Are power chains the last stage of braces?
Usually, power chains become part of your treatment after the first phase of alignment. They can be used to help align your teeth or correct your bite, but are most often used to close gaps between the teeth.
Are elastic ligatures necessary?
Given the delightful range of colors that elastic ligatures are currently offered in, you may think that these simple components are little more than accessories. In reality, however, they do a very important job. Their primary task is to firmly hold the archwire in the slotted position on each bracket.
What does a thicker wire on braces do?
A thicker wire is stronger, which usually creates more movement in the teeth than a thinner wire. Arch wires are often switched out at your follow-up appointments to change the tension on the teeth.
What is usually the last step in braces?
The third and final phase of orthodontic treatment is the retention phase. This phase occurs once the teeth have moved into the desired position and the use of the dental appliance ceases.
What do elastic ligatures do?
Connected elastic ligatures—also called power chain or c-chain ligatures—come in a variety of colors and strengths. These are used by your orthodontist to close spaces between the teeth or move specific groups of teeth together at the same time. Connected elastic ligatures may be changed at each appointment.
How do elastic ligatures work?
Ligatures are the rubber bands that appear interwoven into each bracket; they come in all sorts of different colors and can be a fun form of self-expression. These work to keep the archwire in place through the bracket, but can also help move your teeth.
How long do your teeth hurt after getting a power chain?
When this happens, the orthodontist replaces the individual ligatures in your brackets with the rings of the power chain. It’s normal to experience pain or discomfort after your braces are adjusted, including after a power chain is added or replaced. This typically only lasts for a few days after the adjustment.
What’s the difference between power chain and braces?
While typical elastics fit over each bracket individually, power chains connect the brackets. These chains then form a continuous band that runs across your teeth.
What is Fastbraces technology?
FASTBRACES are an American-made dental technology that has straightened teeth for a quarter of a century. This dental technology is used in nearly 50 countries. Thanks to FASTBRACES, there is no longer any need to rely on traditional braces to straighten crooked teeth.
What are the different types of elastic ligatures?
Types of Ligatures 1 Single Elastic Ligatures. Single elastic ligatures come in a variety of colors but their size is usually uniform. 2 Connected Elastic Ligatures. Connected elastic ligatures—also called power chain or c-chain ligatures—come in a variety of colors and strengths. 3 Wire Ligatures.
Why do you need a wire ligature on braces?
A wire ligature is therefore often the preferred choice of ligature because it allows the orthodontist to keep the metal archwire securely tied into the bracket slot. Your orthodontist may let you select the color of your elastics. Choosing from a rainbow of colors may make kids happy.
What is the purpose of elastic bands on braces?
The Purpose of Elastic Ligatures on Braces. The small rubber or metal elastics, more commonly called “rubber bands,” that surround your braces are technically called elastic ligatures. A ligature is used primarily to keep the archwire held into the slot on the bracket but they can also direct the teeth in a particular direction,…
When do you change the elastic on your braces?
Single elastic ligatures come in a variety of colors but their size is usually uniform. Your orthodontist will change your elastics at every appointment because this type of ligature loses strength over time.