Over 4 million Americans wear braces today — with nearly a quarter being adults. For most people, getting braces is part of their pathway to a Hollywood-like smile. However, the benefits of braces extend far beyond cosmetic improvements. Many individuals seek orthodontic treatment to enhance the functionality of their mouth, addressing issues such as misaligned bites, overcrowding, and gaps between teeth. Regardless of your reason for needing braces, having a comfortable and speedy orthodontic experience with remarkable results is important. Weighing your options between traditional and Damon braces is a good place to start.
Traditional braces and Damon braces are both orthodontic treatments used to straighten teeth — but they have some key differences in how they work. While traditional braces have been the go-to option for decades, Damon braces offer some unique advantages that make them an increasingly popular choice among patients and orthodontists alike.
Read on to learn the differences between traditional braces and Damon braces — and where to find the best orthodontist for braces in Apex.
What’s the Difference Between Traditional Braces and Damon Braces?
Traditional braces consist of metal brackets attached to each tooth, connected by a wire held in place using elastic bands. These braces require regular adjustments to move teeth into the desired position. On the other hand, Damon braces use a self-ligating system with specialized brackets that don't require elastic bands to hold the wire in place.
Some of the key differences between Damon braces and traditional braces include the following:
- Slider vs. wire: Damon braces use a sliding mechanism to hold the wire in place, allowing for more freedom of movement and potentially less friction than traditional braces with their fixed wire system. For patients, this means a higher level of comfort during treatment.
- Clear vs. metal brackets: Damon braces offer clear bracket options that are less noticeable than traditional metal braces, providing a more aesthetically pleasing appearance during treatment. This is a great option for people who want a discreet option without the costly investment of Invisalign.
- Faster treatment: Damon braces' self-ligating system often results in shorter overall treatment times compared to traditional braces, as they require fewer adjustments and allow for more efficient tooth movement.
- Broader smile: Damon braces are designed to create fuller, broader smiles by expanding the dental arch. This benefit improves both the aesthetics of your smile and your mouth's functionality.
- Fewer extractions: The Damon system's approach to tooth movement reduces the need for tooth extractions in some cases — ultimately helping to preserve more of your natural teeth during orthodontic treatment.
- Lighter force for gentler treatment: Damon braces use lighter, more consistent forces to move teeth, resulting in a more comfortable experience for the patient and potentially reducing the risk of unwanted root resorption.
While both traditional and Damon braces effectively straighten teeth, the choice between the two often comes down to individual needs, preferences, and your orthodontist's recommendation.
How Long Do Damon Braces Take to Work?
One major advantage of Damon braces over traditional braces is that they generally take less time to complete treatment. Most patients complete treatment in 12 to 24 months, compared to the 18 to 36 months often required for traditional braces. This is thanks to the self-ligating system of Damon braces, which allows for quicker initial progress and fewer adjustment appointments. However, treatment duration can vary significantly based on individual cases, ranging from as little as six months for minor issues to up to 30 months for more complex cases.
Factors affecting treatment duration include:
- Complexity of your orthodontic treatment
- Your age
- Compliance with your orthodontist's recommendations
- Your individual response to treatment
After treatment, most patients must wear retainers to maintain their new smile. People who don't wear their retainers as often as they need to may experience tooth movement — potentially undoing some of the progress achieved during their orthodontic treatment. This could lead to the need for additional treatment or even a full course of braces again in the future.
Where to Find the Best Orthodontist in Apex
Whether you opt for Damon or traditional braces, a skilled orthodontist is necessary to accurately assess your dental needs, recommend the most suitable treatment option, and ensure proper adjustments throughout the treatment process. Spielberg Orthodontics is the premier choice for those needing orthodontic treatment in the Apex, Cary, and Holly Springs areas.
As a specialist in modern orthodontic methods for both children and adults, Dr. Spielberg offers a comprehensive range of state-of-the-art treatments, including Damon braces. Her commitment to staying at the forefront of orthodontic advancements means patients benefit from the most effective and efficient treatment options.
What sets Spielberg Orthodontics apart is not just the advanced technology but also the personalized care that makes every patient feel like family. Dr. Spielberg's dedication to community involvement and individualized treatment plans creates a welcoming, comfortable environment for all patients.
Ready to transform your smile with a superior orthodontic experience that combines expertise, innovation, and a caring touch, guided by the highest-rated orthodontist in Apex?
