Many patients are likely to raise three questions when getting brackets: how long the treatment will last, how comfortable brackets are, and whether they will be noticeable. Though conventional brackets are lauded for being effective in correcting misalignment problems, the issues of discomfort, duration of treatment, and the visibility of the appliances always pop up. One of the best alternatives to traditional brackets is Self-ligating brackets also called Damon brackets. The following web page will define Damon brackets, the types available,
how they work, their advantages and disadvantages.
What are Damon Brackets?
Damon brackets are fitted like conventional metal brackets. However, unlike conventional brackets that use elastics for keeping the archwire attached to the bracket, the arch wire of Damon brackets is controlled by the bracket through a spring-aided door. These types of braces have been in use since the 1930s but they have recently gained popularity due to their many benefits over conventional brackets.
How do Damon Brackets Work?
As highlighted above, Damon braces have a special clip instead of elastics. The clip helps the archwire to gradually guide your teeth into the desired position. It also reduces the pressure put on teeth by the elastics in traditional brackets. The clip also decreases adjustments on the brackets since the orthodontist will not be replacing any elastic.
Types of Damon Brackets
Damon brackets are divided into two: active and passive brackets. The active brackets have a thicker archwire for greater pressure on the patient’s teeth and to move the teeth more aggressively into the desired position. Active brackets also allow more control thus providing consistent and effective results.
Passive brackets have a small archwire which means reduced friction, and more mobility for the teeth. Passive brackets may be used during the initial stages of treatment to assist the teeth to move into position.
What are the Signs That You Need Damon Brackets
- Overlapped or crowded teeth
- Front upper teeth are protruded excessively over your lower teeth
- Deep bite – Front upper teeth have covered most of your lower teeth
- Open bite – Front upper and lower teeth don’t contact each other when biting
- Under bite – Front upper teeth are inside or behind your front lower teeth
- The center of your upper and lower teeth are not aligned
- Difficulty chewing
- Uneven or excessive wearing of teeth
- Spaces between your teeth
- Your lower jaw moves to either side when biting
Advantages of Damon Brackets
Less Conspicuous
The design of Damon brackets allows the presence of the wire but does not have elastics. This means they are less noticeable. It is also easier for patients to get accustomed to them such that people who socialize with them often may not realize they are going through treatment.
Faster Treatment
Since closing the clip or door on the brackets is quicker than placing elastics on each bracket to keep the archwires in place, patients of this treatment are attended to faster when compared to those getting conventional brackets. Furthermore, many have claimed that these brackets have reduced the treatment period by six months. A study showed that patients who went through this treatment completed it 7.2 months earlier when compared to those who got traditional brackets. According to the study, patients required half as many appointments for manual adjustment of the appliances. However, the time it takes to complete treatment depends on the kind of malocclusion that is being remedied.
Less Discomfort
A lot of evidence shows that the lack of elastic bands in Damon brackets minimizes friction and the force needed to move a patient’s teeth in place. As a result, patients experience less tooth erosion or deterioration, and reduced discomfort. Patients have reported a reduction of pain by 60% when compared with conventional brackets. Additionally, these brackets also minimize soreness.
Stick Free
One of the inconveniences of having conventional brackets is that latex on the rubber bands and elastics traps food and presents the ideal conditions for the formation of plaque. Since Damon brackets do not have elastics, those patients who are not faithful to healthy oral practices like flossing and brushing will still have cleaner teeth because food is not trapped in them easily.
Disadvantages of Damon Brackets
- High Cost – The advanced system of Self-ligating brackets makes them more costly than conventional brackets.
- Partially Transparent – Although these brackets are lauded for being transparent, one can notice a metal wire running across the lower and upper teeth.
- Irritating – Although these brackets are free from discomfort for a huge part of the treatment, there is usually an adjustment phase experienced by many patients during the first time the orthodontist applies them. This irritation arising from this first-time experience can last a few days.
How to Care for Self-ligating Brackets
Observe Proper Oral Hygiene
For you to maintain healthy teeth when putting on Damon brackets, you need to follow an oral care program. With brackets, you are still likely to attract plaque. To avoid messing up your teeth, you should still ensure you brush and floss regularly.
Follow the Instructions of Your Orthodontist
After fixing your Self-ligating brackets, your oral health physician may give you special instructions and what to expect during the course of your treatment. The instructions you will be given depend on your specific needs and expectations.
Tooth-Friendly Diet
A tooth friendly diet is one which is low in acidity. This includes foods like milk, bananas, eggs, and seafood. Acidic foods damage the tooth enamel. You should also reduce your intake of sugar to prevent tooth decay.
To correct various malocclusion’s, orthodontic bracket appliances are used. Self-ligating brackets are slowly gaining popularity over other conventional models. These brackets are lauded for being comfortable, effective, and less conspicuous. Damon brackets are not without their downsides. These brackets are not as conspicuous as many expect them to be, they are also costly, and irritating during the initial phases of treatment.
If you are experiencing any type of malocclusion’s, you are better off seeking orthodontic treatment from Gluck Orthodontics to achieve that ideal smile. Book an appointment today.
Gluck Orthodontics
Hillsboro Village/Vanderbilt
2125 Blakemore Avenue
Nashville
TN 37212
Phone: 615 269 5903
https://www.drgluck.com/
How Self-Ligating Braces Work Checklist 2017
Dr. Joel Gluck has practiced orthodontics since 1983 when he opened his own office in Nashville. He earned his undergraduate degree at Washington University in St. Louis, and his dental degree at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Gluck then completed an orthodontic specialty residency at the University of Michigan, one of the top five orthodontic training residencies in the country. He also wrote an original thesis and received a Master of Science degree.
