Damon Braces is an orthodontics system developed by the Ormco company that uses innovative passive self-adjusting and self-ligating technology that increases effectiveness, precision, and treatment speed.
Ormco offers two types of Damon systems:
- Damon braces: made of metal.
- Damon Clear Braces: made of sapphire.
Below we will explain how selfligating braces work and the improvements they offer over traditional orthodontics.
How do Damon Braces work?
Like traditional orthodontics, the Damon system uses braces and wires to exert light forces over the teeth and gradually move them into the optimal position.
However, two aspects differentiate Damon braces from traditional ones:
- Self-ligating system: this system consists of a click mechanism that allows the wire to be anchored to the bracket without using rubber bands. The self-ligating system provides aesthetics and hygiene but also reduces the friction of the wire as it moves over the bracket, which allows for smoother and more precise movements.
- Passive self-adjusting technology: the wires used in Damon orthodontics are made of a material with thermal memory, this means that when in contact with the temperature of the oral cavity, the wire begins to move on its own in a predefined direction; therefore, manual adjustments are not necessary. This eliminates the discomfort patients experience after each adjustment and also significantly reduces treatment time by moving teeth faster.
Types of Damon Orthodontics
Damon braces can be metallic or transparent, however, the system is the same and they work in the same way, the only difference is the material they are made of.
Metal Damon braces
The version made of metal is available in two presentations, the Damon Q and the Damon Q2, both options are highly efficient, the only difference is that the Damon Q2 offers an improved design.
These improvements make them more aesthetic and comfortable for patients as they are the latest and most refined version of Damon system braces.
It is important to highlight that the Ormco company has remained at the forefront over time due to its great investment in the Research and Development area, which allows the company to constantly make improvements to the Damon system.
Damon Clear Braces
Damon Clear self-ligating braces are made of P.C.A. (polycrystalline aluminum oxide), in other words, synthetic sapphire, which is why they are also known as sapphire self-ligating braces.
Damon Clear Braces work the same as metal braces, but the material they’re made of offers a few advantages:
- They are completely transparent and are much more aesthetic.
- Synthetic sapphire produces less friction than metal and therefore movements are slightly smoother.
- The design and texture of the material make them a bit more comfortable than metal ones.
- The manufacturing material is highly resistant, it does not scratch or stain and can adhere strongly to the surface of the teeth.
Currently, the second generation of the Damon Clear system is available, the Damon Clear 2, which offers improvements compared to the first generation.
Benefits of self-ligating braces
- More precise and controllable results.
- Faster treatments.
- They allow for better oral hygiene by not requiring rubber bands.
- They improve aesthetics by being more discreet and smaller.
- They are more comfortable to use, their soft edges avoid hurting the tissues of the mouth.
- Passive self-adjustment decreases orthodontist appointments and discomfort after each adjustment.
- They can correct all types of dental malocclusion, even the most severe cases.
Disadvantages of Self-Ligating Braces
Damon orthodontics is one of the best orthodontic systems available, countless clinical results prove it, so it is difficult to find any negative aspects.
However, self-ligating braces are considerably more expensive than traditional braces, especially if you choose the Damon Clear version.
Therefore, one disadvantage of Damon Orthodontics is its price.
How much do self-ligating braces cost?
On average, Damon braces cost between $4.000 and $7.000. The Damon Clear braces cost between $5.000 and $8.500.
Keep in mind that these are indicative prices since the price varies according to the complexity of each case. Additionally, some insurance companies cover orthodontic treatments with self-ligating braces, so the price may be lower if you get insurance coverage.
How long do Damon braces self-ligating take?
The Damon system can last up to 6 months less than traditional orthodontics, the exact duration will depend on the complexity of each case.
To give you some context, a severe case takes up to 24 months to correct with traditional braces, but with the Damon and Damon Clear orthodontics, this same case can take as little as 18 months.
Damon vs Damon Clear braces
Most Damon patients choose a combination of both. In terms of functionality and efficiency, both metallic and clear braces offer the same results.
However, in terms of cosmetics, the Damon Clear System is superior, but also more expensive.
For this reason, it is usual for patients to decide to use clear braces on the frontal teeth since they are the most visible, and metal braces on the rest of the teeth.
In this way, they take advantage of the aesthetic benefits of Damon Clear without getting out of their budget.
Damon Braces vs Invisalign Braces
The main difference between Damon self-ligating braces and Invisalign is the orthodontic system they use, Damon Orthodontics uses brackets and wires while Invisalign uses splints or removable aligners.
Invisalign is superior in terms of aesthetics and comfort since it doesn’t use brackets and wires and is a removable system that allows the patient to put the aligners on and off at will.
However, although Invisalign is capable of solving up to 90% of orthodontic cases, including severe cases, there are times when patients are not eligible for Invisalign treatment.
In this case, the best option is Damon Orthodontics, which also offers a high level of aesthetics and comfort and is capable of solving 100% of malocclusion problems.
In terms of price, both the Damon system and the Invisalign system offer fairly similar rates, although sometimes the Damon system can be a bit more expensive.
Damon braces near me
You can find a Damon dentist by using the online Map Locator by Ormco Company, you just have to select your country and write your zip code and it will show you a list of Damon Doctors near you.
References
- Eberting JJ, Straja SR, Tuncay OC. Treatment time, outcome, and patient satisfaction comparisons of Damon and conventional brackets. Clin Orthod Res. 2001 Nov;4(4):228-34. doi: 10.1034/j.1600-0544.2001.40407.x PMID: 11683812.
- Jahanbin A, Hasanzadeh N, Khaki S, Shafaee H. Comparison of self-ligating Damon3 and conventional MBT brackets regarding alignment efficiency and pain experience: A randomized clinical trial. J Dent Res Dent Clin Dent Prospects. 2019 Fall;13(4):281-288. doi: 10.15171/joddd.2019.043. PMID: 32190212; PMCID: PMC7072093.
