What Are Power Bands?
Power bands, often called power chains, are a specific type of elastic component used in orthodontic treatment. They consist of a continuous series of connected elastic rings, resembling a chain. These bands are typically made from medical-grade elastic material, which can be latex or non-latex, providing flexibility and consistent force.
Unlike individual elastics, power bands are designed to link multiple brackets together across several teeth. This creates a continuous band of tension along a section of the dental arch. While most commonly elastic, some power chains can also be made from thin metal twists.
How Power Bands Work
Power bands function by applying steady, gentle pressure across a series of teeth simultaneously. This continuous force is crucial for prompting tooth movement by stimulating the natural process of bone remodeling around the teeth. As pressure is applied, bone on one side of the tooth is broken down, while new bone is built on the other, allowing the tooth to gradually shift into its desired position.
These bands are particularly effective in facilitating specific types of tooth movements that require more concerted force than traditional wires and brackets alone. They are frequently used to close gaps between teeth. Power bands can also align crooked teeth, rotate teeth, and contribute to the overall correction of a misaligned bite or dental midline.
Types and Application
Power bands come in various configurations, each designed for specific orthodontic needs. The three main types are categorized by the spacing between their connected rings: “closed” power chains connect to every tooth, providing continuous linkage; “short” power chains link every other tooth; and “long” power chains connect every third tooth. The choice among these types depends on the amount of force needed and the number of teeth requiring movement.
Orthodontists apply power bands by stretching the elastic rings over the brackets on the teeth. They are applied after initial tooth alignment has begun, to refine tooth positioning or close remaining spaces.
Power Bands vs. Other Braces Components
It is important to distinguish power bands from other elastic components used in orthodontic treatment. Individual elastic ligatures are small, O-shaped rubber bands or thin wires that secure the archwire to each individual bracket. Their primary role is to hold the wire in place, though they can also exert some localized force. Power bands, in contrast, are a continuous series of these elastic rings, connecting multiple brackets to apply a more widespread and stronger force across several teeth simultaneously.
Another distinct component is interarch elastics, commonly known as orthodontic rubber bands. These are larger elastics worn between the upper and lower jaws, often hooked onto specific brackets or attachments. Their main purpose is to correct bite relationships by guiding the upper and lower teeth into proper alignment, rather than directly closing gaps or rotating individual teeth within an arch. While all these components use elastic tension, their structure, application, and specific functions in tooth movement differ significantly.