Damon braces are famous for the fact that they last on average 20% less than standard braces. They look aesthetically pleasing on the teeth and do not cause discomfort to patients, therefore they are recommended for both adults and children. Damon technology allows, if necessary, to produce unique brace systems that take into account the individual characteristics of the structure of the oral cavity of each person down to the smallest detail. The products of this brand are presented in several varieties, which differ in manufacturing material, cost and functional characteristics, but they all have one thing in common: they can be used to correct a bite quickly and successfully, regardless of the level of complexity of the problem. This article will look at how the Damon manufacturers managed to achieve such an impressive result and how a short wearing period affects the effectiveness of the system. In addition, the review will talk about who can and cannot wear such braces, as well as whether patients may encounter contraindications.
How Damon products differ from competitors
Damon technology was invented by American orthodontist Dwight Damon; Now it is being sold by the American company Ormco. Damon braces are in consistently high demand internationally and receive consistently positive feedback from both patients and orthodontists who work with them.
The fundamental difference between this system and more traditional analogues is the absence of a ligature - instead, the principle of passive self-ligation is used. A wire arch made of elastic metal is attached to conventional braces using hooks and rubber bands. Instead, self-ligating or non-ligating models are equipped with grooves into which the arch is attached; for each specific case of orthodontic treatment, it is easy to select the optimal depth of its placement. Thus, it is not rigidly fixed in the grooves and can move freely: this softens the pressure on the teeth and minimizes the risk of unpleasant sensations.
Each brace is a complete orthodontic mechanism. It closes and secures with a Spin Tek smart latch. The braces are designed and positioned in such a way that friction between the elements of the system during wearing is practically reduced to zero.
Thanks to their compact dimensions and minimal thickness, Damon braces look quite aesthetically pleasing on the tooth surface, to some extent even reminiscent of extravagant jewelry. Tooth enamel is guaranteed to be protected from injury due to the fact that the edges of the braces are smooth and rounded. In addition, the absence of ligatures prevents food debris from accumulating on the teeth, which makes it much easier for patients to maintain oral hygiene.
ATTENTION:
Damon braces can be placed on both jaws or only on one. The myth that this technology is only intended for installation on both jaws at the same time is not true.
Braces by type of fixation
Braces are installed not only in the usual way - on the outside of the teeth. Those wishing to conceal orthodontic treatment choose lingual or internal braces. These types of structures differ significantly from each other in terms of treatment speed, comfort and, of course, aesthetics.
Vestibular (external)
Classic braces that are attached to the front are called vestibular braces. They may differ in material and in the type of fixation of the arch in braces. They, even transparent ones, are noticeable to others, but unlike lingual ones, they are more universal and correct most clinical cases.
Completed case on vestibular braces
Who is suitable for vestibular braces?
- For patients who do not need completely discreet treatment.
- Patients with small teeth that cannot be fitted with lingual braces.
- Patients with narrow or small jaws (lingual braces may require expansion).
Lingual (internal)
Lingual braces are placed on the inner surface of the teeth.
They come only in ligature form, and the clasps are made individually and accurately follow the relief of the inner surface of the teeth. The lingual design is not suitable for every clinical case, and the treatment itself is relatively longer than with vestibular braces due to the manufacturing time and the treatment itself. Who is suitable for lingual braces?
- For patients wishing to conceal orthodontic treatment. Representatives of professions related to public speaking.
- Patients involved in sports with a risk of facial injury.
- For patients with large teeth, so that the lock can be fixed.
Why patients love Damon technology so much
The stability of positive patient reviews is that:
- Damon braces are suitable even for those whose teeth are too small and whose gums are too low to receive conventional braces. This system is approved for use by almost all patients over 12 years of age, even if the mucous membrane of their mouth is highly sensitive. Sometimes, at the discretion of the orthodontist, Damon braces are installed on children over the age of 9 years.
- Installation does not require facial or palatal arches, expanders or other extraneous devices. This greatly simplifies and speeds up the orthodontist’s work process. In addition, an undesirable psychological factor is removed - after all, unnecessary devices cause anxiety, depression and even hypochondria for many.
- After installing Damon braces, the percentage of patients who complain of discomfort or pain is very low. Blood vessels are not compressed, blood circulation in the oral cavity is not impaired. For comparison, patients with conventional ligature braces have to put up with pain for several weeks; many are prescribed painkillers.
- A visit to the clinic should be scheduled on average once every 1.5 months, and, depending on the progress of treatment, this interval may increase to once every 3 months. This schedule is extremely convenient for both the patient and the orthodontist. For comparison: patients with ligature braces are required to visit the clinic strictly once a month.
- A visit to a specialist lasts on average 15 minutes, while patients with ligature braces have to spend an hour in the orthodontist’s office. Thanks for this we must say to the Spin Tek latch - its locks open so quickly that replacing the arc occurs in the shortest possible time.
Among the negative aspects of Damon technology, patients usually mention only the price. But, firstly, it fully justifies the quality of the service, and secondly, the brand’s assortment includes a large selection of both more budget and more premium systems, so customers are given a large choice.
ATTENTION:
Rumor has it that Damon's technology does not involve tooth extraction. Alas, this is a myth: if the client has severe crowding of teeth, then it will not be possible to do without extraction. Otherwise, there may be a risk of bone atrophy and other unpleasant consequences. However, you really have to resort to removal less often than when installing standard ligature models.
Leading manufacturers
3M Unitek, a subsidiary of the American corporation 3M, offers a complete orthodontic portfolio with a special emphasis on esthetic lingual techniques, as well as self-ligating, ceramic and composite braces.
American Orthodontics is an American manufacturer of metal and ceramic braces. The company's line includes both standard metal ligatures and a system that combines the ligature and non-ligature principles of arch fixation.
TOP-Service für Lingualtechnik GmbH is a German company that produces lingual braces made from Incognito gold alloy. The bracket system is created completely individually for the patient using impressions at a factory in Germany.
Ormco is an American corporation, one of the largest manufacturers of braces and orthodontic instruments. Their products are so well known to patients that their braces are often called Ormco braces. They pay great attention to the development of orthodontics and new products; the concept of Damon System braces they developed is one of the most popular and effective in the world. The modern shape of braces and laser treatment of the bracket pad were at one time absolute innovations for Ormco. Many basic concepts and principles of orthodontics were formulated thanks to the company. In recent years, the company has been giving preference to individualized digital orthodontics, moving away from the concept of average standards in favor of a unique approach to each patient.
What are the indications and contraindications for Damon?
The Damon system is recommended for patients with the following diagnoses and conditions:
- uneven bite;
- interdental gaps;
- crowded dentition;
- introduction of unerupted teeth into the dentition;
- dystopia (the position of one tooth when it is tilted or turned in a different direction than all the other teeth in the row);
- excessive development of one jaw in relation to the other.
Damon braces are able to cope with a problem of any level of complexity - in terms of their effectiveness, they are in no way inferior to their ligature counterparts. Damon is also installed at the preparatory stage of prosthetics and during body movement of crowns.
This technology has only two contraindications: it cannot be used on teeth with too many fillings - but orthodontists encounter this situation extremely rarely - and it is not suitable for patients diagnosed with serious somatic diseases (malignant tumors, tuberculosis, inflammation in the oral cavity , circulatory system disorders).
ATTENTION:
Gum diseases are not a contraindication for installing the Damon system. The only problem for which the orthodontist will advise postponing bite correction is acute periodontitis. But classic ligature systems cannot always be used for sore gums.
Cost of braces
The cost of braces at the Confidence clinic starts from 12,000 rubles for the most budget ligature Orthos braces. Damon self-ligating systems are more expensive - from RUB 41,000, but treatment for the lower part requires fewer activations, and the activations themselves are cheaper. A treatment complex with premium braces made of Incognito gold alloy starts from RUB 500,000. To find the optimal price solution, our clinic’s specialists offer various combined options.
| Braces | PRICE |
| Orthos ligature braces | from 12,000₽ |
| Damon self-ligating braces | from 41,000₽ |
| Sapphire Inspire Ice braces | from 32,000₽ |
| Damon Clea ceramic braces | from 51,000₽ |
| Lingual braces | from 145,000₽ |
Why is this system so effective?
In the first phase of treatment, everything happens almost the same as with standard treatment with ligature braces:
- The patient gets rid of caries, tartar and plaque, and the oral cavity is prepared for installation of the system.
- The orthodontist uses a special compound to attach braces to each tooth.
- The orthodontist inserts an arch into the grooves of the braces and fixes it on each tooth using a Spin Tek latch.
ATTENTION:
The Spin Tek latch is a patented device and comes in many different versions.
First, the braces are connected with the softest and most flexible arch. At some point, it can no longer move the teeth any further, so it is replaced with a new, tighter wire base. In aligning the dentition, an important role is played by the facial muscles: in addition to the external influence from the arch, they provide a natural force that guarantees the durability of the result. The load on the teeth is distributed so that the periodontium is not injured.
Under pressure, the teeth begin to gradually shift to the positions where they are supposed to be. This occurs due to the fact that their holes stretch in the direction of movement. In parallel with this, bone tissue is formed on the opposite side of each hole. Overgrown, it does not allow the tooth to return to its original position. The advantage of Damon is that the pressure on each tooth occurs at the optimal, most precisely adjusted point. The teeth quickly reach the desired position and are firmly fixed in it.
Brushing teeth with non-ligature braces
Despite the fact that self-ligating braces do not contain unnecessary parts that contribute to the accumulation of plaque, they must be cleaned no less thoroughly. For good hygiene, special orthodontic brushes are used - with a recess for braces and mono-beam, orthodontic brushes, superfloss with a hard tip (for convenient use with braces) and an irrigator. To prevent dental health with braces, professional oral hygiene is necessary at least once every six months.
The result of bite correction using Damon non-ligature braces for 1.5 years
Damon product lines
Depending on their design and materials of manufacture, Ormco products are divided into the following categories:
- Damon Clear.
They contain polycrystalline aluminum - a unique substance, thanks to which stains do not appear on the tooth surface and the enamel does not darken. Patients with such braces can eat colored foods and drink coffee and tea without restrictions. This is an extremely important point, because after wearing ligature models, many clients are left with clearly visible marks on their front incisors. These enamel damages are noticeable when talking, smiling and eating, and to eliminate these defects, whitening will be required, which will put even more unwanted stress on the enamel. Patients with Damon systems will be free from such problems.
- Damon Clear 2.
This model is also made on the basis of polycrystalline aluminum and does not impose restrictions on the patient’s diet. However, there is another significant advantage: braces in this category are transparent, which means they are almost invisible in the mouth. With the help of 3D technologies, the orthodontist will be able to produce a system that will take into account the specific structure of the client’s oral cavity down to the smallest nuances.
- Damon 3.
These are ceramic non-ligature models that are characterized by minimal weight and dimensions. Their presence in the mouth is almost not felt, and they do not at all interfere with blood circulation. If you are afraid that braces will scratch your cheeks from the inside, then with Damon 3 such a problem will definitely not affect you.
- Damon 3 mx.
This model is characterized by increased strength and rounded shapes of all components. It is recommended for patients with sensitive mucous membranes, because it is guaranteed not to injure them. You will be able to move your tongue over any elements completely calmly.
- ● Damon Q.
These braces are extremely miniature and do not cause any inconvenience to the client. Their advanced Spin Tek latches feature sliding doors, making system adjustments even easier. Damon Q braces also have additional horizontal and vertical grooves.
During your initial examination, your orthodontist will explain which braces are best for you and how long you will need to wear them. Please note that of all the methods of bite correction available today, Damon is recognized as the most physiological - it is unlikely that you will be able to find a more aesthetic and less traumatic option.
ATTENTION:
Damon sapphire braces are called that not because they are made of precious stone. The system is made from ceramic, but since it is transparent and invisible in the mouth, it is figuratively compared to sapphire.
How to take care of your mouth
Caring for the Damon system should be almost the same as for conventional ligature braces. During the entire period of wearing them, it is recommended to brush your teeth after every meal - no matter whether you are at home or not. As a last resort, if you cannot use a toothbrush, at least use a mouthwash.
While wearing braces, the duration of brushing should be increased, ideally up to 8 minutes. Although the Damon system is designed in such a way that food residues accumulate in it to a minimum, the presence of a foreign structure in the mouth still contributes to the development of pathogenic organisms. In the medium term, in the absence of proper hygiene, this can cause gum and dental diseases.
Any braces create unwanted stress on the enamel, so while wearing them, it is recommended to brush your teeth with a paste that strengthens the enamel. To simplify the process, your doctor will advise you to purchase a specialized brush for braces. This brush differs from the usual one in its size and configuration and is able to penetrate even the most inaccessible corners of the oral cavity. You can buy this model in almost every pharmacy.
ATTENTION:
Damon technology significantly reduces the risk of developing caries compared to conventional ligature braces - but only with high-quality oral hygiene.
How long does the Damon system last?
Depending on the nature of the problem, the period of wearing Damon braces can range from 4 to 16 months. This is 4-5 months less than in patients with standard ligature braces. However, this is an average figure; in reality, everything will depend on the individual bite pathology.
For many patients, the first results become visually noticeable within a month after starting treatment. After 3 months, the results are guaranteed to appear for everyone and are visible to the naked eye. But even if after some time it seems to you that your teeth and bite are already perfect, do not rush to remove the system before the time indicated by the orthodontist. Your incisors, canines and molars must not only achieve the correct position in the oral cavity, but also gain a foothold in it and “remember” their correct position.
At your first visit to the orthodontist, you will be given an approximate treatment time frame. They can move either more or less depending on the following factors:
- how ready you are to follow all medical recommendations;
- will you regularly visit the clinic for professional oral hygiene;
- How diligently will you take care of your teeth and braces at home?
Some patients complain that they had to wear braces longer than they expected. Typically, this happens because patients do not visit the doctor regularly. Neither Damon nor ligature braces by themselves straighten the bite - this is done by the doctor. He checks the functioning of all elements of the system, changes the arc, analyzes the success of the treatment and adjusts its plan. If you leave things to chance, the course of treatment will last for many months - longer than the originally planned period.
The duration of wearing braces is determined in each case separately, and it is impossible to predict it without an in-person consultation with a professional. Be that as it may, Damon technology is sure to have a positive effect, and at the same time you will have to put up with less inconvenience than if you had standard braces. The best part is that the effect of treatment lasts for life and will no longer require maintenance or corrective procedures.
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