What do "chains" on braces do?

Question

Ive had braces for 15 months, on my last appt. my ortho removed my wires and put what he called a chain across my four top teeth in front and put the wires back on. Please dont suggest I ask him because he never speaks to me and never tells me what he' doing or why. I know what youre thinking and your right, but please just answer the question if you know. Thanks! Also, Ive read the chains are actualy rubber bands but mine arent, theyre metal but thicker than the wires.

Answer 1

used to control wire movement inside braces act as elastics around braces, follow the link to see

http://rapidshare.com/files/132965676/po...

Answer 2

i think they are the help your teeth move faster?

ha i dunno i just know they hurt more than regular wires

Answer 3

I think you are talking about a power chain. It used to close up spaces. Sometimes orthodontists use the metal and sometimes they choose to use the elastic rubber. I have actually had them both. Here a link that gives more information on power chains.

http://www.archwired.com/power_chains.ht...

Answer 4

They pull your teeth together faster to close the gaps.

Answer 5

i have one right now.all it does is prevents you from getting a gap or helps pull the teeth together.

Answer 6

I'm guessing that you had spaces to begin with and they are now closed. What he is placing is probably metal lacing which will keep those spaces closed.It's an ok thing to use. Every ortho office may have different terminology for things. In our office chains are elastic and are used for closing spaces.

I'm sorry that your don't feel you can speak with your doctor. That's really sad considering you/or your parents are spending a lot of money for you to have nice teeth. You should be able to ask anything you want. Don't be shy, ask questions. And if he doesn't answer them have your parents request a PR( progress report update on your treatment).

We try to speak to parents at every appointment, and do a full PR every 6 months with patient and parent.

I know you just wanted the question answered, and hopefully I've done that for you. But I had to comment on the doctor not speaking to you.

Answer 7

closes spaces by pulling everything together. They have to stretch the chain to hook on your backets. The force of the chain trying to get back to its original position pulls your teeth together.

Answer 8

Power chains?

I had those when I had braces. They freaking killll.

If thats what you're talking about, they use them because they're tighter than the wires themselves and it makes your teeth move together faster and easier.

You probably wont have it for too long.