Power Chain Braces: Costs, Side Effects & Alternatives

Power chain braces are a form of braces treatment. They’re not actually braces. They are connected elastics (used instead of the normal elastics or single bands) that are positioned on teeth to apply more pressure and force movement.

Power chain braces are often worn near the completion of braces treatment to address any small issues remaining. Because power chain braces apply more force and pressure, they can move teeth more efficiently and quickly address problems like gaps and crowding.

What are power chain braces?

To understand power chain braces, it’s important to understand how braces work.

Braces involve small slotted brackets attached to the teeth. A wire (called an archwire) is then threaded through the brackets. Small rubber bands (called ligatures or elastics) are sometimes used to hold the wire in place.

The wire is tightened regularly to apply gentle and continuous pressure. This pressure is what moves the teeth into new, corrected positions.

Power chain braces usually use connected O-ring elastics over a series of teeth (rather than the regular single elastic over a single tooth) to apply more pressure and uniform tension in order to move teeth more efficiently. This application of sliding friction mechanics applies more force to move teeth without applying excessive pressure that could cause too much pain or discomfort. The tension between the O-rings is what makes power chain braces so effective in moving teeth quickly.

Why are Power Chain Braces Used?

Power chain braces are used to apply more pressure to the teeth in order to encourage movement. They’re often used near the end of orthodontic treatment when the dentist or specialist is looking to close any remaining gaps or correct any other issues that need more adjustment.

Power chain braces are often used for the following orthodontic issues:

• Closing gaps

• Correcting tooth rotation

• Adjusting malocclusions (or an improper bite)

Since they add more pressure than standard braces, power chains can help dental teams speed up the treatment process and give patients the results they want.

What are power chains made of?

Modern braces use strips of latex-free elastomer (which looks a lot like rubber) to connect the brackets to the wire. Power chains are often made of the same material. It’s strong and considered hypoallergenic as it doesn’t contain latex.

Sometimes, dentists use a thin piece of metal as a power chain. Metal is also hypoallergenic, and it tends to last longer than other forms of power chains. However, metal can also cause cuts and scratches to your gums, so it may not be the right option for everyone.

Your dental team will decide which type of power chain is right for you and will apply it to your teeth to give you the smile you always wanted. 

Types of power chains for braces

There are three different types of power chain braces, determined by how the links on the chain are spaced.

• Closed: These have no space. They connect at every tooth.

• Short: There is a small interlink space, and they connect at every other tooth.

• Long: There is a longer interlink space, and they connect at every third tooth.

Your dental professional will look carefully at the current position of your teeth, and you’ll discuss your plans for your post-treatment smile. With that information, your dentist will determine which type of power chain is right for you.

How long will I need to wear power chains?

How long you’ll wear power chains will depend entirely on your orthodontist’s treatment plan, although many people wear their power chains for at least six weeks, often near the end of their orthodontic treatment. Some people wear power chain braces for six months or more during treatment.

Power chain braces colors

Power chains come in a wide variety of colors, including these:

• Blue

• Pink

• White

• Red

• Orange

• Purple

• Clear

Because power chains are often worn near the end of braces treatment, many people like to wear their power chains in fun colors to celebrate their style and their almost-ready new smile.

Do power chain braces hurt?

Power chains are designed to apply more pressure than regular elastics without significantly more pain. However, pressure can cause discomfort, as it often does during routine adjustment visits.

If you or your child is experiencing discomfort from the power chain braces, talk to your orthodontist about pain management or treatment alternatives.

Power Chain Alternatives Are Available

Your orthodontist may map out your treatment plan during your very first visit. Planning like this allows for accurate estimates, so you won't be asked to pay more for chains if they're added later. But you may choose to avoid the technique altogether.

This table can help you understand the alternatives to power chain braces you might consider:

Taking care of power chains

Anytime hardware or accessories are used on the teeth, there is more opportunity for harmful bacteria or food particles to accumulate between the teeth and the hardware. Because of this, it’s imperative that an effective dental oral hygiene routine be maintained while wearing braces and power chains. 

In addition to twice a day brushing and daily flossing, consider these other hygiene tips:

• Avoid sticky, chewy, or hard-to-eat foods.

• Use an antimicrobial mouthwash and be sure to swish vigorously. 

• Use interdental brushes or other flossing devices (like a water flosser) to clean the areas between braces and teeth.

• Brush teeth with a gentle toothbrush after eating.

What to do if your power chain breaks

If a loop of the power chain has come off, you may be able to repair it with tweezers.

Otherwise, call your orthodontist and try to get in for a repair visit as soon as possible in order to avoid any delay in treatment completion.

Pain management strategies for power chain braces

Power chain braces apply a significant amount of pressure to your teeth, and that can cause pain. You’ll probably feel the most discomfort when the devices are placed on your teeth for the very first time, but that pain can recur when the chains are replaced or tightened.

In a study of pain and braces, researchers found the following medications were most effective:

• Ibuprofen

• Aspirin

• Naproxen sodium

• Meloxicam (requires a prescription)

• Piroxicam (requires a prescription)

• Tenoxicam (requires a prescription)

While your teeth are sore, avoid hard or crunchy foods. Try cooking veggies (instead of eating them raw) and choose pureed fruits (instead of raw versions). Sip cool drinks to reduce inflammation, and avoid talking if it makes your pain worse.

Within a day or two, your pain should get better. If it doesn’t, talk to your dental team and ask for help.

Power Chain Braces Frequently Asked Questions