Power Chains on for too long?

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#1 Post by **wirednerves** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 2:37 am

I didn't realize there was a discussion board for questions and concerns. I accidentally posted this on the "Our Braces Stories" so I am re-posting it here.

Hi...I've been snooping around this site for almost three months and finally decided to post.

I first got my braces on August 19th...so far so good. I saw my dentist five weeks later just as scheduled. Now, because of my college schedule and its location (my orthodontist is in a different state from where I currently attend school), I was forced to miss my next appointment, which passed this past Wednesday on the 7th. Ideally, I am supposed to go for adjustments every six weeks. Currently, I've had power chains since my last adjustment in the upper front four teeth (sorry for my lack of technical terminology, haha). I wont be seeing the orthodontist for the next five weeks! What impact does this have on my teeth with the power chain?

The power chain worked wonders for just a short amount of time. Already six weeks in and I virtually have no gaps (except for new gaping ones created where the power chain ends on both side of the chain). I fear that at the speed and strength that the power chain is going, my upper front teeth may become unintentionally overcrowded...I mean, is that even possible?

What could happen to teeth that has had a power chain for a month to two months longer than it should?

#2 Post by **kilikena311** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 4:59 am

I was told that the powerchains weaken over time. My ortho wants to see me every 4 weeks, but I think that is just how he likes the appointments scheduled in general. I think there are a lot of people with 8-12 week intervals between adjustments that have no issues with it.

#3 Post by **Inova** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 5:05 am

I had power chains for 5 weeks, they do move things incredibly fast! Power chains are elastic so once they have pulled the required tooth they slacken and lose their tension. One of mine was so slack after 5 weeks that you could see it under the tooth. So don't worry, they won't pull things too far - the ortho will have made them the correct length so once the tooth is in position it will slacken.
Hope this helps

#4 Post by **drrick** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 12:14 pm

powerchains wear out so it is unlikely that anyting will go majorly worng. You can get some overrotation of the terminal teeth on the chain but nothing catostrophic usually

#5 Post by **wirednerves** » Sun Oct 11, 2009 8:46 am

Thanks, you all. I can now fall asleep peacefully knowing that my teeth won't be messed up in the morning.

#6 Post by **Takako** » Mon Oct 12, 2009 8:01 pm

Yeah, when I peek at my powerchains being pulled off I feel sorry for the things! They're all stretched out and flat and oval shaped, not all all the plump, perfectly round and small circles that went in! They DEFINITELY stretch lol. Mine stay on around 4-5 weeks. I kinda wish they'd change them more often precisely because they wear out lol.