Treatments & Appliances
5 min read • By Dr. Kevin Baharvand, Diplomate, American Board of Orthodontics
Patients ask me this all the time, usually when they notice a stretchy chain of colored rings appear on their braces partway through treatment: are power chains different from my braces, or a replacement for them? Here's the clear answer. They're not an either-or. Power chains are a small add-on that works with your braces during certain phases. Let me untangle the two so you know exactly what's on your teeth and why.
Traditional braces: the whole system
Traditional braces are the complete appliance that moves your teeth. Small brackets are bonded to each tooth, and a thin archwire runs through them. Tiny elastic ties, the colored rings you pick at each visit, hold that wire in place. The wire is what actually does the moving, applying gentle pressure over months to guide teeth into position. Braces are the engine of your whole treatment.
Power chains: a tool within the system
A power chain is a single stretchy strand of connected elastic rings, essentially those individual ligature ties linked together in a row. Instead of each bracket getting its own separate tie, the chain loops over several brackets at once and, because it's stretched, pulls them toward each other with continuous force. That connected tension is what makes it so good at closing spaces. For the full breakdown, see our guide to power chains and what they do.
The real difference, side by side
| Traditional braces | Power chain | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | The full system (brackets + wire) | A connected elastic added to the brackets |
| Main job | Moves all teeth into alignment | Closes gaps and consolidates spaces |
| When used | The entire treatment | Specific phases, often later on |
| Used alone? | Yes, braces are the base | No, it always works with braces |
When we add a power chain
We reach for a power chain when there are spaces to close, teeth to bring together after an extraction, or final detailing to lock in near the end of treatment. It usually appears in a later phase, once teeth are largely aligned and the goal shifts to tightening everything up. Like regular ties, power chains come in colors, and they can feel a touch more sore for a day or two right after placement because of that extra continuous pull. Care is the same as always: brush and floss thoroughly, since the chain gives plaque a few more places to hide.
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Frequently asked questions
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Why families trust Elate Orthodontics
With over 1,000 five-star reviews across three locations, Elate Orthodontics is led by Dr. Kevin Baharvand, DMD, MS, a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, whose clinical work was recently selected for the cover of the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, the most prestigious peer-reviewed journal in the field, and a national speaker on clear aligner treatment. Alongside Dr. Julia Kang, DMD, MS, both Boston University graduates and members of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon national honor society, our husband-and-wife team has been recognized as D Magazine Best Dentist 2026, Living Magazine Readers' Choice 2026 Best Orthodontist in Frisco & Plano, Readers' Choice Best Orthodontist in The Colony, Best New Business by the Chamber of Commerce, Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite, and featured in Orthotown and Authority Magazine.
We serve families through three convenient offices in West Frisco, North Frisco, and The Colony, each staffed by the same trusted team, equipped with advanced technology, and committed to the personalized approach that consistently helps patients finish treatment sooner than expected. From braces and clear braces to Angel Aligners, we offer treatment for every age and every stage of life. We stay in-network with most insurance plans and offer flexible financing to make exceptional orthodontic care accessible for every family we serve.
Need general and family dentistry too? Our sister practice, Tribute Family Dentistry, provides dental care for all ages.
