Damon System

[cwatt1]

I'm a 56 year old adult man interested in straightening my teeth, both for cosmetic reasons (never had braces as a child) and to keep myself from biting my lower lip, which is annoying to say the least.

Heard good things about the Damon system, and am looking forward to hearing about any experiences you might have had with them.

All the best!

[skipper69]

i also hear damon are good braces as well as GAC

let me know if this help

[cwatt1]

Saw the orthodontist this week and am going ahead with Damon brackets in July -- estimated time about 21 months. I'm actually excited about the prospect of improving my teeth after all these years. Will be some work, but I think well worth it.

Wish me luck!

[Tara19]

what are the advantages to the damon system? I have never heard of them...

[Kerri]

tara-damon braces don't have elastics around the brackets-so they don't need to be tightened. they are faster and more comfortable.

i've had damon braces for 22 months.

[eatyourpeas]

The tightening Kerri refers to is just an adjustment. In the "old days" they called it tightening, now it's all called adjusting. You still have to go in for adjustments, wire changes, and bends.

I really liked that I didn't have ligatures (colored elastic o-rings) kept the braces always looking clean and adjustments were very quick. My treatment was 21 months. Estimate was 18-24 so I came in right in the middle.

[Sunny]

Sounds like your braces experience was a good one eatyourpeas!

Your explanation about 'tightenings' is a great one, and it's strange to hear that term still being used, when it's been over a decade (maybe two) since those archwires that required tightening, have been removed from the market.

All orthodontics require adjustments, it's just he way it's done that varies. Also there's advantages and disadvantages with all types of brackets, but if you find an ortho you can communicate easily with, you have found what is necessary to make his experience easier for you.

I really liked that I didn't have ligatures (colored elastic o-rings) kept the braces always looking clean and adjustments were very quick.

I had the choice of sl, but chose not to use them, as I prefer colour and the look and feel of the non sl brackets. I find the silver of sl boring and overpowering, whereas I find the bracket plus some colour is refreshing and gives the mouth a different look. I'm working with them all day, as I'm an orthodontist assistant, and have found the replacing of ligs much faster and pain free, than the opening of doors and forcing these closed, or archwires being pushed into clips. I must add to that, that people with different types of brackets adjust quickly and as most don't get to experience many types (expect those with ibraces and ceramic lowers, or those with ceramic uppers and metal lowers), then the type they have is the only type they have knowledge of. Brackets from a decade back, cannot be compared with the brackets today ... and the same goes for adjustments.

We've very lucky to being having orthodontic treatment in this time of technological advances.

[eatyourpeas]

I'm working with them all day, as I'm an orthodontist assistant, and have found the replacing.. .. ..

I'm confused, Sunny, as your profile states that you're a psychologist.

Which one are you???

As to the comfort of Damons, they hurt a LOT. Achy teeth and torn up mouth. If that's less I feel sorry for everyone in traditional braces.

[mariahfromchicago]

Eatyourpeas, Really Damons hurt? I have the traditional type, and my mouth doesn't hurt except after adjustments. I wouldn't care what type of bracket is used, because they all do the same thing. I don't choose bright colours (yeah, I know how boring...).

[Zoso]

Heh! I don't agree. I don't think that the brackets available today are radically different from those of a decade or more ago - the improvements over that time have been incremental rather than revolutionary. The real quantum leap in terms of patient comfort came with the beginning of the end of "full metal jackets" for the teeth, which dawned in the 1970s. Even heat activated archwires have been around more than 20 years now.

Achy teeth and a torn up mouth, peas? I'll confess to some of the same with my braces. Of course, the ulcers can be minimised by drinking enough water. But if the teeth are moving enough, there's no way to avoid it entirely, because the brackets will keep finding new, soft spots to rub against.

Sunny - I am curious to see you speaking in terms of "forcing doors closed" - with the right tools and proper technique, the doors should close readily, except in those rare cases where excessive tartar buildup is causing problems - and in those cases the battle is usually to get them open in the first place. As to pushing archwires into clips (you're speaking of Smart Clips, I assume?) again proper technique will assure that the tooth is adequately supported from behind when this is being done, and discomfort should be minimal.

[eatyourpeas]

My doors always closed very easily with a gentle snap. No forcing or pain there. Opening was also simple for me. I never had the plaque problem that plagues some with Damons.

[Sunny]

I'm confused, Sunny, as your profile states that you're a psychologist.

Which one are you???

I'm both ... and more. I'm also a trained high school teacher (first career) and after graduating with a degree in psychology I worked in welfare for a few years and enjoyed the work. We travel a lot, and this has given me the chance to change careers, which I love.

As to the comfort of Damons, they hurt a LOT. Achy teeth and torn up mouth. If that's less I feel sorry for everyone in traditional braces.

The ortho's I work with, don't like the damon brand, due to the size of the brackets, the height off the teeth and problems with the doors and pressure needed etc. We've had transferring patients who've got the damon brackets, and they seem mostly happy with what they've got. I'm confident the most important thing for people, is having a great orthodontist. Someone you can communicate easily with!

My experience is that ceramic brackets are the most comfortable due to the smooth surface and rounded edges, traditional metal (gold and silver) are next, due to the finish and the 'bumper' of the rubber ligature, then it's clip sl brackets, as they sit off the tooth the same height as the traditional brackets.

[Sunny]

...with the right tools and proper technique, the doors should close readily, except in those rare cases where excessive tartar buildup is causing problems - and in those cases the battle is usually to get them open in the first place. As to pushing archwires into clips (you're speaking of Smart Clips, I assume?) again proper technique will assure that the tooth is adequately supported from behind when this is being done, and discomfort should be minimal.

You're right about having to use the correct tools and techniques and hopefully no provider would be sold brackets without the company being certain they know how to use their product. The techniques require pressure, as the tool and technique will not close or clip something into place. What is usually found, is that the pressure is only annoying to the patient while the teeth feel tender, and hopefully that doesn't last for long.

[Zoso]

Having personal experience of both SL and traditionally tied brackets, I can say that, in competent and adequately trained hands, manipulating the doors is no more and no less painful and involves no more and no less pressure than removing and replacing elastomerics. If it's taking more pressure to manipulate the doors (again excepting the rare case of a badly bound door) then it's being done wrong.

[Zoso]

My experience is that ceramic brackets are the most comfortable due to the smooth surface and rounded edges, traditional metal (gold and silver) are next, due to the finish and the 'bumper' of the rubber ligature, then it's clip sl brackets, as they sit off the tooth the same height as the traditional brackets.

My personal experience is otherwise. My SL brackets were no more and no less comfortable than my traditionally tied ceramics. Are you basing your assertion here on personal experience of all three types, or merely on anecdotal evidence?

[cellardoor]

I have damon brackets, and so far I like them a lot. Since this is my first experience with braces (and hopefully my last), I don't have anything to compare damon to. The first couple of days my mouth was really sore and felt pretty awful. Now I barely notice them. I don't have any sores in my mouth or anything like that. I think it all depends on the individual and how each person's mouth responds to the braces... but that's just my unprofessional opinion!

[Sunny]

I totally agree with you Cellardoor! It's all about the person getting used to what their ortho uses and being happy with the decision they made to have treatment with that person.

Most people find their mouths adjust well and adjust quickly ... especially when oral hygiene is excellent.

[EnglishRose]

I would like to be an orthodontist assistnat when I leave school, does it need much training? How long have you been doing that job Sunny, it sounds cool. My ortho is lovely and all his assistnats seem to enjoy their job.

[Sunny]

Sarah check out the requirements for your area, country etc. The rules vary and a great place to start is by asking the people who assist your ortho.

Here there's a one year (part time) certificate III course that focuses on O H & S, health care, infection control, administration, generic issues related to dental practises. Then are papers you can study at uni, and most important, on the job training.

It's a great job, and although I've not been doing it long, I was thrilled when my ortho asked if I'd be interested in this line of work.

[EnglishRose]

Cool thanks I will ask them next time. Do you get your treatment free if you are working for your own orthodontist lol

[Sunny]

Do you get your treatment free if you are working for your own orthodontist lol

An interesting question. I started working for my ortho when he became part of a group practice, and most of my treatment had already been paid for, so in my case the answer was no ... but there are benefits.

Good luck finding out about the job!

[EnglishRose]

hi Sunny thanks i am gonna ask the dental nurse next time I go how she got into it. When I first went there she did my X rays and photos but my ortho was the one did all the work when I got my braces on and she just handed him stuff. Do you do any braces stuff, you know what I mean, like putting on the brackets or do you just hand things to him and help out. I think it would be cool to be an orthodontist but i don't think I'm brainy enough :o( did you have to do a training course first before you started? have you been doing it long? Sorry for all the questions.

[mariahfromchicago]

One time wanted to be an ortho, but the idea of sticking hands in mouths (even if you have gloves on) is not pleasant. My marks in school are good, but I don't like science (but still get an A in that class)
- mariah

[cimcirimci]

I've had Damon since 31 March. And I can see big results

Sorry if I make mistakes... I'm from Poland and I'm only 14, so I don't know English well :P

[Zoso]

No need for apology - your English is good.

I'm glad your treatment is going well. It is often in the early part of treatment that we see the most visibly dramatic improvements. Keep pictures for yourself - you will enjoy being able to look back and see how much your smile is improving.

[Sunny]

Great that your treatment is going well cimcirimci!

The early stage of treatment, when alignment is being worked on, is exciting, as it's great when results are easy to see.

Good luck with your treatment!

[eatyourpeas]

Any update English Rose?
Did you ask the nurse yet?

[KWK3MOM3]

Greetings,
I am new to all this as the braces I wore back in the late 70's are totally different to the braces we are looking into for my daughter. We have seen 2 orthos - 1 pro Damon 1 not so pro, but not con either. What can anyone tell me that can help me make a decision? Thanks in advance.

[Zoso]

I will tell you plainly: what matters are the skill and experience of the orthodontist - the bracket brand he prefers to use is irrelevant, since equally good results can be achieved with any of the modern bracket systems. Ormco, who make and market the Damon brand braces like to put a lot more money into end consumer marketing than do most of the other manufactirers, and the upshot of this is that all too many people are under the impression that Damon brackets can achieve results not possible with any other system, but this is just simply not true.

So my advice to you is to forget for a minute about bracket brands, and ask yourself questions such as which orthodontist you preferred. Who communicated better? Whose staff did you like better? Which office has the preferable location and office hours? Pick your child's orthodontist on these types of considerations, and it won't matter whether or not he happens to use Damon brackets.

[KWK3MOM3]

Thanks Zoso. so far of the offices we have been to, both are very knowledgeble and friendly and have both told me to get other opinions before making a decision. so far neither locations are good, but I am using what our insurance has to offer too. At this point my daughter is leaning towards the ones where you can get colors.

However, she does have some mouth issues where I am wondering if the Damon system will really cut the time, if that might be the way to go. She is missing a tooth(just did not grow in) and she has an impacted tooth growing behind one of her front teeth (not the missing tooth) that will have to be pulled down and into proper position. Later she will get an implant for the missing one. We have been told she will be in braces between 24-36 mnths. She is a high schol freshman this year. My hope is to have her out by the time senior pictures are due if possibe.

[Zoso]

There is a theory that, by reducing friction during certain stages of treatment, self-ligating brackets can trim some time off treatment, but it's definitely not like they cut in in half or such. Comparible cases might be completed perhaps 2 - 4 months faster. And that is not unique to Damons - it goes equally for all self-ligating brackets such as SmartClips, In-Ovation, and Carriere, for example.

Also, and not wishing to be rude here, but please don't pin too much hopes on a specific timeframe - it just makes for massive disappointment if things run long.

It sounds like you've already consulted with some respectable and caring orthodontists - it's nice to hear them actively encouraging you to seek other opinions, rather than just doing the hard sell and havng a "my way is the only way". But what about their treatment plans? Are they both pretty much suggesting the same? If so, and assuming there was nothing about the treatment plans that alarmed you, why not just ask your daughter which practice she preferred and go forward from there?

[EmilyFrazier]

I have damon braces. I must say that what they say bout them is true. They are alot less painful then other braces and the appointments are alot faster. I've only had mine for 2 months and i can already see a difference in the way my teeth look.

[Sunny]

Great that your treatment has gone well for the first two months!

What other brands of brackets have you had to compre the comfort, speed of movement and speed of appointments?

Where I work, the brands we use are not the damon brand, but they are comfortable, the appointments are quick and results are achieved as fast as the teeth can move!

I have had two different brands of brackets during my current treatment, and both have been amazing. Why ... because the brackets aren't doing the work, the archwires are, and my ortho uses the same archwires with my brackets, that he does with the brackets he uses now ... therefore it's all good!

[smilez4me]

It is all personal preferance. I have the Damons and I LOVE them. My Ortho reccomended them as did my family who are in the field as well. The first time they had to replace the wire with a larger one.. well it was more difficult getting the doors shut but that was just because the girl was new to doing it. Along came my favorite girl and snap snap snap done and easy. Not really any pressure or anything. Also a few times the doors (clasps) have come open and I simply slide them shut.

I had no pain at all when I had all the braces put on, all top and bottom at the same time. I have a little soreness when they kick up the wire but in a matter of days all my teeth up top have moved. Crazy. My ortho also didnt try to sell me these or give me the impression that they will work quicker. She did, however, state that it could possibly shave some time off the treatment but this was after a while of having them. If it happens great.. if not no big whoop. I thnk with any brackets or treatment one must be realistic and prepare for a lil extra time then you wont be disapointed. I would hope people are smarter then to go with a bracket for time reasons alone. Also they are comming out with clear brackets for the Damons soon if they arent out already. Honestly I am just used to being metal mouth as of now and I dont mine the ligs would hae annoyed me though and that is one main reason I didnt get them. I dont regret my decision at all.

[Zoso]

I agree that how quickly and easily the doors can be manipulated does depend in part upon the skill/amount of practice the assistant (or the ortho, as the case may be) has had with this particular system. The same can be said of any self-ligating system, and by analogy, the same can be said for changing traditional rubber ligs, or even wire ties - it all comes down to skill and practice. (I do disagree with Damon's/Ormco's claim that self-ligating make appointments all that significantly faster - in my own experience doors and ligs, when manipulated by skillful hands, were managed with so close to equal speed as to make no real difference.) I'm glad you're not experiencing any troubles with doors binding closed. Fortunately this doesn't happen to too many people, but for those who do have this problem, it can be rather a nuisance; I gather too that Damons are more apt to this issue than some other brands, due to the particular door mechcnaism they employ.

I shared your experience regarding levels of discomfort - and that was true for both arches, one of which was bonded with a competing brand of self-ligating bracket, and the other with traditionally tied ceramics. It's great that you are having a positive experience like this And what a kick it is when you can see that your teeth are progressing - that is the best part of the early stages of treatment: lots of visible progress. It can get harder to discern the changes later on, when the focus moves from the more visible changes such as aligment and levelling, to work more on the bite. Some people do tend to get discouraged later on for that reason.

I definitely agree with you about the danger of setting a particular timeframe too firmly in your mind for finishing treatment - it only makes for disappointment should treatment happen to run long

[Sunny]

Fantastic that your treatment is going so well Smilez!

It's fantastic when we have an ortho we trust and the archwires provide the results we desire! Good luck with progress continuing to go so well!

[damon-braces-user]

I have my Damon braces on for about 1.5 days now. I do feel discomfort and also feel that my teeth are being pulled. Each of my teeth are extremely sensitive but the pain is bearable.

I also have some irritation due to the brackets but with some wax it is feeling much better. I don't understand why they can't make the edges smoother.

It also hurts to bite. I also had some material bonded onto 2 of my teeth to open up my bite since one of my tooth was hitting the lower bracket.

I can't wait to see some results. I know I have a long way to go, but it is hard to eat anything right now.

[Sunny]

Your mouth will adjust dbu! Keep yourself well hydrated and continue with the wax, so you don't develop sore.

Good luck with this period of adjustment!