Damon System

As early as 1935, the idea of self-ligating brackets began to take shape. Over the years, many designs were patented, but few were commercially available until Ormco created the Edgelock system in 1972. As the 1980s and 1990s progressed, many companies created their own versions of self-ligating brackets and improved upon the idea by offering both passive and active resistance on the arch wire. Nowadays, we have a number of self-ligating choices, such as Orec’s Speed Braces, Ormco’s Damon System, GAC’s In-Ovation.

Damon braces require check ups with a dentist once every ten weeks rather than the schedule of every four weeks experienced by traditional brace users. since there are no o-rings to wear out during extended periods of time and due to its unique philosophy based on increasing forces in a gradual manner

The Damon system allows for there to be a sturdy tube in which the arch wires can glide around and work within. With the initial wires in the Damon System, all of the activity is on the outside of the tube and not the base, which is completely counter to how traditional braces work. In traditional braces the arch wires are tied into the base of the bracket to control teeth. Working along the outside of the tubes with light forces allow crowding to unravel much quicker by uprighting and de-rotating teeth simultaneously. This is more mechanically efficient than traditional braces.

This is a relatively new approach to tooth alignment that allows the teeth to be straightened, usually without extractions and often without having to use rapid palatal expanders. In years past, orthodontic treatment often meant having to have permanent teeth removed to make room. Fortunately, this is no longer the case. Damon braces allow us to align the teeth with far fewer extractions, and in a shorter time period than traditional braces.

A major advantage of this style of treatment is the enhancement of our patients’ facial features. By aligning the teeth and developing the dental arches without extractions, the lips and cheeks have more underlying support. Extraction of teeth can often lead to decreased facial support, and the appearance of premature aging. This can be avoided with the Damon System. Our goal is to create a smile that our adolescent patients will grow into. Many of our adult patients report positive changes in their entire facial profile as their teeth are aligned.
The Damon System employs a unique treatment philosophy that goes beyond straight teeth to create broad beautiful smiles. We take into account each patients’ face, profile and other factors, anticipating what patients will look like in their 40’s, 50’s and beyond.

As the Damon braces are self-ligating they do not require rubber or steel ties, which are often the cause of orthodontic discomfort and irritation. Not only this, but it means that the braces do not need to be adjusted and tightened as often as traditional braces, which can be a very time-consuming procedure. Besides, Self-ligation reduces the risks of percutaneous injury, protecting the patient from soft-tissue lacerations and possible infections from the cut ends of steel ligatures.
In addition to these advantageous features is the comfort aspect. This is achieved by the edges of the brace being rather shapely and well fitting. The addition of ‘stops’ on the wires helps prevent the wire from becoming displaced from its intended location. They also are nicer looking than traditional braces which will have your 14 year old pushing for the new approach.

Elastomeric ligatures not only show a rapid rate of decay and deformation, but they are often associated with poor oral hygiene. With the elimination of ligatures, self-ligating appliances can significantly improve the hygiene of all patients.
It does not become easily stained. Furthermore it has been known to attract a significantly reduced amount of plaque in comparison to other systems making it a more hygienic choice. Whereas, traditional braces can be associated with plaque build up due to the ties that hold them in place. This can inhibit cleaning and oral hygiene is subsequently affected.

In the past, creating space and developing arches required bulky headgear and palatal expanders. The Damon System’s revolutionary approach uses light, biologically-sensible forces to develop beautiful natural arches, in most cases without the need for headgear or palatal expanders. It’s far easier and more comfortable to get the beautiful smile you’ve always dreamed of.

Damon braces are the most expensive treatment available on the market. Having your teeth adjusted using the Damon braces system is notably pricier than other, more traditional orthodontic methods.  Despite this cost, the benefits may be worth the extra money.
The expense of Damon braces will vary from person to person. You should be able to obtain an accurate cost estimate that has been tailored to your individual requirements including case difficulty and length of treatment. Only your Damon Doctor can truly determine the cost of braces based on your specific needs.

To make braces more acceptable and fun for young people, manufacturers have made brightly colored elastics. These are the tiny rubber bands that hold the wires to the braces. Children can choose elastics with their school colors or a holiday color scheme, such as orange and black for Halloween. Choosing the color of the elastics allows patients “to feel that they are more involved in their treatment,” Dr. Cangialosi says.
However, a disadvantage is that kids cannot have colors (which is their favorite part) on Damon braces.

Passive self-ligating braces do not offer enough pressure of the arch wire against the bracket slot making it very difficult to move tooth to the final position.