!!
Got powerchains (1 year and 5 mos in braces ) last Saturday and until now my mouth hurts really bad!
I agree it hurts even more when I had braces the first time. Ugh. These are making me irritable. I hope the pain goes away soon. I’m gonna go and grab some ice cream
I got power chains today but the top hurt's worse then the bottom, i got a sky blue color. I also have to get teeth extracted two on the top and two on the bottom. The one's on the bottom never came in so I have to be put asleep to get those out, I am scared it will be really painful.
are powerchains the same as the elastic bands they put on each bracket individually because i am getting braces, what does the powerchain do that is different from the elastic bands? can you just ask your orthodontist if you can have the powerchain instead? is it an option?
Powerchains are somewhat similar. Rubber bands on individual brackets are simply just holdingthe wire in place. Ur ortho will tell you if u need a powerchain. The powerchain is to close unnessisary gaps in between the teeth. If you have anymore q's ask ur ortho because he knows ur teeth way better than me. I'll be making YouTube videos real soon about braces. My user name is klovergotit2! Hope this helped.GOOD LUCK WITH BRACES!
thanks alot kelsey! that did help...ill be sure to check out the videos too! thanks for the advice, i dont know exactly how long ill have my braces but one things for sure, wierdly...i cant wait to get them!!! its wierd because how often do u really hear a 14 year old saying they want braces right? anyways thanks ill be sure to watch the videos about the braces!
how have the braces been going for u (if u still have them) ?
hi im getting braces and i was wondering how much dose it hurt the 2ed day and i have to have rubber bands do thouse hurt to
POWER CHAINS SUCK!! They hurt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just got a power chain for all of my top teeth today and it hurts only a bit, but it really sucks that my teeth are so sensitive right now that I can't even bite into a soft piece of bread without feeling pain.
I got a power chain yesterday. They hurt really bad, and I can't even eat the soft potatoes I could when I first got braces (6 weeks ago). The color that I have is a light purple, and they look more mature while in a not so "bold" color. They start off really tiny. The pain may be because I have self-ligating braces, unlike the traditional ones with ties. My brackets close by creating a clasp over the arch wire. I'm not quite sure if this is why they hurt. But all I know is they aren't fun.
Hey tom, im 24 and i currently have braces. I got them put on in august of last year. My teeth are fairly small but i had gaps between most of them. I Have the power chain on both top and bottom. But the top i have a issue. Where my two front teeth meet theres extra gums bunched up. And behind my teeth its a very noticeble. Its really painful. The orthodist office i go to isnt any help at all because all i see is the assistants. I never see him or get to ask questions. It would be nice if you can let me know what i should do. Its very uncomfortable
I had my power chains for two months and I got them taken off on Tuesday but today I realized that the space between my teeth has come back, is that supposed to happen or should I be worried and contact my orthodontist?
I had powerchains and still have them now for the first time they were put on the pain really became intense and sore, but after a while you get used to them
Hi Tom,
It's great to see you responding to so many comments. You seem like you'll be a very successful dentist once you have finished school!
A quick questions about power chains... are they typically used as place holders as well? They placed them on my front six teeth where the gaps on the right said have closed; however, the ones on the left have not. My biggest gap is still there. They placed braces on my bottom teeth about a month ago to begin the proper alignment process. My hunch is that the gap that I still have won't be closed until my bottom teeth are in its correct alignment so my bottom and top teeth don't hit one another-- am I correct to some degree in my assumption?
Thanks,
Allen