55 y/o and New to site with questions

[dilynn1958]

I am 55 y/o and after having a lower bicuspid broke off 4 years ago, I was warned that I would need some type of orthodontics to help stabilize any motion from my bottom jaw. I should have listened back then as I would be done by now. Oh well. Bit of history..this is my 2nd round, I had a repaired cleft palate and my jaw is very small. Went to a couple of consultations a couple of years ago and I am not sure why (maybe work) I dropped the subject.
Forward to now. I have decided to jump into it. I have a couple of questions that I hope someone can shed some information on.
Ortho number 1 was very nice older man he wants to do ceramic on top and metal on bottom. In a few months will be looking into possible jaw surgery. When I asked about Damon SL all he said well it is just a brand and really didn't mention it any further. Well after looking on this board and other places, I called him today and he told me if I wanted clear SL he could order them and do them. He did say he doesn't do them much. That has me concerned.
I am going to have 2 other consults. I ortho uses Damon Clear which I want to explore. I am hoping he can advise more on jaw surgery. The 3rd ortho I had seen before, we decided on ceramics and metal. That was before I did more research into SL. I noted that on his website that he uses a Herbst device to help the jaw. This ortho seems very up to date as compared to the first one.

Any thoughts? SL verses traditional? D/t my age and job I like the idea of SL. Should I go to an Ortho that does SL more than "a few times". I am scheduled for braces on Jan 30th. I may have to put it off until I make an informed selection.
Sorry for long post. Thoughts please..Thanks

[Tlal23]

Hi sorry I don't really have any advice as I'm new to all this but just wanted to acknowledge your post.
I personally would be going to someone that is experienced with SL because I think I've heard they can be hard to get off?

I have SL empower braces, clear top and metal bottom.

[dilynn1958]

Thanks very much for the response. That is what I am thinking the same thing. I am going for 2nd consult tomorrow. He is listed on the Damon site as a provider..

[chichi]

Damon is the whole system, not just the SL brackets. I would recommend choosing an orthodontist based on his/her qualifications and experience, rather than bracket type. My orthodontist showed me before and after pictures of his own patients that had some of the same issues as I do. So I got to see what he was able to do with actual people and not just those standard Damon stock photos.

I also believe there is a slight learning curve with the Damons, so if you are 100% set on Damons, I probably wouldn't trust the guy who says he "doesn't do them much," although he may be a great ortho when he gets to use the brackets/wires of his choosing.