You've got me in chains...

As of Memorial Day, it has been 1 year since Madison's journey with braces began!  During her last adjustment, Dr. Dad put on what is known as a "power chain".  A power chain is essentially a series of elastic ligatures (like the colored ones you see around each bracket) that are all linked together.

An example of upper and lower power chains

So what is the purpose of these elastics?  They are used to close gaps between teeth by applying slightly more tension to move your teeth faster.  If you have had any teeth removed prior to braces, as Madison had, this may be a part of your treatment plan at some point, to close that extra space.

When these elastics are first put on, your teeth may ache for a few days and require softer foods, but this subsides quickly.  Nothing that a little Tylenol or Advil can't handle.  You may also have to spend a bit more time brushing to make sure the areas around the elastic is getting cleaned well.

These elastics come in lots of colors too, so you can change it up and personalize your smile at each visit!  Maddie chose a light blue for hers... they also come in more subtle colors if you want them to blend in a bit more.  You may have seen some bracelets that have brackets and elastics on them... these "braced-lets" as they are called, are actually made from power chains around brackets!

When I look at the pictures below, I realize how much girls can change in 1 year!  Oh boy!  My little girl is growing up (as tall as me now, and will soon be taller!)...

Hope everyone is enjoying the summer in WNY!

-Madison's mom

Madison -July 2014 (6 weeks into treatment)

April 2015 (before power chain)

see the gap between her front teeth...

                                                            

   June 2015- 13 months into treatment, 

(with power chain) that space has closed significantly!