Do you wish to have perfectly straight teeth but do not like the look of traditional braces? Fortunately, there are several ways you can do so, from invisible braces, such as Invisalign and lingual braces, to less visible ones, such as Damon braces.
In this article, we bid farewell to metal brackets and wires as we explore Damon braces.
How do Damon braces help straighten teeth?
When most mention braces, the first thing that they would think of is the traditional metal ones. Metal braces utilise stainless steel wires, brackets, and bands to gently shift the teeth into place over a period of time. The orthodontist starts the treatment process by glueing the brackets onto each tooth and placing a thin and flexible archwire over the brackets. Tiny elastic bands, known as ligatures, are then installed to help keep the archwire in place. The thing about this type of braces is that they are highly visible and may not look aesthetically pleasing.
Damon braces, on the other hand, utilise a self-litigating approach. This means that instead of relying on ligatures to secure the archwire, the brackets are able to secure the wire on their own using built-in clips. This unique design allows for less restrictive movement of teeth and makes the entire braces process more comfortable for the wearer.
Unlike traditional braces, which require frequent adjustments, Damon braces work on a sliding mechanism, gradually realigning your teeth with gently applied force. Damon braces are ideal for correcting a broad range of orthodontic conditions, such as underbites, crossbites, spacing, and crowding, with huge success. Unlike traditional braces, which, due to their design, have many hard-to-reach nooks and crannies, Damon braces’ design makes it easier for the wearer to maintain good dental hygiene.
Benefits of Damon braces
Damon braces offer several benefits for those wanting to have straighter, healthier teeth. One significant benefit is their less visible appearance. Damon braces use tooth-coloured or clear materials that blend with your teeth seamlessly, making them less visible. Another benefit is not having to extract any teeth. Damon braces utilise self-litigating brackets to gradually expand the arches, creating adequate space naturally for alignment.
In addition, they offer enhanced comfort. The thing about traditional ligatures is that they often rub against the soft tissues and gums, increasing the risk of developing mouth ulcers. However, with Damon braces’ lack of ligature, the wearer will experience significant comfort.
Lastly, Damon braces offer shorter treatment times as compared to most braces treatments. For reference, the normal period of traditional metal braces is about 2 to 3 years, with regular orthodontic adjustments every 4 to 8 weeks. Invisalign treatment takes about 1 to 1.5 years to complete. You might not require as frequent follow-up visits to your orthodontist. However, you must adhere to the treatment plan strictly, changing your set of aligners accordingly. Damon braces typically take up to 8 months to complete.
Care and maintenance tips for Damon braces
Taking care of your Damon braces is vital to ensure optimal results of your treatment. Here are some care and maintenance tips to keep in mind:
- Regular follow-ups: Schedule regular orthodontic visits to monitor the progress of your treatment, allowing for necessary adjustments.
- Wear a mouthguard during physical activities: Your braces are susceptible to breaking upon impact. Hence, it is vital that you protect your teeth and braces by wearing a well-fitted mouthguard while participating in any physical activities.
- Be mindful of what you consume: Sugary drinks such as sodas can lead to possible tooth decay around the brackets. It is best that you avoid drinking such drinks during your treatment process, opting for sugar-free beverages or water. Additionally, also avoid hard, chewy, or sticky foods as they might damage your braces.
- Oral hygiene is key: No matter what type of braces you choose, oral hygiene is non-debatable. Regular brushing and flossing are already important on a normal basis; your gums require additional care during braces treatment. Use a floss threader or interdental brush and a soft-bristle toothbrush to clean between the wires and brackets.
Conclusion
With that being said, it does not mean that Damon braces are the best type of treatment for you. Every orthodontic condition is different. As such, every treatment differs between individuals. No matter what orthodontic condition you may have, Big Smile Clinic is here to help you achieve a healthier, straighter, and more beautiful smile.
Our practising orthodontist, Dr David, has been in the field for over 30 years, treating all sorts of orthodontic conditions. With a dedicated team, Big Smile Clinic delivers high-quality, affordable cosmetic dentistry and orthodontic care that is tailored to your specific needs. Contact us today to start your orthodontic journey!
Location
10 Sinaran Drive, #11-18
Novena Medical Centre
Singapore 307506