What Makes the Damon System Different?
Passive self-ligating braces that are much more gentle to the teeth. High-technology wires that move teeth much faster and require far fewer adjustments. A new clinically proven treatment approach that aligns the teeth and enhances facial esthetics – usually without extractions.
Damon System Braces are:
- smaller
- more comfortable
- work faster
Clinically Proven Advantages:
- Significantly better results
- Significantly shorter treatment times
- Far fewer adjustments required
Are all braces the same?
With the Damon System, we don’t just align the teeth. We create beautiful smiles accounting for a patient’s face, profile and other factors in anticipating what they will look like in their 40s, 50s and beyond to deliver results for a lifetime.
How long does treatment take?
Depending on your case, treatment time with the Damon System is up to 50% faster than with conventional braces. Another benefit – far fewer appointments are required during treatment. Since the Damon System works so quickly, does that mean it is harsh or unsafe?
No. In fact, what makes the Damon System work so quickly is that it uses far gentler, more biologically sensible forces than conventional braces. The low-friction nature of the system assures improved tooth position and improved facial harmony.
Will my teeth hurt after adjustments?
Very light “shape memory” titanium wires are used that gently guide your teeth to their ideal position. Many people experience very little discomfort.
Aren’t braces big and bulky?
Not any more! Braces are much smaller than they were just a few years ago, and new materials are now used that make them very discreet.
What about adult treatment?
No problem. Adults can be treated quickly, easily, and most importantly, to a high-quality result.
Myofunctional Appliances/Fixed Braces
There are 3 stages of development that are treated by using myofunctional appliances/fixed braces.
Symptoms treatable: Mouth Breathing, thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, overactive lips, reverse swallow, large overbite, teeth crowding, crooked and protruding teeth.
Stage 1 – Prevention/Interception
Ages 3 – 6 years
At this age group we are looking at the position and symmetry of the jaw, spacing of the teeth, breathing and oral habits which may result in abnormal dentofacial development.
If you child can benefit from interceptive therapy the common corrective procedures done at this stage include:
- Orthopedic changes with removable or fixed appliances
- Dental or space maintenance with removable or fixed appliances
- Behavior modification for oral habits
- Referral to a pediatrician for tonsil or adenoid problems.
Treatment initiated in this stage of development is often very successful and many times, though not always, can eliminate the need for future orthodontic or othopedic treatment.
Stage 2 – Interception/Correction
Ages 7 – 9 years
At this stage we are looking at how the upper and lower jaws match, occlusion and available space for all of the teeth.
Some of the common procedures that take place in the second stage are:
- Orthodontic correction with removable or fixed appliances
- Guidance of eruption of permanent teeth with removable or fixed appliances
This is an excellent stage to begin treatment. Your child’s hard and soft tissues are usually very responsive to orthodontic forces. A successful outcome of treatment is dependent on cooperation between the dentist, patient and parent.
Stage 3 – Correction/Rehabilitation
Ages 10 and over
At this stage we are looking at how the jaw and teeth fit and work together, the function of the jaw joint, the facial profile and periodontal tissues.
At this stage treatment involves:
- Straightening teeth and correcting occlusion through conventional orthodontics
- Alignment of the jaws and joints for healthy function
- Positioning of the teeth for improved esthetics so the dentition supports and is in harmony with the profile at maturity.
Removable Appliances
What are removable orthodontic appliances?
Removable appliances are appliances, which can be easily removed and reinserted into mouth. They consist of wires and screws held together by a plastic base and are used to move teeth and jaws into better relationships using gentle force.
What are the uses of these appliances?
They are useful when small amount of orthodontic correction is required. It is sometimes possible to change the way the jaws grow, using orthodontic appliances. A special kind of removable appliance called a functional appliance, harness the power of the jaw muscles and can help with certain types of abnormal growth problems.
What are the parts of a removable functional appliance?
The removable appliance consists of an active element or elements (i.e. metal wires and/or screws), which exert orthodontic forces on the teeth, and retentive elements (i.e. clasps), which help, in retaining the appliance in the mouth. A plastic plate holds these two sets of elements together. It is more commonly used in the correction of teeth in the upper jaw.
What are the advantages of using a removable appliance?
It is relatively simple to adjust, requiring little clinical time. If the appliance causes any irritation the patient can remove it. It can be removed for cleaning; therefore oral hygiene is seldom a problem. It may be removed for contact sports; therefore damage to the patient (and appliance) is reduced to a minimum.
What are the disadvantages of using a removable appliance?
It tends to be rather bulky and takes some time to get used to. It is unsuitable for most treatment in the lower arch, as the shape of the lower teeth does not allow the appliance to be satisfactorily retained. Removable appliances can only carry out tipping movements and other drastic movements like the complete rotation of the tooth is not possible. Co-operation of the patient is very essential for the success of the treatment. Results occur much slower when compared to Braces.
How are removable appliances maintained?
It must be worn constantly to derive early and good results. It should be removed only when eating and playing contact sports or swimming. When outside the mouth it should be stored in a cup of cold water. Exposure to heat can alter the shape and fitting of the appliance. It should be removed in advance before any contact sports. The appliance has to be removed and inserted carefully to avoid breaking the plastic or deforming the wires. The appliance has to be kept clean. A toothbrush is convenient for this purpose.