What to Do if Your Braces Power Chain Broke
If you wear braces, you might eventually be fitted with a power chain. These continuous strands of elastic o-rings are incredibly effective at closing gaps and aligning teeth. However, because they are constantly under tension, it is not uncommon for them to snap or break. If your braces power chain broke, don’t panic! Here is exactly what you need to know and do to keep your treatment on track.
What is a Power Chain?
Unlike individual elastic ligatures that fit around a single bracket, a power chain is a continuous line of connected elastic loops. Your orthodontist stretches this chain across multiple teeth to apply a stronger, continuous force. This is typically used to close spaces between teeth, rotate crooked teeth, or consolidate spacing after a tooth extraction.
Why Do Power Chains Break?
Power chains are durable, but they aren’t indestructible. They can break for several reasons:
- Wear and Tear: The continuous tension can simply cause the elastic to fatigue and snap over time.
- Eating Hard or Chewy Foods: Foods that are off-limits for braces (like sticky caramels, hard candies, or tough crusts) can catch on the power chain and snap it.
- Brushing Too Vigorously: Aggressive brushing or improper flossing techniques can sometimes catch the edge of the chain and pull it loose or break it.
Steps to Take When Your Power Chain Breaks
If you notice that your power chain has broken, follow these steps:
1. Assess the Situation
Look in the mirror to see exactly what happened. Did the chain snap in the middle? Did it pop off a bracket? Is a loose end hanging down and poking your cheek or gums?
2. Handle Any Discomfort
If a broken piece of the elastic chain is hanging and causing irritation, you can carefully try to snip the loose end with a pair of clean, sterilized nail clippers or small scissors. Be extremely careful not to clip your wire or brackets. Alternatively, you can cover the irritating piece with a small amount of orthodontic wax to protect your inner cheek.
3. Call Your Orthodontist
This is the most important step. Even if you aren’t in pain, you must contact your orthodontic office. A broken power chain means that the tension required to move your teeth has been lost in that specific area. If left unrepaired, your teeth may stop moving or, worse, begin to shift back into their previous misaligned positions, which can delay your overall treatment time.
4. Don’t Try to Fix it Yourself
Never attempt to re-attach or tie a broken power chain yourself. Orthodontic elastics require precise tension calibrated by your orthodontist. Tying it yourself could apply incorrect forces to your teeth, causing damage to the roots or moving teeth in the wrong direction.
Will This Delay My Treatment?
If you call your orthodontist promptly and get the chain replaced within a few days, it is highly unlikely to cause a significant delay in your treatment. However, ignoring the problem for weeks until your next scheduled appointment can definitely set your progress back.
Accidents happen during orthodontic treatment. By handling a broken power chain calmly and contacting your professional team, you’ll ensure your journey to a perfect smile stays right on track!
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