Q: Sources & studies

“Adult’s Guide to Orthodontics.” American Association of Orthodontists . “Braces & Retainers.” Cleveland Clinic Health Library , Cleveland Clinic, 2017. “Orthodontic Treatment: Frequently Asked Questions.” American Association of Orthodontists .

Question 1

What are Damon braces?

Accepted Answer

Damon braces are a popular brand of self-ligating, or self-tightening, braces. This means that instead of using elastic bands (ligatures) to keep the archwire that moves your teeth attached to the metal brackets, Damon braces use a slide mechanism—like a small, spring-loaded door—to secure the wire.

The braces are fitted in the same way as traditional metal braces, but because the wire that connects the slide brackets produces less pressure than traditional elastics do, it moves naturally with your teeth as they align.

As a result, teeth are able to move more freely, quickly, and with less discomfort, according to the company.

Damon braces are available only through orthodontists, known as “Damon dentists,” who are licensed by the company.

The braces are named for their inventor, Dr. Dwight Damon, an orthodontist in Spokane, Washington.

Question 2

What are the pros and cons of Damon braces?

Accepted Answer

Pros

There’s no tightening required. A series of titanium wires with low-friction forces gently guides the teeth into the desired position.
You should have fewer office visits (typically every six to eight weeks) and a shorter treatment time than with conventional braces.
Palatal expanders (to widen the upper jaw) aren’t required; headgear may not be necessary either.
Damon braces are more hygienic. Because there are no elastic bands, it’s easier to brush and floss, so there’s less opportunity for plaque and bacteria to collect.
Damon braces can improve your facial aesthetics, in addition to straightening teeth.
They’re covered under most orthodontic insurance plans.

Cons

As with other braces, you may still have discomfort. Some RealSelf members report “really bad” pain that subsided after 10 days, while others report soreness and irritation from the wires while they sleep.
You may need tooth extractions. “While extraction of bicuspids is less frequently indicated now, there definitely are cases where the space gained through extractions is necessary for quality results,” says Fair Oaks, California, orthodontist Dr. Russell Sutliff.
You might still need power chains to apply additional forces and move your teeth.
Damon braces can be more expensive than conventional braces, and they may not necessarily be “better.” “While the Damon bracket is a good bracket, it does not do anything different from or better than other bracket systems,” says Houston orthodontist Dr. Peter Sutton.
You’ll need to wear a retainer after your braces are removed, to keep your teeth stable. According to the Cleveland Clinic, even though your teeth may have successfully straightened, they’re not completely settled in their new position until the bones, gums, and muscles adapt to the change. Also, after long periods of time, teeth naturally tend to shift.

Question 3

How much do Damon braces cost? More than traditional braces?

Accepted Answer

Damon braces cost about $1,100 more than traditional braces, according to recent reviews on RealSelf.

If you have dental insurance that covers orthodontics, Damon braces should be covered to the same extent as regular braces. You can also look for an orthodontist who offers a flexible payment plan for the treatment.

According to the AAO, orthodontic treatment falls under the IRS description of medical and dental expenses that may be deductible from taxable income, if you meet the overall limit. Check with your tax advisor.

Question 4

Who's a good candidate for Damon braces?

Accepted Answer

Damon braces can be used by people of all ages, to correct a variety of orthodontic issues. So while you may have forgone wearing braces as a kid, you’re never too old to get straighter teeth.

Like traditional braces, Damon braces may be a good option for improving teeth that:

Are crooked or crowded
Have too much space between them
Have issues with malocclusion, including an overbite, an underbite, an open bite, or a crossbite

They can also correct a gummy smile or an overjet (aka buck teeth), which is when the upper front teeth protrude forward.

RealSelf Tip: Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, says the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). Leaving misaligned teeth untreated may lead to such other dental problems as tooth decay, gum disease, and difficulty chewing. Orthodontic treatment creates a better bite so that teeth fit together better, decreasing the risk of future dental problems, regardless of age.

Question 5

Damon braces vs. traditional braces: What’s the difference?

Accepted Answer

“To understand the difference between Damon braces and traditional braces, you have to look at the way the braces interact with the orthodontic wire,” says Dr. Jordan Lissauer, an orthodontist in Staten Island, New York.

Traditional braces use small colored rubber bands that pull the wire securely into each brace. These elastic bands cause friction and pressure that teeth have to overcome, which can make treatment slow and uncomfortable. They’re also known for collecting food and being tough to clean, leading to plaque buildup.

Instead of elastic bands, Damon braces use small doors that gently guide the wire into place, allowing it to slide easily between the braces. Damon braces use “Memory” wires, which are flexible when inserted and slowly return to their naturally straight state. “By allowing the wire to passively slide, Damon braces are thought to potentially reduce friction between the wire and the braces,” says Dr. Lissauer. “This reduction in friction may improve the efficiency of tooth movement.”

Because they may work more quickly than conventional braces, you may not have to wear Damon braces as long. Many patients begin to see results in as few as 10 weeks, and Damon braces can reportedly shave at least six months off the typical treatment time of 18 months to three years required with traditional braces (though treatment time varies by case).

Besides offering faster treatment, Damon braces are said to require fewer orthodontic appointments. Houston orthodontist Dr. Brad Jennings has found that after changing from conventional braces, “treatment times went down, the number of appointments to finish treatment went down, time of each appointment went down, and quality went up.”

However, the speed at which all braces work has more to do with your unique orthodontic profile and how your teeth respond than the design of the bracket and wire system. Your age and genetics can determine how certain cells in your bones build and destroy themselves. Children, whose bodies are growing rapidly, have faster cell turnover, so their teeth can shift faster. An adult, with more stable bones and slower cell turnover, won’t see results as quickly.

Damon braces are less bulky than traditional braces, and their low-profile look makes them less noticeable. Though the braces are smaller, they do tend to stand further off your teeth and may cause more irritation to your lips and cheeks.

The Damon brackets come in metal and clear versions, so those concerned about the appearance of their braces can choose Damon clear brackets, which are less conspicuous. You can see the sliding mechanism on the metal brackets (not on the clear brackets), but only if you look closely. “The Damon Clear brackets are beautiful to look at and have smooth contours/corners,” says Dr. Sutliff. “My Damon Clear patients rave about the clarity and the comfort on their lips.”

Question 6

What's the Damon System?

Accepted Answer

Damon braces are an integral component of the overall Damon System philosophy, which revolves around avoiding extractions of permanent teeth. In orthodontics, permanent teeth are sometimes removed in an extremely crowded mouth in order to create space to straighten teeth. The philosophy behind the Damon System is to widen the dental arch, to create space and potentially avoid extractions.

To gradually broaden the dental arch, the Damon System uses wider wires. This may result in a slightly broader smile, which most patients prefer, but this depends on the patient’s facial shape, says Dr. Lissauer. “For every patient, prior to starting braces, the orthodontist needs to thoroughly analyze facial and smile aesthetics, to formulate a game plan and ensure the goals are best designed for the individual.” For example, a patient with a narrow, tapered facial shape may not benefit from a broader smile.

While Damon braces are a unique version of braces that many orthodontists love, some doctors on RealSelf are not convinced that Damon braces are “better.” “Damon Philosophy doctors claim to be able to treat patients without extracting as many teeth, without using expanders or headgear, and in as much less time, with fewer appointments. But for every study published to support the philosophy, there is one that refutes the claims,” says Dr. Greg Jorgensen, an orthodontist in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

“I love Damon brackets. I use them in my office, on all my patients. But they are only a tool,” says Dr. Jorgensen. “Any bracket system on the market can do exactly what the Damon bracket does, in experienced hands.”

The upshot: discussing the pros and cons with your provider will result in the best decision for your smile. As Seattle-area dentist Dr. Lance Timmerman explains, “Essentially, they are just regular brackets that don’t need elastics to get the wires to stay. The forces exerted are essentially identical, so ‘better’ is hard to quantify.” Damon braces may be right for you, but only an expert can determine whether your specific needs would actually be better served by conventional braces.

When it comes to self-ligating braces, be aware that there are other self-ligating braces available—and that each orthodontist will tell you that the type of brackets they use is the best for a variety of reasons, says Dr. Gabriela Hricko, an orthodontist in New York City. In her mind, however, “the doctor using the bracket is more important than the actual bracket.”

RealSelf members give Damon braces a very high Worth It Rating (type: embedded-entry-inline id: Ks6V6ARYAktTMUTOEu3el, versus 84% with traditional braces), with some reporting significant progress in as few as three months.

Question 7

Do Damon braces change the shape of your face?

Accepted Answer

Damon doctors subscribe to a treatment philosophy that takes into account your face shape, your profile, and what you’ll look like in the decades to come. The idea is that as your treatment progresses, you’ll see changes not just in your teeth but in your entire face. According to the company, the so-called Damon System Bracelift provides not just straight teeth but also a broader smile as well as enhanced facial balance and aesthetics.

The beginning stages rotate and straighten teeth while widening the dental arch. This can improve facial balance and widen your smile, enhancing your profile. You may even notice smoother cheek contours and a more youthful look, depending on how your bones and teeth respond to the treatment.

The ability for braces to change your face isn’t unique to Damon braces, however—one of the many benefits of getting braces is that they can influence the development of the jaw and even improve facial symmetry. “All orthodontists have the ability to broaden the smile, keep it the same, or even constrict it using any type of orthodontic bracket system,” says Dr. Sutton. “There are several techniques to do this, and they are used for each individual patient based upon what they need for the best result, determined by the orthodontist treating them."

Question 8

What happens when you get Damon braces?

Accepted Answer

The first step is a comprehensive exam by an orthodontist in order to evaluate your bite, any crowding or extra spacing, your smile arc, and your facial aesthetics. If you’re ready to begin orthodontic treatment, the next step would be a complete set of records, which involves pictures of your teeth and face; models of your teeth, using either impressions or a digital scanner; and X-rays. After the orthodontic records are complete, the orthodontist will review the findings, then the two of you will finalize the treatment plan together.

If you and your orthodontist determine that Damon braces are the best option for you, you’ll likely have the option of getting the braces placed that same day. “The process of placing braces is actually quite easy and typically completed in under an hour,” says Dr. Lissauer. Some orthodontists will place both the upper and lower braces at the same time; others start with only the upper braces, placing the lower braces a couple of months later.

After the braces are on, you’ll be given instructions on how to brush, how to floss, what to eat and avoid, and what to expect in terms of discomfort.

During follow-up appointments, your teeth are analyzed and the wire removed, adjusted, and then reapplied or changed to a wire that applies pressure in the “optimal force zone” in order to help ease teeth into their ideal position. The braces tighten themselves via the sliding mechanism attached to each bracket, which gradually and continuously moves to pull teeth into better positions. You’ll also spend less time in the chair, since the orthodontist simply opens and closes the doors when changing wires and making adjustments.

Question 9

Do Damon braces hurt more than traditional braces?

Accepted Answer

They don’t hurt more, and they probably don’t hurt less either. “Discomfort in orthodontics stems from tooth movement, so despite the wide variety of claims out there, discomfort is generally pretty similar with traditional braces, Damon braces, and Invisalign,” says Dr. Lissauer.

During the first few days after braces are placed, you can expect some soreness, especially while eating. Most patients opt for soft foods, like soup; mashed potatoes; soft sandwiches; yogurt; pudding; and, of course, ice cream.

For the first few days, the braces also may feel a little strange or even rough on your lips and cheeks before they adapt and toughen up.

Question 10

Do Damon braces need power chains?

Accepted Answer

A power chain is a rubber band that’s stretched across multiple teeth to apply additional forces to move your teeth. They’re most commonly used to help close spaces, rotate teeth, or make space for a tooth that doesn’t have enough room to straighten out.

Depending on your treatment plan with Damon braces, you may need to use power chains at some point, to speed up your treatment time or put more force on specific teeth.

Because power chains apply a lot more pressure than the self-ligating braces do on their own, they can cause quite a bit of discomfort for a few days. Depending on where they’re placed (closer to the front or back of your mouth), the power chains may be visible.

Question 11

What happens after Damon braces are removed?

Accepted Answer

“The goals of Damon braces are the same as traditional braces: a beautiful smile, aligned teeth, and a perfect bite,” explains Dr. Lissauer. “When these goals have been achieved, the Damon braces are removed.”

The removal process is exactly the same as for traditional braces. Orthodontists use a special pair of pliers to break the bracket’s bond to each individual tooth—it takes a second or two for each bracket to be removed, and the process is usually painless. Your practitioner will then polish your teeth, to remove any adhesive residue.

Once your braces are removed, your orthodontist will have you wear a retainer. “Retainers don’t move your teeth but, instead, just hold the ideal alignment that was accomplished during braces,” says Dr. Lissauer. There are different types of retainers, each with its own advantages, and your orthodontist will work with you to find the best option for your individual situation.

You’ll typically wear your retainer as much as possible for the first few months, then switch to wearing it only at night. Eventually, you may need to wear it only a few hours a day. Your orthodontist will continue to follow you for a period of time with the retainer, to make sure your teeth set into place and stay there permanently.

Question 12

Damon braces vs. Invisalign: What’s the difference?

Accepted Answer

The biggest difference between Damon braces and Invisalign is the design of the two systems. Damon braces use wires and brackets, while Invisalign uses a series of clear aligner trays that fit over your teeth and gradually move them into the desired position. “Braces really grab a hold of your teeth, while Invisalign kinda squeezes your teeth. Both ways can work, but in some cases, braces are a better choice,” says Dr. Sutliff.

The biggest drawback of Invisalign is that the system is not intended to treat every orthodontic condition, so conventional or self-ligating braces may still be the best option for people with serious crowding or alignment issues.

The goal of both treatment systems is the same: to improve your smile and straighten your teeth. Invisalign aligners are very discreet and easy to take in and out, and they also require a shorter treatment time than conventional braces. Overall, Invisalign tends to have less of an impact on your daily routine. But to avoid slowing treatment time, the aligners need to be worn 24/7, except for when you’re eating, drinking, or brushing teeth—which requires real commitment.

RealSelf Tip: “When deciding how to achieve your best smile, I recommend placing more consideration on the board-certified orthodontist than the appliance [e.g., Damon, Invisalign],” says Dr. L. Matthew Schofield, an orthodontist in Irving, Texas. “There’s no ‘magic’ appliance that can make your best smile. Instead, there is an experienced and empathetic doctor who uses the appropriate treatment to help you achieve your best result.”

Question 13

Sources & studies

Accepted Answer

“Adult’s Guide to Orthodontics.” American Association of Orthodontists.

“Braces & Retainers.” Cleveland Clinic Health Library, Cleveland Clinic, 2017.

“Orthodontic Treatment: Frequently Asked Questions.” American Association of Orthodontists.

DAMON BRACES

Karyn Repinski

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