How Fast Do Power Chains Move Teeth? Exact Numbers
Now that you’ve got your power chains on, you’re probably eager to see those gaps or spaces from extractions get smaller. So how fast do power chains move teeth exactly? In this article, we’re going to dive deep into the science and provide hard facts so you know what to expect.
Teeth can move at a rate of anywhere from 0.1 to 2.5 mm per month, depending on what’s going on in the bone, the level of inflammation, and the amount of force applied. This huge variation makes it impossible to predict how fast your teeth will move.
Yet, statistical averages suggest a movement rate of about 0.6 to 1mm each month. For a 2 mm gap, you’re likely looking at a closure time of about 2 to 4 months.
How fast do teeth move with power chains?
The average rate of tooth movement is 1mm per month, regardless of the methods used for moving teeth or closing spaces.
However, in a clinical setting, we see wild variations of that number. Power chains can move teeth twice as fast or twice as slow, depending on the patient’s bone, gum inflammation, and many other factors.
It’s not uncommon in children or people with soft bone for teeth to move as fast as 2 mm per month, but that’s not necessarily a good thing. Generally, the faster teeth move, the faster they can relapse too.
If you’re curious how much longer it will take for your gaps to close, here is what the studies suggest:
Optimistic Tooth Movement Rate (using conventional orthodontic methods):
- Front teeth: As fast as 1.2 mm per month, under ideal circumstances, as indicated by certain studies, and when using conventional orthodontic methods such as power chains and closed coils.
Realistic Tooth Movement Rate (as supported by studies and clinical experience):
- Front teeth: Typically around 0.8 mm per month.
- Back teeth: Closer to 0.6 mm per month due to their anatomical and structural differences.
- Mandible: Teeth on the bottom arch can move at a slower rate, as little as 0.5 mm per month, because of increased bone density.
Factors that affect tooth movement
- Tooth size: Incisors will move faster than canines, premolars, or molars.
- Treatment duration: Teeth will start to move slightly faster after the first month, as the tissues get used to the orthodontic forces.
- Force applied: It’s best to use gentle continuous pressure (100 to 200 grams). Most power chains provide this level of force necessary to move teeth.
Can you start off with power chains?
No, it’s not advisable to start off your treatment with power chains. Your orthodontist is aware of the risks and won’t place power chains until your teeth have been aligned, and you’re on a stiff archwire.
Power chains are more powerful at moving teeth than the gentle wires used in the first 6 months of treatment. If used on a soft wire, power chains will override that wire and create all kinds of unwanted movements.
One of these side effects is molar tipping, or tipping of the incisor roots, which is difficult to correct and can add months to your treatment.
Power chains work best by sliding teeth on a strong base, which should be a strong rectangular (square-section) wire. Ideally, power chains should cause teeth to move from one side to another without changing their alignment, ideal inclination, and rotation.
This 3D aspect of moving teeth can be challenging to control. This is why it’s best to wait until mid-treatment to start closing gaps and extraction spaces. Expect to get power chains no sooner than 8-10 months into your orthodontic journey.
Do power chains lose strength?
Power chains lose their elasticity to a degree, but they don’t lose all their strength. Studies have shown that they maintain enough force to be effective for at least 4 weeks.
When first stretched over teeth, power chains will permanently lose up to 50% of their elasticity within the first 24 hours. However, after the initial drop, the force tends to stabilize to some extent, but it continues to decline over time.
As the weeks go by, the continuous stretching and the saliva environment will cause power chains to lose a significant amount of force. When removed, the elastomeric power chain will look stretched and discolored.
How often should power chains be changed?
Orthodontic power chains need to be changed every 3 to 4 weeks for optimal tooth movement. Studies suggest that after about three weeks, the force they provide drops to a point where they may not be as effective at moving teeth.
If you’ve been seeing your orthodontist every 6 to 8 weeks, expect your visits to increase in frequency when it’s time to close gaps. Many orthodontists find 4 weeks to be the ideal interval. A short rest period between power chain activations can help teeth move at a healthier rate.
Changing power chains too often or doubling down on the force will not help teeth move faster. In fact, it can have the opposite effect and slow teeth down.
Why aren’t my gaps closing with power chains?
There could be many possible reasons why your teeth have stopped moving with power chains. If your gaps won’t close, it could be due to bite interference, the inclination of roots, and even tartar. Your orthodontist will check for all that.
A final explanation could be hyalinization. Hyalinization is a biological response that can occur during orthodontic treatments, like when closing gaps with power chains. It happens if the force applied to move the teeth is too strong.
This excessive force can cause the tissues around the tooth, particularly the periodontal ligament, to become overwhelmed and form a hard, clear zone called a hyaline zone. When this zone forms, it can temporarily stop the tooth from moving because it disrupts the normal remodeling of bone that allows teeth to shift.
To prevent this, orthodontists carefully monitor and adjust the force applied by power chains to move teeth at a steady, safe pace.
What to Expect During Your Power Chain Treatment
Once your power chain treatment kicks off, it’s a game of patience. Closing those spaces, especially the wider ones, is a months-long journey, except for the smaller gaps right at the front.
Expect the movement of canines and back teeth to be a slow ride. Sometimes, it might even feel like progress has hit a pause. But that’s normal. Once the gaps are fully closed, your teeth and gums will need a well-deserved rest period. This allows the periodontal ligaments and the surrounding bone to adjust and settle into their new positions.
During this time, your orthodontist will secure the spaces with long ligature ties. It’s tempting to rush towards the finish line and get your braces off, but patience here is key—removing them too soon could lead to gaps making an unwelcome comeback.
While you’re in this holding pattern, your orthodontist will fine-tune your bite, ensuring everything aligns perfectly for a comfortable and functional bite.
The final stretch involves faithfully wearing your retainers as instructed. Retainers play a crucial role in your orthodontic journey; they ensure that the spaces remain closed and preserve the progress you and your orthodontist have achieved.
