Damon Braces: How They Compare to Other Teeth-Straightening Devices
Dental braces can straighten teeth, correct overcrowding, and fix bite problems. They also improve the overall appearance of a smile, but braces aren’t one-size-fits-all. Along with traditional braces, you have the option of Damon braces.
In this blog, we’ll look at Damon braces — including how they work, how they compare to traditional braces, and how much they cost.
What are Damon braces?
Damon braces are similar to other orthodontic systems to straighten teeth. The primary difference between this system and others, though, is how they straighten teeth.
Braces use archwires and brackets to move teeth. But while traditional braces have elastic bands surrounding each bracket, Damon braces use a self-ligating system to connect archwires to brackets, instead of elastic ties which are common with traditional braces.
This self-ligating system isn’t new, but it has increased in popularity as orthodontists make claims of improved clinical performance. While some doctors (and patients) believe Damon braces are a more effective orthodontic system, these claims haven’t been substantiated in scientific literature.
The Damon Smile
The Damon System gives you a broader smile than conventional braces —the type of smile preferred by more than two-thirds¹ of adults. The Damon System’s broad arch smile reduces dark triangles at your mouth’s corners and improves overall facial profile which may even help provide a more youthful look*.
Natural Broad Arch Smile
Smiles with a broad arch show more teeth and fill the corners of the mouth more fully. The result is a more natural and appealing smile. A broad arch also provides facial support, which gives the face a more youthful appearance.*
Possible benefits of Selg ligating/Damon braces include:
Faster treatment
Self ligating/Damon braces treat faster and require fewer appointments than traditional braces.
Light force, high-technology, shape-memory wires move teeth more efficiently, reducing office visits and treatment times to help you better manage your busy schedule.
Less discomfort
One claim is that Damon braces are more comfortable than traditional braces. It’s believed that the sliding mechanism could allow teeth to shift or move at a more gradual and natural pace. For some people, this might create less pressure and friction, possibly resulting in less pain and discomfort. But again, this claim isn’t backed by science.
The truth is, people respond differently to braces. The comfort level often depends on other factors such as the complexity of movement, wires, and other material.
The wires on Damon braces do exert a lighter force when shifting teeth, which is believed to contribute to less discomfort in some people. Like any type of braces, it can take a few days to get used to the system, so you might have temporary soreness.
- Light, Gentle Forces
That’s because the Damon System’s advanced technology uses light, gentle forces to move teeth to their correct positions more freely and more comfortably.
- Reduced need of ties
Conventional braces use elastics to tie the wire into the bracket which causes friction and pressure, making treatment slower and less comfortable.
- Fewer tooth extractions or expanders
Damon doctors can now treat most cases without extractions, the removal of healthy teeth, or the use of headgear or palatal expanders to make space. These are more often required with traditional treatment and can be uncomfortable.
- Easier to clean
Less discomfort isn’t the only benefit of Damon braces, though. Since these braces have fewer parts, they’re also easier to clean.
The light, gentle forces used by the Damon System promote efficient tooth movement and help improve oral health by preserving tooth roots. Lighter forces also help prevent undue gum recession and tooth loss.
The elastic ties of traditional braces have been proven to attract and collect plaque and bacteria. Because it does not require elastic ties, the Damon System helps improve oral hygiene and protect gum health.
Fewer orthodontic visits
Some orthodontists also claim that Damon braces (like other self-ligating systems) can result in fewer orthodontic visits and adjustments compared to traditional braces. Elastic ties and bands common with traditional braces can loosen over time, requiring periodic replacement.
This doesn’t mean that Damon braces can’t malfunction. Sometimes, one of the doors that holds the bracket to the wire opens up. This might require an emergency appointment to correct.
Multiple styles to choose from
Damon braces come in different styles, including metal braces, or clear brackets.
Will they work for you?
Damon braces are used to treat a variety of dental problems, although you’ll need to consult an orthodontist to determine if they’re the right system for you. Damon braces work as well as other systems for many issues such as an overbite, an underbite, uneven teeth, or crowded teeth.
Some orthodontists prefer to use this system and recommend it to their patients, but you can also achieve results with other styles of braces.
How do Damon braces compare with traditional braces?
The main difference between Damon braces and traditional braces is that the traditional braces uses elastic bands or ties to hold wires and brackets in place. The elastic with traditional braces are often tight, which puts pressure and tension on teeth. Also, elastic bands are noticeable.
Bacteria can also collect on the elastic bands, triggering dental hygiene issues. Without elastic ties, it’s often easier to brush and floss, resulting in less bacteria in the mouth.
How do Damon braces compare with Invisalign braces?
Another option to straighten teeth are clear aligners (aka Invisalign). Some people prefer these because they’re partially unnoticeable and removable.
Some people feel that Invisalign aligners are more comfortable than other types of braces, although this isn’t always the case. Keep in mind that along with brushing and flossing, you have to rinse and brush clear aligners every day.
You can remove the aligners before eating, though, as well as before brushing and flossing.
Keep in mind that you have to wear Invisalign aligners for at least 22 hours a day, including while sleeping.
Damon braces have a clear option, and they’re attached to the teeth for 24 hours a day. So this system might be more effective for some.
How long do Damon braces take to work?
Treatment with the Damon system is generally comparable to traditional braces, up to 12-24 months. Claims of faster treatment aren’t supported by research.
If you’re looking for a shorter treatment, Invisalign aligners might be a better option. These treatments can range as little as 12 to 18 months.
Talk with a dentist about your teeth-straightening goals
Orthodontic treatments can improve your smile and boost self-confidence, but teeth-straightening systems aren’t created equal.
Only an orthodontist at white align dental care can assess the best method to straighten your teeth. They can determine the type of system or appliance you’ll need, and the recommended length of treatment to achieve the best results. Keep in mind that your doctor may recommend orthodontics alone, or combine it with other procedures like interdisciplinary treatment.
Since Damon braces can correct many dental issues — and they’re similar to traditional braces — most people are likely candidates for this treatment.
How Do You Care for Damon Braces?
If Damon braces are for you or your child, you should protect your investment. Here’s how:
- Before you brush, rinse with water to help loosen any food lodged around your braces.
- Use a brush designed for braces to brush at the gumline at a 45-degree angle.
- Next, place the toothbrush on top of the brackets, angling down to brush on top of each bracket.
- Then, reposition to slowly brush the bottom of the bracket and the wire, angling the toothbrush up.
- Be sure to brush every tooth at the gumline and above and below the brackets to remove plaque and food debris.
Start flossing daily:
- Try a floss threader to make flossing with braces easier.
- Consider water irrigators to help flush out food particles in tight spaces.
- After brushing, help prevent cavities by rinsing with mouthwash to help remove bacteria for a healthier mouth.
Now you know all the ins and outs of self-ligating Damon braces as an alternative to traditional braces. For any questions on getting that smile of your dreams, speak to your orthodontic professional at white align dental care.
Orthodontic treatments can gradually straighten your teeth over 1 to 3 years, and you can choose between several different systems.
But while Damon braces are similar to other self-ligated bracket systems and offer certain advantages such as easier oral hygiene, they aren’t necessary better than traditional braces. Many claims surrounding the effectiveness of this treatment aren’t supported by research. Therefore, some orthodontists opt to use this system mostly due to personal preference
To book an appointment with us at, ‘White Align Dental Care’– call us on 070284 83531. We pride ourselves to have the best cosmetic dentist in South Delhi. You can also mail us on whitealign.dentalcare@gmail.com.