Damon Braces vs. Regular Braces

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#1 Post by b » Wed Nov 18, 2009 7:36 am

I dont know too much about the different kinds of braces, but I think there is 2 kinds, just regular braces and damon braces (self ligating), not including linguals.
I just learned about the two different kinds the other day and I have never asked my ortho what kind im getting.. whats better? Ive kinda figured out that damon braces are better (more confortable and less appointments for tightning).
Which is actually better? And how do I know which im going to get?

#2 Post by **sdawdy** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 7:38 am

Both are equally good. Ask your ortho which one they use. My ortho does not use the damon system only tradtional brackets. Its all up to the ortho and what they like.

#3 Post by **KimC** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 8:25 am

I am currently in my second treatment and have used both types of brackets. I personally prefer the Damon over traditional and would recommend them if given teh choice.

#4 Post by **felicia** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 8:35 am

I have CLARITY SELF LIGATING braces. I did a lot of research on both kinds, the self ligating and traditional. I strongly believe the self ligating are better, for multiple reasons: they seem to work faster than the traditional ones, your teeth move every day and not in stages like they do with traditional braces, food does not get stuck in the brackets like it does with the traditional braces because of the ligatures, the rubber ligatures trap food and the probability to get plaque around your brackets is higher, appointments are shorter, you don't have to worry about staining your ligatures...This is my opinion, some people might disagree. I got braced 2 and 1/2 months ago and I believe that it was my ortho's obligation to inform me about the latest technology out there and let me decide if I want it or not.
I think you should call your ortho's office and ask what you're gonna get.
Congratulations on deciding to get braces!

#5 Post by b » Wed Nov 18, 2009 8:56 am

I just called them and they dont do the self ligating braces.

#6 Post by **UGHBRACES** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 9:35 am

I used to read on here that the ortho can do the same thing with both types of brackets so they are both equally good. But there has to be more to it than that. I mean a rock can achieve the same goal as a hammer but you'd obviously rather use a hammer.

#7 Post by b » Wed Nov 18, 2009 9:48 am

Yeah after reading that it works faster, food doesnt get as stuck, they are cleaner and smaller I am pretty upset that I am getting regular braces.

#8 Post by b » Wed Nov 18, 2009 1:03 pm

What are six month braces?

#9 Post by **NYG2007** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 1:43 pm

I have In-Ovation C self ligating.

I think self ligating have issues and benefits. Some times the clips don't close and they have to be tied in on a tooth. I had a situation where they needed to put a bend in the wire. The clip gets in the way so the ortho ripped the clip off and tied the wire in with a wire tie. I guess they both have pros and cons.

#10 Post by **drrick** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 1:47 pm

The best type of bracket is the one that the doctor gets the best results with. That will vary from doctor to doctor. there are many different systems out there and there are many different ways to get beautiful results.

Powerprox Six Month Braces is a cosmetic orthodontic technique.

The goal of the technique is generally anterior alignment (philosophically very similar to other cosmetic dentistry procedures such as porcelain veneers) We do not change the A-P bite significantly (overjets and underbites) but can reduce them greatly in many cases. It is a great option for those want a nice smile but do not want to get comprehensive braces of porcelain veneers.

#11 Post by **DrJasonKTam** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 5:23 pm

Sorry to put a damper on this SL party, but there is no clinical evidence that substantiates any difference in speed or discomfort with traditional vs SL brackets of any kind. The orthodontic literature has confirmed this and it has been presented at scientific orthodontic meetings like the AAO and joint AAO/AAP meeting.

There is also no evidence that SL brackets are easier to clean or maintain better oral hygiene.

The "faster" in faster treatment may be attributed to chair time, where ligs don't have to be removed and replaced. Instead there is usually a door to open and close. This procedure, however, can be quite uncomfortable if the doors get stuck or if there is a large archwire to place. In fact studies comparing one particular brand of SL brackets actually showed more pain at adjustments than those wearing traditional.

Unfortunately, orthodontic companies have made unsubstantiated claims, directed at orthodontists and at the public regarding SL brackets.

(For the engineers out there, it is the 2nd order binding force at the corners of the bracket, present on any bracket, not the 1st order force of the elastics against the wire, that is the biggest issue in friction).

#12 Post by **braceface418** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 11:26 pm

I went with self-ligating under the impression that I would also have fewer appointments. As it turns out, nearly all of my appointments have been four to five weeks apart for the past year. The only two month gap I had was when the first wire was put on.

The only pro is that I don't have to worry about staining ligatures. I've had a powerchain on the bottom for six months though, so that gets stained anyway.

The one big drawback with the damon 3m brackets is that the damn doors get stuck open sometimes. It can be really uncomfortable when they're applying excessive amounts of force to get a stuck door to close. One bracket has been stuck open for nine months now and just gets a wire tie around it. Was a pain at first, but a nice callous has built up since then.

So, basically, go with what your orthodontist knows and has available. I certainly wouldn't pick an ortho based solely on what brackets they have available.

#13 Post by **Laura1985** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 7:13 am

Don't be bummed if your orthodonist only does the traditional metal braces. I have Damon 3mx's and they are pretty sizable brackets..the Damon 3's (the partially clear ones) are smaller, but the doors can be a pain on them (for some reason I randomly have two of those). My Damon 3mx's stick out pretty far and I think I would have been just as happy with regular braces- and would have gotten to pick fun colors! I know not having ligatures is a plus for self-litigating, but I hate having the doors opened and closed! It doesn't really hurt, but I can't kick the feeling that they are going to break my teeth in half!

Like others said, whichever your orthodontist works with is probably what he excels with, and will get you the smile you want! Each type of braces has its good and bad and in the end are not all that different.

#14 Post by b » Thu Nov 19, 2009 7:27 am

Yes I have already picked my ortho, I have already started treatment. I got the MARA appliance put in a few months ago, and I get my braces put on tomorrow so I wont be switching ortho's over SL or regular braces. Its all going to work out the same in the end

#15 Post by **drrick** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 7:35 am

I used Damon braces for about 5 or 6 years. I found initial alignment was perhaps a bit quicker but the cases seemed to take longer to finish so the net time for the case was about the same for traditional vs. self ligating braces for me. The other problem I had was I use primarily clear brackets and at the time there wasnt a clear alternative (still have some metal I believe) AW changes were not that much faster. I could spread the appt times out a bit more but not extensively. Bottom line is GREAT results can be achieved with any bracket system. It is how well the doc uses the system.