Metal Mouth Message Board

I just got my powerchain fixed for my bottom teeth last week but it broke again. I'm not sure how it happened since I avoid eating foods that are sticky and hard. I feel like I'm giving my orthodontist a hard time How do I prevent my powerchain from tearing off. I feel like this is happening because I wear rubberbands and I guess my nails kinda scratch the chain.

Ask your ortho if it would make a difference if the powerchain is under the archwire, assuming it is on top of the wire now. He/she probably already has considered this of course. How long are your nails?

My orthodontist said this was a pretty common problem with the bottom arch, usually happening when biting into foods. To reduce the chances of the chain breaking, the doctor decided to have the techs put wire ties over the power chain on certain teeth. Seems to work but I've never had the unfortunate luck of breaking a chain.

djspeece wrote:Ask your ortho if it would make a difference if the powerchain is under the archwire, assuming it is on top of the wire now. He/she probably already has considered this of course. How long are your nails?

My nails are mid-length but they're very thin which makes them look very sharp.

Do you have metal or ceramic brackets?

I got my first power chain yesterday, and my ortho went through about 4 sets because the chains kept tearing. I have ceramic brackets, and apparently ceramic tear power chains really easily, so they're a pain to put on. It made me wonder if this mean they would be prone to breaking from teeth brushing, etc., but I'll just have to wait and see. In any case, this could perhaps be the cause of your own breaks if you have ceramic brackets?