Powerchains or Braces, Which is Right for You?

Do you have crooked teeth? Do they overlap or stick out? Are your teeth sensitive? If so, you may be a good candidate for orthodontic treatment with a power chain rather than braces to fix your smile and keep your teeth healthy and strong. Powerchains are also more affordable than braces, which can make it an attractive alternative to patients who don’t want to deal with the potential expense of traditional braces but want straighter teeth in the long term.

Types of Orthodontic Devices

There are two main types of orthodontic devices: power chains and braces. While power chains are less expensive than traditional braces, both types of devices can improve a patient’s smile while straightening teeth. The main difference between them is how they work to correct crooked teeth. Power chains use elastics that attach to each tooth and gently pull it back into position. With traditional braces, wires are bonded directly to each tooth. This means patients with power chains have more visible hardware than those with traditional braces—though it also has less-intrusive presence in your mouth overall, which many patients prefer. Power chains are often used on younger patients who need milder treatment, as well as adults who don’t want their smile to be too noticeable. They may also be used when there isn’t enough room for traditional braces in crowded mouths.

Powerchain Basics

Powerchains are an alternative to traditional braces. The main goal of powerchains is to achieve a similar result as traditional braces but in a shorter amount of time. Powerchains come in various forms and may be used on teeth from pre-adolescence through adulthood. They can also be used in conjunction with other orthodontic treatments such as Invisalign® and clear aligners. As with any dental treatment, whether powerchain or braces are right for you depends upon your particular needs and circumstances. If you would like more information about how powerchain treatments work, how they compare to braces, or what factors might make one option better than another for you, please contact us to schedule an appointment today! We’re here to help.

What is a Powerchain?

Powerchain braces are metal brackets that fit over your teeth to prevent shifting after braces are removed. They are used in addition to traditional braces. If you have an edentulous space due to tooth loss in between two of your natural teeth, a powerchain may be used instead of fixed (permanent) bridges. A powerchain connects your abutment teeth and natural teeth so you can chew normally on both sides of your mouth again. The chain pulls down on one side and up on the other when you bite down. It’s important to note that they’re only effective if worn all day long every day. So if you don’t wear them as instructed, they won’t work as well.

There are many advantages to using power chains: They’re more affordable than fixed bridges; they’re removable so there’s no damage done to your natural teeth; and they look just like regular dental crowns. The main disadvantage is that they don’t last forever—about 10 years—and require maintenance during their lifespan.

Powerchain Advantages

One of the advantages to a powerchain over braces is that they are easier to wear. They also provide less pressure on your teeth as they are relatively light weight and don’t move around as much as braces. If you wear them during sleep, you will wake up with less jaw pain than if you were wearing traditional braces. The process of getting these bonded onto your teeth only takes a few minutes compared to hours with traditional braces where brackets are placed on each tooth; therefore, even if you have some discomfort while getting them applied initially it won’t last long.

Key Questions to Ask Your Dentist

Dentists are ultimately specialists who should be able to answer all of your questions about braces and power chains. However, there are some questions you may want to ask ahead of time. Here are a few things you should consider asking: Are my teeth suitable for traditional braces? Do I have adequate bone density in my jaw? Are my teeth crooked enough that a series of minor adjustments would be more practical than trying to correct them at once with a complex power chain design? If I choose a power chain design, will it have an impact on how my orthodontist can resolve any other dental issues I may have – such as wisdom teeth or periodontal disease – while they’re working on my straightening treatment plan?

How long will my treatment take? How much does it cost? Will insurance cover part or all of it? Is payment in full required up front, or can I make monthly payments? What are your office hours and availability like during non-business hours (e.g., weekends)? Can I use nitrous oxide during my appointment(s)? How often do you recommend getting a checkup during treatment, and what happens if something goes wrong (e.g., if one of my brackets comes loose)? What is included in each appointment (e.g., x-rays, cleaning), and what isn’t included (e.g., bite guards)? How many appointments do I need per year, and what happens if there’s an emergency between appointments?

Choosing an Orthodontist

When you are looking to get braces, it can be very intimidating. There are so many things to consider; what orthodontist should I choose? What type of braces are right for me and my teeth. Where will I go once I have decided on a dentist. We can help you with all of that and more! Our team at Invisalign Austin will work with you and your dentist to create a plan tailored specifically to your needs. Your insurance company might even cover some of your costs! At Invisalign Austin we promise a new smile by wearing invisible braces that align your teeth in an affordable way. Let us help you today! Call us at (512) 570-9990 or visit our website to learn more about how we can change your life.

How Do I Get One?

Aside from total cost, there are several factors to consider when choosing between traditional braces and power chains. Most notably, you’ll need to consider comfort level—power chains are more comfortable than traditional braces but have several downsides. Another thing to think about is how long it will take each method to produce results. Traditional braces typically take two years while power chains can deliver results in as little as six months. As a rule of thumb, if you want quick results and don’t mind spending extra money on maintenance work, you should go with power chains. For ultimate comfort and longevity though, you should go with traditional braces (though they may be more costly in the long run). One final thing to keep in mind is how sturdy your teeth are.

Future Considerations

The decision to use power chains instead of traditional braces can help your teeth straighten faster and more comfortably. While there are many factors that go into choosing power chains over traditional braces—including appearance, financial concerns, and comfort level—knowing a little bit about each option could make your choice easier. An orthodontist can discuss what’s best for you and your teeth; in the meantime, here are a few things to consider