In the not too distant past, straightening your smile could be a long, tedious, and sometimes painful process. Braces were bigger, bulkier, and less comfortable than the ones we use at Dietrich Orthodontics today, and although the results were worth it in the end, it could certainly be a struggle to get there! Fortunately, modern orthodontics has come along in leaps and bounds in recent years. Patients now have more options than ever to improve their oral health with orthodontic treatment, including Damon Braces.
Here at Dietrich Orthodontics, we are proud to offer Damon metal and Damon Clear braces. We feel the Damon system gives our patients an easier orthodontic journey with better results. Because Damon braces are a somewhat newer option, you may not have heard of them. Let’s take a closer look at what the Damon system is and how it allows us to deliver faster treatment with fewer appointments, more comfort, and a beautifully aligned smile!
What are Damon braces? How does the Damon system work?
The Damon system uses unique high-tech wires to straighten the teeth faster with fewer adjustments and less pressure. Unlike traditional braces that use elastic tie-ins, Damon braces are self-ligating, which means no elastic or metal ties are necessary to straighten your teeth. The braces are attached to a “shape memory” wire that is very light and that connects slide brackets without the pressure that traditional elastics often produce. Together, these components will move your teeth gently over time.
The tie-ins typically used with traditional braces can cause friction and pressure, making treatment less comfortable. This can sometimes add to the total treatment time as well.
The Damon system, on the other hand, uses a patented slide mechanism to hold the archwire in place while allowing teeth to move freely and quickly without as much friction. Since there are no elastic ties, no tightening is required. These braces are also less likely to attract plaque since they tend to be easier to clean.
Like traditional braces, Damon braces are extremely efficient at fixing oral issues that range from simple to complex. In fact, they often work faster at closing gaps and aligning teeth than other treatments might. Noticeable signs of progress are often seen in a relatively short amount of time, which can give patients boosts of encouragement throughout their orthodontic journey.
While the Damon system, in general, has been designed to be more discreet than traditional braces, it is also available in clear brackets. This makes them an excellent option for image-conscious teens and adults!
What are the benefits of Damon braces?
Damon braces have a number of benefits over traditional braces. From a better appearance to increased comfort, this system offers patients in Canton and Alliance a better orthodontic experience overall. Some of the advantages of using the Damon system include:
Less discomfort
With a self-ligating system, the wire is kept in place by a sliding mechanism. This allows more freedom of movement and means no manual tightening is necessary. The brackets are also smoother against the cheeks and lips. Traditional brackets use elastic ties and active clips, which sometimes create friction against the mouth tissue and the teeth. Their edges catch on lips and cheeks more quickly, as well, leading to discomfort and pain. In general, Damon brackets are more comfortable to wear, and gentler on your mouth, too. Dietrich Orthodontics patients have reported 60 percent less discomfort with Damon braces.
Faster treatment time, fewer appointments
Since the system’s slide mechanism doesn’t require ties, you won’t need to come into our Canton or Alliance offices as frequently to have your elastics changed and adjustments made. The high-tech memory wire will actually continue to move your teeth between appointments! The design speeds treatment up, too. While the time needed in braces varies from case to case, some studies have shown that patients with Damon braces may finish their treatment up to six months faster than they would with traditional braces.
A better smile
The primary goal of braces with Dietrich Orthodontics is to improve oral health and provide a beautiful smile. The early phases of treatment are geared towards shifting the teeth into optimal positions by using gentle pressure over time. Damon braces are able to achieve this, and also widen the arch, giving you the healthiest and most balanced smile possible with exceptional tooth and jaw alignment.
Oral hygiene is easier
No elastics means there are fewer places for plaque and bacteria to collect during treatment. This is a definite plus for your oral hygiene! Since there are no wires or ties to trap food particles, you’ll have a much easier time brushing your teeth and flossing effectively, giving you a cleaner, healthier smile throughout the orthodontic process.
Experience Damon braces with Dietrich Orthodontics
There are several orthodontic treatment options available in our Canton and Alliance offices for aligning teeth and improving oral health. We believe that Damon metal and clear braces can be a fantastic choice for patients who are looking for a method that is fast, convenient, and discreet.
Traditional braces have wires and brackets that extend throughout the mouth, and ties that connect the wires to the teeth. These gradually move teeth into the desired positions by applying gentle pressure. Damon braces are different because they guide the teeth into place by reducing the amount of force, giving the patient a more comfortable experience. This makes the entire orthodontic process much less intimidating and much more positive!
If you’ve been considering orthodontic treatment for you or your child, but aren’t sure about traditional braces, the Damon system could be an excellent alternative for you. To learn more about how Damon clear and metal braces can give you a more confident smile, get in touch with us today and schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Dietrich! Our expert team would love to meet you and help you achieve a healthier, straighter smile you’ll want to share with everyone around you.