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!

What is decalcification?

I would say we are overdue for an update!  Madison has been doing really great with her braces.  She is now about 10 months into treatment.  She has been really good about brushing and keeping everything nice and clean, which is so important.  Luckily, she has been well-educated on decalcification (those white spots you can get on your teeth if your hygiene is taking a backseat)!

Example of decalcification seen after brace removal

Anyone is at risk for decalcification, as it is caused by plaque build-up due to poor oral hygiene.  This is a sign of early tooth decay.  How can it be prevented?  By using the tools (toothbrush and floss) and following the hygiene instructions provided to you that first day you get your braces on. When brushing and flossing, pay special attention to the areas right around the brackets and wires, and be sure to get up into that gumline. It is also helpful to stay away from sugary soda and other foods high in sugar acids.  We can also provide you with Prevident toothpaste to be used once a day.  Prevident is a fluoride toothpaste available by prescription only or through our office, which helps prevent and reverse white spot lesions. For more information about Prevident ask one of our team members at your next visit or check out their website at http://www.colgateprofessional.com/products/colgate-prevident-5000-booster-plus-rx-only/overview  Madison has been using Prevident at her bedtime brushing since Day 1.

On another note, we did have one issue pop up recently... It was time for Madison's orthodontic adjustment.  We did not realize that she had a Middle School band audition coming up on the following Tuesday!  Her adjustment was done on Saturday, so she was a bit sore that weekend...which means, she wasn't too keen on practicing her clarinet with her sore teeth. But with a little bit of Ibuprofen and some softer foods, she was ready to go.... and she said the audition went very well! She also uses her Acceledent device to assist with any soreness. ( Did you miss the post about Acceledent....get it here.  http://forcierortho.blogspot.com/2014/11/what-is-acceledent.html )

Thank you so much for reading our blog!  

Smile more at Forcier Orthodontics!