Quick answer
A power chain is a strip of joined elastic rings that pulls teeth together to close gaps, and it comes in the same colours as single bands. Because the links show between the teeth, dark cool colours such as navy, black and dark purple look best and hide stains. Clear and light chains tend to turn yellowish before your next visit.
What a power chain is
A normal ligature is a single elastic ring around one bracket. A power chain is a row of those rings joined into one continuous strip that runs across several brackets. Because it is stretched between teeth, it pulls them toward each other. Orthodontists use it to close gaps, including spaces left after a tooth is removed.
Power chains come in three spacings: closed (a ring on every tooth), short and long (a ring on every other or every third tooth). Your orthodontist picks the spacing. You pick the colour.
The links between teeth are the difference. A power chain shows more colour along your smile than single bands, so the colour choice matters more.
How each colour looks as a power chain
Every picture is the same real smile wearing a closed power chain on both arches.
The best and worst power chain colours
| Colour | Brightness | Stain risk | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navy Blue | 80 | Low | Great for whiter-looking teeth |
| Black | 74 | Low | Great for whiter-looking teeth |
| Purple | 65 | Low | Great for whiter-looking teeth |
| Hot Pink | 38 | Low | Fun, neutral effect |
| Teal | 36 | Low | Fun, neutral effect |
| Light Blue | 28 | Medium | Fun, neutral effect |
| Silver | 22 | Medium | Shows stains, can look yellow |
| Clear | 1 | High | Shows stains, can look yellow |
Black power chain is one of the most searched looks. It gives the sharpest contrast and scores 74, just behind navy. If you worry black could look like food from a distance, navy gives a similar effect with a hint of colour.
Do power chains stain?
Yes, the light ones do. A chain sits against your teeth for weeks and picks up colour from coffee, tea, curry, turmeric, cola and tomato sauce. Clear, white and pale pastel chains can look dull yellow by the end of a cycle. Dark colours hide it. Either way, the chain is replaced at your next visit.
See every colour's stain risk in the full colour table, read more about clear and silver bands, or learn how chains differ from the other kinds of braces bands.
Try it on your own smile
Spin the wheel, mix two colours and see the Tooth Brightness score live.
Common questions
What is a power chain on braces?
A power chain is a row of elastic rings joined together in one strip. It stretches across several brackets and pulls teeth toward each other, which closes gaps. It is made of the same elastic as single bands and comes in the same colours.
What is the best color for a power chain?
Navy, black, dark purple and dark blue. A power chain shows more colour than single bands because the links run between the teeth, so a dark cool shade keeps the smile looking bright. Navy scores 80 on our Tooth Brightness Index.
Do power chains come in different colors?
Yes. Power chains are made in the same range of colours as single ligatures, from clear and silver to navy, purple, pink and teal. Your orthodontist may stock fewer chain colours than single-band colours, so ask what is available.
Is it normal for power chains to change color?
Yes. Light and clear chains pick up stains from food and drink, and they can look yellowish within a few weeks. The chain is replaced at your next adjustment. Darker colours hide this better.
Are power chains the last stage of braces?
Not necessarily. Power chains are often used in the middle and later stages, after the teeth have been levelled, to close spaces such as gaps left after a tooth was removed. How long you wear one depends on your treatment plan.
