American Damon braces are the most well-known and sought-after self-ligating braces solution. They are permanently installed orthodontic systems fixed on the outer surface of the tooth row. Their basis is a mechanical lock of a special design, which is able to hold the arch without outside elements. Here, the ability of the teeth to move along the arch is preserved. Such systems look neater, are characterized by greater convenience for the patient in application in comparison with the classical ligature analogues.
Now we will dwell in more detail on how the self-adjusting bracket system Damon works, highlight its advantages and disadvantages. We will tell you what braces are included in this line. Give indications and contraindications to installation. We will describe the stages of orthodontic treatment with their use.
Damon self-ligating braces: what is it?
The built-in lock is one of the unique solutions realized in self-ligating orthodontic systems. But the mechanics of the action itself is also unusual. For example, in traditional braces, the rings connect the arch and the bracket groove extremely rigidly, eliminating their mutual mobility. For the arch to be able to align the teeth, it must overcome increased friction with both the bracket itself and the ligature. In other words, active alloying increases the pressure on the teeth.
Damon self-ligating braces eliminate the rigid adhesion of the arch and the walls of the locking groove, which ensures their mutual free sliding without excessive friction. Thanks to the presence of the lock cover, the integrity of the structure is preserved. This solution makes the alignment of the teeth more physiological and natural, which gives additional comfort to the patient.
Damon self-ligating braces: advantages and disadvantages
As with any other solution, there are strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, it is necessary to initially assess which treatment option for orthodontic problems will be optimal in a particular situation.
The main advantages of the Damon bracket system in relation to ligature analogs include:
- small size and weight, making them much more comfortable to wear and virtually invisible on the teeth: on average, there is a twofold difference in volume;
- one-third shorter treatment period: alignment is usually completed two to six months sooner;
- less frequent visits to the dentist for arch replacement, and the procedure is quicker and easier: the interval is 6-8 weeks instead of 3-4 weeks;
- no pain or discomfort for the patient, both during insertion and replacement of the arch: the lock opens effortlessly;
- the pressure on the teeth during wear will be moderate, but will remain throughout the entire period of use, while the analogs have the maximum force in the first days after insertion and will gradually decrease;
- after a short period of adaptation, painful sensations will be reduced by more than half: the pressure force of the arch is almost 50 times lower;
- preservation of insignificant tooth mobility does not give excessive load on the roots, allows to exclude erosion and recession of gums;
- possibility of use even with sufficiently pronounced orthodontic defects;
- no need to remove: the system works around the clock.
There are no obvious disadvantages of such systems. The only thing that is noted is the higher cost compared to classical ligature analogs. But it should be evaluated in terms of duration and effectiveness of treatment. They will still need to get used to them, but the period of adaptation is not as long as that of traditional analogs. Compliance with elementary recommendations of the doctor reduces the period of adaptation, minimizes discomfort and inconvenience.
Damon braces: main types
Today, the American manufacturer supplies the world market with the following lines of self-ligating bracket systems:
- Damon Q. Damon Q braces are made of high-strength titanium, steel and nickel alloys of high quality. They are characterized by high strength, resistance to mechanical stress. The plates are compact, the fastening mechanism is smooth, the edges are rounded. At the same time, the system is quite elastic, comfortable to wear. It provides a gentle impact on the bone tissue and tooth row, does not loosen the roots, eliminates atrophy. Patients do not feel pronounced discomfort, and the period of adaptation to them does not exceed 3-5 days. In terms of aesthetics, the bracket system Damon Q has no analogues among any other metal varieties. The sophisticated design ensures convenient cleaning and easy maintenance.
- Damon Clear. Today, it is one of the most innovative solutions in the lineup of the American manufacturer. These are transparent polycrystalline plates that use a passive sliding mechanism in their work. It not only holds the arc well, but also allows the briquettes to move freely. As a result, friction is minimized and fixation is simplified. Are distinguished by a wider range of applications than analogs, but at the same time the cost of their installation will be lower than lingual analogs. Combine high efficiency, aesthetics and reasonable cost. In the range of bracket-system Damon Clear provides the possibility of individual manufacturing according to the parameters of the patient based on a three-dimensional model of his jaw.
Damon braces: indications
A specialist can determine the possibility of using one or another Damon system only after detailed familiarization with the clinical picture of each patient. The main indications for their use include:
- bite disorders;
- increased crowding of teeth;
- smile asymmetry;
- diastema and gaps between teeth;
- unerupted permanent teeth;
- anatomically incorrect ratio of the upper and lower jaw.
Damon Clear braces and other types of self-ligating systems are used when there are minor problems in the structure of the teeth, as well as in complex clinical situations. They can sometimes solve problems that require maxillofacial surgery or even tooth extraction.
Main contraindications to the installation of Damon braces
There are 2 absolute contraindications to the use of these bracket systems:
- Presence of bone pathology. The bones of the jaw must be healthy in order to provide the required tooth movement for alignment. This will allow them to withstand the required pressure.
- Pathologies of endocrine, immune system, oncology, blood diseases, mental disorders, diabetes mellitus.
In addition to absolute contraindications, where this treatment is not performed, there are also relative contraindications. In this case, braces can be fitted, but after prior treatment or under additional medical supervision. These include:
- inflammatory conditions in the oral cavity, untreated tooth decay;
- crowns or implants: implants can prevent the necessary displacement of teeth, and crowns can become deformed and lose their original appearance;
- gum disease.
Damon bracket system: the process of orthodontic treatment
The doctor determines which orthodontic system is right for you after getting acquainted with the clinical picture. This is the only way to create the most optimal treatment plan, which will guarantee a beautiful and healthy smile, preserving the created functionality for a long period of time.
The process of treating orthodontic problems using Damon Clear ceramic braces or another type of system will involve the following steps:
1. Counseling, diagnostic testing.
This involves an orthodontic examination. Often a lateral and panoramic image of the jaw will be taken to provide a clear picture of the oral cavity. The image will show the placement of all the teeth: how correctly the upper and lower jaw is interlocked from an anatomical point of view. It is possible to assess the state of bone tissue, to determine whether there are cysts, granulomas in the root area. Based on this information, the patient will be offered all possible options bracket-systems, describe the features of installation and wear, advantages, disadvantages and other nuances. With such data, the patient will be able to independently choose a worthy option for himself.
2. Developing a treatment plan.
Another unique feature of the Damon system is that the developer offers specialized software that allows you to create a three-dimensional visualization model of the alignment process. It also helps to select the optimal number of elements, determine the period during which the patient will need to wear this system, the required number of visits to the dentist. Based on these data, the total cost of treatment is calculated. It will include the price of the braces themselves and their installation, payment for all necessary appointments with the orthodontist, involving the change of the arch, as well as their removal after achieving the desired therapeutic effect.
3. System Setup.
The installation process itself begins with fixation of the retractor in the patient’s mouth. The surface of the teeth is thoroughly dried, and then etched with a special solution designed to provide a more effective fixation of the plates without causing any damage to the enamel. After that, the bracket systems themselves are mounted with the help of glue. Under the influence of ultraviolet light, the glue hardens, securely holding the installed elements. After that, the arch is attached to the grooves of all the locks. The locks themselves are opened with a special tool without any effort and pressure on the patient’s teeth. For fixation, the orthodontist forms an anchor knot along the edge of the arch in the last tooth in the row. After that, recommendations on the care of the system are once again provided, and the date of the next visit to the clinic is set.
4. Interim visits.
These are necessary to correct the position of the arch and are performed on average once every 6-8 weeks. At the same time, an oral examination is performed to check for any dental problems that may require treatment. In terms of time, an arch replacement takes a little over half an hour.
5. Removal of the bracket system.
This is performed after the desired therapeutic effect has been achieved. When it will be, will be determined by the doctor based on the complexity of the pathology. On average, average violations of the structure of the tooth row are eliminated in 12-18 months, and more complex will need to be worn up to 2 years. At this stage, a special mouth guard is also made, the wearing of which is designed to maintain anatomically correct placement of the teeth in the row. It will need to be worn for several hours a day: in the first time after the procedure for a longer period of time, while after six months it will be enough to wear the mouth guard for a couple of hours a day.
If you are interested in the installation of American bracket-system Damon, please contact the medical center “Prizma” in Kiev for additional advice. For communication you can use the contact phone number and/or online communication services.
