Get the real deal on beauty treatments—real doctors, real reviews, and real photos with real results.Here's how we earn your trust.

POSTED UNDER Damon Braces Reviews

braces

UPDATED FROM rockmelon
2 months post

eating food is easier

rockmelon
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention how much easier it is to eat food now! It does get all stuck in the wires, but I can actually chew most foods without feeling all out of whack. .Yay!

rockmelon's provider

Dr Steven Smith

Replies (2)

User Avatar
July 25, 2014
I just realized…that implant you're talking about.  Is that a temporary anchorage device (TAD)?
July 26, 2014
Yes! That's what it is! I will have to go to 'gum doctor' to have it placed, and then back to the orthodontist to anchor it to the teeth at the back to bring them forward and close the gap.
User Avatar
July 27, 2014
Ah hah!  Okay, now I'm with you :).  TADs aren't that common here on RealSelf, but they're very powerful.  Good luck!
July 27, 2014
Yes, I tried to find some reviews about them on here - but not much luck. Never mind - there will be my experience reviewed on here soon :-)
User Avatar
July 29, 2014
Yeah.  I've mostly seen Q&A about it in the doctors' forum.
User Avatar
August 20, 2014
Hi!  Your title's gone!  What happened? :)
August 20, 2014
I have another review that mentions some things I'd felt I no longer wanted to have published on line, but since my requests to have those updates changed/deleted were refused I felt changing a few details on what I could would help to at least make them slightly less trackable to the author (myself).
User Avatar
August 21, 2014
Oh, okay!  I was just noticing that it no longer said Damon Braces and Bruxism.  But I guess when people search, they'll still be able to find your story if they're looking for similar experiences to their own :).  Thank you for keeping your review up!
UPDATED FROM rockmelon
2 months post

2 month wire change

rockmelon
This update is a little late, but better late than never :-)
I had my first wire change on June 27th. It was quick, and relatively painless - I think that's one of the benefits of the Damons.
I also went 'up' to thicker wires on both upper and lower arch - the dental nurse told me it's a good thing because it means the teeth have moved :-)
They did start to hurt and feel pressure later in the day. .it continued for around 3 days, was only able to eat softer foods etc. But I found it wasn't as bad as when they were first put on, and the pain didn't last as long.
I'm also noticing a bit of movement had happened - so feeling good. The little hook things no longer stab into my mouth, so much more comfortable, but already feeling a bit of wire out the back of one side . . It is a little irritating, but at the same time it's another indicator that teeth are moving!
I've been using my water pick and electric toothbrush, they really make cleaning alot more effective and quick. I noticed the difference with the water pick, in particular, after being away from home for 4 nights without it. . I was so glad to get back home and really get in there and give my teeth and braces a proper clean!
Anyway, my next apt. Is at the end of August, and I might be ready to get my weird little implant in by then - so getting closer and closer to the end result :-)
Oh - and I'm still wearing my over-braces night time retainer. . Which doesn't seem to be affecting the movement, but it is getting a little weird-fitting. My orthodontist said I would likely need another one by my next visit.
I'll update again soon :-)

Replies (0)

UPDATED FROM rockmelon
1 month post

Damon Braces one month in

rockmelon
I've had my braces on a month now, and slowly getting used to them.
My back teeth touch all the way on the right side - so eating is a little easier, but I still get frustrated about not being able to chew without being very mindful of the front teeth - which still hit my bottom braces when I close my teeth together all the way.
I'm still wearing my retainer over my top arch (yes WITH braces to help prevent damage from night time grinding) at night, I'm not really sure if it's affecting the way the teeth are moving yet - I'll ask at my next appointment in a month from now.
I'm now used to wearing the retainer at night, and probably wouldn't really have an issue with the prospect of having to wear one for the rest of my life at night (as was mentioned may be the case).
I bought a water pick and a really good electric tooth brush which have both made cleaning a lot less time consuming, and still feels like it's a pretty thorough clean throughout.
So far I haven't noticed a great deal of tooth movement, I'm sure it's happening though - I'm just more focussed on the very crooked bottom teeth.
Anyway - I'm still positive about it all, and will continue to update.

Replies (1)

User Avatar
June 4, 2014
Anyone who has orthodontic work has to wear a retainer forever if they want to maintain the result.  As we age, our teeth naturally move forward, so to keep your new smile, you have to counteract that movement every day.  If you end up getting the clear plastic retainers, they can do double-duty for both retaining and bruxism :D.  Great to hear that you're already used to it!
June 4, 2014
Oh really? The orthodontist mentioned the possibility of a retainer at night (to continue) after the first couple of years - but didn't say everyone with braces needed them for the rest of their lives? I'm quite certain the type of retainer I will need will be an occlusal splint? It's clear with 'extra padding' at the back. . I really won't mind if it means protecting my teeth from my own grinding.
User Avatar
June 4, 2014
Yeah, that's not something that's common knowledge.  But I suppose it's kind of a bummer to tell people.  Some people get the bonded retainers so they don't have to worry about taking something in and out.

If your bruxism is severe, I guess it's possible you could wear through a retainer, in which case they might make you wear both a retainer and a splint.  I would love to hear more about that if you end up talking to your doctor.  Our Invisalign community is much larger, and it's rare for people to use any kind of additional appliance with Invisalign, but I don't know if that's a severity issue or because the Invisalign appliances are usually considered enough.  

Very interesting topic, and important.  Please do let me know when you find out more!
June 5, 2014
My next apt. Is the 27th of June, I'll keep you updated :-)
User Avatar
June 5, 2014
Thank you :D