Pros and cons of installing Daimon braces. Distinctive features of Damon braces

People first started talking about Damon braces back in 1980, when the ORMCO company released the very first model of a lightweight innovative brace, after which the whole world immediately started talking about “Damon”. Quite a lot of time has passed since then, but Damon still remains the most famous and sought-after orthodontic system. The company's success lies in the continuous improvement of their products. Over the years of its existence, ORMCO has released many effective and very aesthetic braces, but Damon Clear braces, or rather their second generation, Damon Clear 2, are considered the most advanced of them.

Damon Clear brackets have incorporated all the advantages of ORMCO's early systems: they are self-ligating and, accordingly, more compact and comfortable to wear, and the treatment process with their help is much faster than with classical designs due to the self-adjusting force of tooth movement. However, the main distinguishing feature of Damon Clear is that they are almost invisible on the teeth, and are more like an expensive piece of jewelry than an orthodontic appliance. How did manufacturers manage to achieve such high aesthetics? The fact is that in the construction of Damon Clear - now we are talking about their latest version of Damon Clear 2 - there are no metal elements. The braces themselves, that part of them to which the archwire is attached, are completely made of a single crystal of artificially grown sapphire, which, unlike its natural counterpart, is transparent and has a light shade, and upon contact with saliva it becomes completely transparent and invisible. But exactly as long as the sapphire is in the shade - in the sun, Damon Clear braces begin to shimmer beautifully. In addition, artificial crystals are very durable and, due to special processing, adhere tightly to the tooth, do not chip and never stain with food throughout the entire treatment.

Installation of Damon Clear braces

Thanks to modern technologies, installation of Damon Clear braces does not take much time from the patient and is quick and completely painless. Even before the patient arrives, the doctor places each bracket on a special template or plaster model of the jaw, focusing on an individualized treatment plan, which in the orthodontic industry is called a “prescription.” He then covers each bracket with a composite material and instantly installs the locks on the patient's teeth - thus, all the locks are simultaneously on the teeth, after which they are connected with white arches. Installation of Damon Clear braces typically takes no more than half an hour.

Before starting treatment, it is also necessary to undergo a standard set of procedures - to treat all carious cavities, put all inflammatory processes into remission and be sure to carry out professional oral hygiene.

Note! Before getting braces, you need to visit a hygienist for a “general cleaning” and cover your teeth with a special transparent sealant that protects the tooth enamel during the treatment period. You can carry out these procedures in our Center, or at our direction in any dental institution in the city, according to your insurance programs.

Damon Clear braces - before and after photos

Photo of the patient BEFORE and AFTER treatment with Damon Clear braces. Material taken from the official website of ORMCO.

Damon Clear bracket system – treatment features

As mentioned earlier, Damon Clear braces are a self-ligating, self-adjusting design, the distinctive feature of which is no ligatures- rubber bands or wires that hold the orthodontic arch in the clasp of a classic brace, which “clutter up” the system, make it more noticeable to others, cause inconvenience when worn, and also slow down the process of teeth movement.

Important! Appointments with sapphire braces are once a month.

Damon Clear are designed slightly differently - the arch in them is attached to the bracket using a special transparent lock and slides freely inside the groove. This technology allows us to minimize the friction force that occurs between the bracket and the arch during treatment, minimizes pressure on the teeth and, most importantly, speeds up the process of their movement by 20 - 25%, with a minimum of visits to the doctor. We recommend scheduling visits to the doctor no more than once a month.

Another undeniable advantage of the Damon Clear 2 bracket system is that it takes only a few minutes to replace their arches, and the intervals between visits to a specialist are reduced to once a month. Plus, self-ligating braces are very easy to clean - the smoothly polished surface of the clasps repels plaque, and there is practically no food residue left on them. Immediately after the start of treatment, you will be provided with a set of necessary accessories for caring for the brace system (not included in the price of the treatment case).

our team

Levin Dmitry Valerievich

Chief physician of the center, indigenous minorities, doctor of the highest category

Ostankovich Victoria Mikhailovna

Orthodontist. Head of the orthodontic department

Voronkina Yulia Sergeevna

Whitening and color restoration specialist

Price for Damon Clear braces in Moscow

The price of Damon Clear is from 93,000 to 107,000 rubles, depending on the number of teeth that need correction. The price of the case includes braces, the structure itself, its installation and removal, and all medical corrective manipulations for the entire duration of treatment. In addition, Damon Clear's design allows it to be combined with other braces - such as metal or ceramic braces. In these cases, sapphire Damon Clear is placed in the smile line on the front teeth, and less aesthetic elements, for example, metal ones, are installed on the back teeth, which are invisible when smiling. Treatment with such combined systems is significantly cheaper - from 72,000 rubles, and the above-described rearrangements do not affect the aesthetics in any way.

Important! We immediately tell the patient the exact cost of treatment, which, regardless of the circumstances, remains unchanged until the very end. The ligature came off, the dollar exchange rate changed, the wearing period increased, additional meetings with a specialist were added - the price will not change.

Sincerely, Levin D.V., chief physician

Ceramic bracket systems one of the most popular and sought-after braces in modern orthodontics. Every year, less and less metal is used in the production of ceramic braces, and the structures themselves become more and more aesthetically pleasing.

Name	Price
PROMOTION turnkey treatment (Metal braces + installation + treatment + removal)	150,000 rubles
Installation of Damon Q metal braces, including the cost of braces (1 jaw)	45,000 rubles
Installation of Damon Clear ceramic braces, including the cost of braces (1 jaw)	60,000 rubles
Activation of braces (1 jaw)	2,500 rubles
Removal of braces, installation of a fixed retainer (1 jaw)	9,000 rubles
Orthodontic mini implant installation	10,000 rubles

Matte coating ceramic braces reduces incoming reflections and becomes virtually indistinguishable from the patient's tooth enamel. The color of ceramic braces is selected individually for each patient in accordance with the shade of the enamel of his teeth.

If we talk about the best ceramic type braces, then we cannot fail to mention Damon braces Clear. Ceramic Damon Clear braces completely transparent. These brace systems have a low level of friction, and passive self-ligating braces correct the bite using so-called low forces.

SpinTek's new open/close lid technology allows for quick and comfortable arc changes, and the polycrystalline aluminum oxide used in the system is stain-resistant.

Metal braces- a reliable and time-tested way to correct an overbite. The treatment period with metal braces is usually 3-4 months shorter compared to ceramic systems. Versatility metal braces allows them to correct the bite even in the most difficult situations. Metal braces do not change color over time. Perhaps the main disadvantage of metal braces is their less aesthetic appearance, compared to sapphire and ceramic braces.

The problem is partly solved with:

Ligature metal braces diamond shape. They have a low profile, which makes them much easier to clean and much more positively perceived by teenagers. At the base of each element there is a large number of honeycombs. This promotes stronger adhesion of braces to tooth enamel.

Non-ligature metal braces. The arc is connected with the help of locks, there are no ligatures, as the name implies. Due to the lower friction force, teeth straightening occurs faster, and pain practically does not occur.

Mixed bracket systems. When using this system, transparent sapphire braces are placed on the front teeth, and metal braces are placed on the side teeth.

If installing braces has become important to you at some point and you want to choose the best braces on the market, we recommend that you check out Damon braces. Why in relation to Damon you can use the phrase “ The best braces"? Below you will learn more about this.

(sometimes Damon or Dimon) use passive self-ligation technology which maintains incredibly low friction levels. Unlike other systems, where the bracket arches are tightly fixed, Damon braces are closed with special caps and hold (ligate) the arch independently.

The creator of Damon braces, American orthodontist Dwight Damon, has been using this system in his practice for more than 15 years. Due to their true effectiveness, Damon braces have become widespread throughout the world.

– the only passive self-ligating system in the world. Revolutionary treatment methods provide incredible benefits in treating patients and make Damon the best braces on the Russian market.

Advantages of Damon Q metal braces

Metal braces Damon Q incredibly comfortable to use and extremely aesthetic. Due to its miniature size, Damon Q does not injure the oral mucosa and is much less noticeable.

Metal braces Damon Q ( Damon braces), depending on the characteristics of the patient’s body, can reduce the total treatment period by 25-50%.

The use of weak forces can significantly reduce pain, and the absence of ligatures does not interfere with the quality of hygienic care.

The number of visits to the attending physician is reduced. The intervals between visits increase (on average – once every 2-3 months).

When you decide to get serious about correcting your bite, you will have questions when choosing a braces system. “Which system to choose?”, “How do they differ?”, “Which one is best for me?” - typical questions to which we are happy to provide comprehensive answers.

Today, orthodontics offers us two options to choose from: ligature and self-ligating. Let's take a closer look at the differences between these systems - let's find out their features of composition and method of influence.
So, each system includes:

• braces (“weights”, glued to each tooth individually);
• locks (usually orthodontists attach them to the 6th and 7th teeth);
• orthodontic arch
• ligatures (the key difference we'll talk about).

Ligature staples have a special space (lid) where the arch is attached, and wings that secure it. Reliable fastening is carried out using ligatures. Crooked teeth are often located at different heights and at different angles. Therefore, the arc is positioned unevenly, and ligatures help keep it at the desired level.
Fortunately, the bite changes every month, and the patient is one step closer to the smile of his dreams. Therefore, you should visit the orthodontist once a month so that he can adjust the position of the arch on your teeth.

It is logical to assume that the self-ligating system does without ligatures. How efficient are they?

Meet: self-ligating (non-ligating) braces

Here, each bracket has a special rough mesh at the base, which promotes better adhesion to the tooth. Perhaps you have a question: "Where is the arc attached?".
Thanks to modern technologies, a clever valve has been developed that fixes the arc in the desired position. The orthodontist easily opens and closes it with a special tool, adjusts the position of the arch and secures the result.

Self-ligating bracket system - why is it better

Today, there are two types of ligation - active and passive, and the latter is used much more often. With active self-ligation, the wire is firmly pressed against the bottom of the bracket cap. This somewhat reduces the possibility of maneuvering the orthodontist. Therefore, passive ligation is much more popular. In this case, the arc is in a fairly free state inside the cover. This position significantly reduces the pressure of the system on the teeth, and this has several advantages:

1. With low pressure forces, the blood vessels are not pinched, then the teeth move at the physical level.
2. The friction force is also reduced, so the teeth move much faster, by about 25% (unlike ligature braces).
3. Due to the reduction in friction and pressure, the muscles around the teeth begin to actively work. Bite correction partly occurs naturally, so visits to the orthodontist can be done once every 2 – 2.5 months.

Ceramic self-ligating braces

Ligature braces

Advantages and disadvantages of self-ligating braces

There is only one drawback to non-ligature brackets: the relative high cost of installation. So, self-ligating braces – what are they and what are their advantages?

1. Biological acceptability
   As we already wrote above, the friction force between the arc and the cover is completely insignificant compared to conventional brackets. The greater the pressure, the slower, more difficult, and more painful the teeth move. The need to constantly adjust the position of the arch significantly slows down the process of correcting the bite. Self-ligating braces provide smooth restructuring of the periodontium and bone tissue.
2. Preservation of teeth
   If the doctor installs a ligature system, then you are unlikely to get by without removing teeth. Of course, installing ligature-free braces may also require surgical intervention, but this happens much less frequently.
3. Comfort and painlessness
   You do not need to install additional structures. For example, when installing conventional systems, it is necessary to expand the dentition, keep teeth from moving forward or backward, etc. Such interventions cause discomfort, which takes a long time to get used to.
4. Quickly addictive
   Ligature-free braces do not have fixing wings, so their edges protrude less. This design protects the oral mucosa from damage and rubbing, which are observed at the initial stage of treatment. Accordingly, getting used to such a system occurs many times faster.

Types of self-ligating bracket systems

1. 
   The most common option due to its efficiency and reliability. It is worth noting that such a system is quite affordable. This type is used for complex, even abnormal bite deviations. The only negative is that such staples are quite noticeable, but this is rarely a determining fact for those who prioritize the effectiveness of treatment. Some patients prefer having their brackets made of gold or silver.
2. Ceramic self-ligating braces
   These are durable braces that have the lowest friction force. Therefore, people quickly get used to wearing these systems. These braces are completely invisible on the teeth, as their color is matched exactly to the color of your teeth. Of course, you will have to pay dearly for an attractive appearance.
3. Sapphire self-ligating braces
   The polycrystalline sapphire from which the braces are made is very durable and hygienic. This is an ideal option for patients with snow-white teeth, because such braces are completely invisible. However, those whose teeth have a yellow or gray tint should be careful when choosing sapphire systems. The most popular model now is Damon Clear self-ligating braces - completely transparent braces that decorate your smile.

The Damon System brace system is rightfully considered by many orthodontists to be one of the most modern and technologically advanced in the world. At the same time, it is easy to use and allows you to achieve outstanding clinical results. Since 2009, the Damon Q model, the latest generation of the family, has been actively used in Russia. Let's take a brief excursion into the history of the system.

In 1996, Dr. Dwight Damon made a breakthrough in orthodontics with a completely new philosophy of weak forces and passive self-ligation. In 2000, along with a change in the design of the bracket itself and the appearance of Damon 2, protocols for working on Damon were published. Since 2004, passive self-ligating structures under this brand have been manufactured by Ormco. Then they appeared on the Russian market.

Philosophy and indications for use

Damon's philosophy is to use low forces and low friction. Excellent sliding of the arch in the bracket groove is ensured by the absence of a ligature, the absence of pressure from the bracket cover on the arch, and perfect polishing of the groove.

We list the main advantages.

• Simplification and acceleration of the leveling stage. When using Daimon Q braces, the indications for preliminary creation of space for dystopic teeth are significantly reduced. Almost any of them can be immediately connected to the system without causing side effects, manifested, for example, in the form of curvature of the occlusal plane. This makes the leveling step easier, in some cases it makes it possible to speed it up and reduce the indications for removal compared to using ligature models.
• The intervals between visits to the orthodontist can be extended up to 8-10 weeks at the leveling stage, which is an excellent indicator for both doctors and patients. Due to the possibility to reduce the number of visits, the treatment becomes more attractive for those who come to the clinic for orthodontic care. The practice of a doctor turns out to be financially more profitable with the correct construction of the payment system.
• Due to weak forces, the expansion when using soft wires is under the control of soft tissue tension, which means that it is physiological and individual for everyone.
• A mandatory stage of the treatment protocol is the fitting of all rigid arches after creating the correct shape of the dentition at the stage of leveling and alignment. Until the very end of therapy, the patient remains exactly the width of the dentition that is optimal for him. This significantly reduces the risk of complications: relapse due to overexpansion, gum recession, etc.
• Low friction during the main working phase makes it possible to operate on the space in the dental arch much faster.

What are the indications for using the Damon Q bracket system? We say with confidence that it acts as a universal weapon in the hands of an orthodontist, a reliable assistant in solving almost any problem: from mild crowding to complex malocclusion.

Design features and competitive advantages

The miniature design with rounded edges reduces the risk of occlusal interference and makes the bracket very aesthetic and comfortable for the patient. The streamlined shape with a minimum number of undercuts makes hygiene easier with the Dimon Q bracket system.

A distinctive design feature that sets it apart from other models is the innovative SpinTek™ opening method. The high reliability of this mechanism made it possible to forget about the tangible difficulty that orthodontists encounter when working on some other self-ligating braces - loosening and breaking the cover. If the cover is unreliable and begins to work incorrectly while being worn, then over time this will deprive the device of all the benefits of self-ligation.

Opening the Damon Q bracket does not require any noticeable effort. It is as fast and comfortable as possible for both the doctor and the patient, which minimizes:

• discomfort from the archwire replacement procedure;
• risk of damage to periodontal tissue due to the application of excessive force;
• appointment time due to the fact that the bracket opens easily even in the presence of tartar, which greatly simplifies the manipulation.

In addition, the lock cover is fixed in the open state, eliminating spontaneous slamming and vibrations that interfere with the work of a specialist.

Thanks to the use of patented processing technology, the cushion located on the base of the bracket, which is attached to the tooth, has a special shape and roughness, which ensures optimal penetration of the adhesive (a special medical adhesive composition). This promotes reliable fixation.

The highest quality of Damon production guarantees the exact dimensions of the groove, which means clear and predictable tooth movements and implementation of the information embedded in the bracket. Ormco invests heavily in manufacturing technology, equipment and R&D to produce high quality, consistent systems. The proportions and dimensions are maintained and will be the same for all Daimon Q, braces from other systems produced by Ormco and other equipment. If you examine the groove under a microscope, you will see that it has a superbly smooth polished surface, close to ideal. This provides excellent glide.

Snap Link locks are made of high-strength steel, just like the braces themselves.

Loss of torque is one of the problems in orthodontics associated with the inability to use absolutely full-slot arches due to their high rigidity. This is a given for any model. Due to the very precise size of the Damon Q groove, the amount of loss is known and does not vary from bracket to bracket. For example, for a section 19 x 25 the loss is 11 degrees. Knowing this, the specialist has the opportunity to take into account torque losses and factor them into calculations when preparing a plan and throughout the entire treatment process.

The Dimon system offers a variety of torque options that provide many benefits.

• Already at the stage of planning treatment and fixation, the orthodontist prevents complications such as root resorption, gum recession, etc.
• We anticipate side effects, the solution of which later (for example, by torque bending) increases the duration of therapy, technically complicates the application of detailing bends, and makes it impossible to slide the arc over a given interval.

The design provides additional vertical and horizontal grooves. Vertical can be used, for example, to install a hook. This simplifies adaptation, since at the beginning of therapy there are no hooks that impair the adaptation of the mucous membranes of the lips and cheeks to orthodontic treatment. Hooks for the Damon Q bracket system are easy to install, reliable and strong, and can withstand loads well. If the orthodontist is more accustomed to working with permanent soldered hooks, this option is also available in Damon devices.

Additional vertical and horizontal grooves can be simply irreplaceable in some difficult situations. For example, when placing impacted teeth in a row, creating space for dystopic, palatally blocked teeth through distalization and in many other cases. They give complete freedom of imagination to create all kinds of rods, levers, and complex structures.

For the convenience of the specialist and the speed of fixation, Diamond Q braces are equipped with removable positioning guides. Correct positioning is ensured by the diamond shape as well as the engraved vertical line on the base. The color coding of the guide elements corresponds to the following torque values: low - green; standard - blue; high - red.

Duration of treatment and frequency of visits

The results of a study conducted by researchers at Temple University School of Dentistry (Philadelphia, USA) showed that the use of self-ligating structures can significantly reduce the overall duration of therapy and require far fewer visits to a specialist than when working with ligated models.

In the early 2000s, an American orthodontist developed a new braces system, which was later named after him. It was distinguished by its ease of installation and the absence of ligatures - special wires that secure the arch in the bracket groove. Such systems are called non-ligature systems. The operating principle of the design is based on passive self-ligation. Such self-ligating structures fix the arch with the help of special locking elements that work on the principle of a shutter. Thanks to this, internal friction is significantly reduced, and teeth move naturally, due to the inherent arc traction and the work of the facial muscles. This reduces the mechanical load on the teeth.

Main advantages of Damon system:

• ease of use, ease of oral care
• reducing the risk of caries
• precise distribution of pressure on the teeth, physiological movement, safety for the mucous membrane
• minimal treatment complexity, reduction in treatment time by 4-6 months
• no need to use additional devices (expanders, palatal or facial arches);
• ease of activation, correction, minimization of pain after installation, almost complete absence of complications
• used in patients over 12 years of age

Indications for installation

Vestibular braces are indicated for excessive development of one jaw relative to the other, dystopia, and preparation for prosthetics. They eliminate gaps, bite problems, crowding of teeth in a row, help remove unerupted teeth, and improve facial aesthetics. Contraindications to correction are:

• severe psychosomatic illnesses
• cracks or defects in enamel, caries
• a significant number of fillings or crowns
• allergies to the materials used

Types of Daimon braces

The choice of the optimal system should be made after a preliminary consultation with an orthodontist, who will identify possible contraindications, conduct the necessary diagnostics and draw up a competent treatment plan. Today, Ormco produces four lines of Damon braces, each of which has its own characteristics:

• Damon q are self-ligating metal braces, characterized by smooth outlines, small element sizes, and high efficiency. The first results will be noticeable 3-4 weeks after installation. An improved locking mechanism reduces the arc replacement time to 5-7 minutes, and the smooth external structure prevents injury to the mucous membrane. Suitable for patients of all age groups, providing comfort and safety of treatment. Eliminating the need to replace ligatures will save time and money.
• Damon 3 – refers to semi-aesthetic brace systems. It consists of a metal and plastic (translucent) part, so it is less noticeable when worn. This type is installed according to certain indications.
• Damon 3MX is an improved model of Damon 3, made entirely of metal. Suitable for patients with significant curvature of the dentition. It has grooves for positioning special hooks necessary for additional bite correction. They also do not have ligatures, which makes cleaning and caring for your teeth easier.
• Damon clear - do not have metal parts, are made of polycrystalline ceramics. They are completely transparent and completely invisible on the teeth, which increases the aesthetics of wearing them. The material does not change color and does not darken over time. Most often, ceramic structures are installed on several front teeth of the upper row, and on the rest - locks of other models.

Price

Unlike the classic ligature design, self-ligating systems have a higher price, which consists of many factors and largely depends on the severity of the pathology, region, doctor’s qualifications, and the pricing policy of a particular clinic. For example, the average price for ceramic Damon Q is from 50 to 80 thousand rubles (for one jaw), and Damon clear will cost at least 100-120,000.

Treatment before and after

Installation time takes on average one and a half to two hours. The frequency of control visits is determined by the doctor individually. Typically, an appointment is scheduled once every 30-45 days. A full correction requires quite a lot of time, so the total duration of wearing braces is 1.5-2 years. After removal of the structure, wearing a retention plate or installing a permanent retainer is indicated.

Most patients who have had their bite or teeth corrected with braces leave positive feedback about the results. Completely completed, qualified orthodontic treatment, as well as strict adherence to medical instructions, guarantee the preservation of the positive effect for life and will help to avoid complications or relapse.

Installation of braces in Moscow

Capital clinics offer a range of orthodontic services, including assessment of the quality of periodontal tissue, orthopantomograms, CT scans and other procedures. Specialists will perform special preparation of the oral cavity: sanitation, professional hygienic cleaning, and also talk about the main characteristics of the systems, installation features, and select the appropriate solution for each individual case.