âTo understand the difference between Damon braces and traditional braces, you have to look at the way the braces interact with the orthodontic wire,â says Dr. Jordan Lissauer, an orthodontist in Staten Island, New York.Â
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. Theyâre also known for collecting food and being tough to clean, leading to plaque buildup.Â
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 âMemoryâ wires, which are flexible when inserted and slowly return to their naturally straight state. âBy allowing the wire to passively slide, Damon braces are thought to potentially reduce friction between the wire and the braces,â says Dr. Lissauer. âThis reduction in friction may improve the efficiency of tooth movement.â
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).Â
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, âtreatment times went down, the number of appointments to finish treatment went down, time of each appointment went down, and quality went up.âÂ
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, wonât see results as quickly.Â
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.Â
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. âThe Damon Clear brackets are beautiful to look at and have smooth contours/corners,â says Dr. Sutliff. âMy Damon Clear patients rave about the clarity and the comfort on their lips.â