Sure Smile allows the orthodontist to plan tooth movement utilizing a digital model of your teeth and then create arch-wires customized for you. These wires move your teeth efficiently to the desired position. Alternatively, the orthodontist bends the wire by hand to move teeth. Either way works well in the hands of a good orthodontist...however, being efficient allows treatment to finish more quickly. A common misconception is the we are moving the teeth "faster"...this is not the case, we are simply being more efficient and so the overall treatment time is less (which means fewer office visits also). My average treatment time before using Sure Smile was 21 months and it is now 16 months.
Self-ligating braces have many advantages for patients. The built-in doors hold the archwire in place so there is usually no need for additional wires or elastics to hold it. This makes for a much cleaner mouth during the whole time you are in braces. I think that is a huge advantage! Many of the risks associated with braces are due to excess plaque trapped against the teeth. You asked about two different types of self-ligating braces: Damon vs. In-Ovation. There is an important difference between the two - friction. There are many orthodontists who believe friction helps teeth move and there are just as many who say less friction is the way to go. Basically, the bracket is simply a tool the orthodontist uses to push/pull your teeth into alignment. The best bracket is the one YOUR orthodontist uses on a daily basis. Choose an orthodontist who you can believe in then don't worry too much about the brackets they use...the end result will depend on the skill of your orthodontist not the bracket!
I have had great success with Invisalign in combination with Acceledent. Normally, I have patients change their aligners every 2 weeks but with excellent Acceledent use, we are able to change them every week. This literally cuts the treatment time in half! Hang in there - with consistent use, I think you will be glad you opted to accelerate your treatment with Acceledent!
