So you’ve been wanting to straighten your smile for a while and now you’re finally ready. Congratulations! At Okuda & Noorda Orthodontics, we know that deciding to start treatment is a big step for our Henderson and Las Vegas orthodontic patients — a step towards the brand new you! We also know that choosing which type of treatment to use can be a confusing, overwhelming process. Traditional metal braces, Invisalign, clear braces, Damon braces … there are so many different orthodontic treatment options on the market with different cost margins today.
The doctors at Okuda & Noorda Orthodontics want only the best for their patients. That’s why we’re proud to offer the Damon Smile System, a special type of self-ligating braces that provides faster treatment times, better comfort and improved results. As you explore your options for orthodontic treatment, we’re here to help you make the best decision for your smile. Here’s everything you need to know about Damon braces and how they can help you achieve the smile of your dreams.
Why Damon Braces?
The goal of any orthodontic treatment is the same: to give you straighter teeth. No matter which treatment you choose, the device will put pressure on your teeth to gradually move them into the desired position and create a perfect smile. It’s easy to spot the difference between treatments like braces and Invisalign — but how do the different types of braces compare? Let’s take a look at Damon braces vs traditional braces.
At first glance, Damon braces seem pretty similar to the traditional braces people have been wearing for decades. They’re fitted in the same way, for one, and the brackets and wires look similar too. But with traditional braces, the brackets are held in place by tiny elastics that cause friction and pressure, and need to be tightened every month by your orthodontist. This means more discomfort, more appointments and longer treatment time.
Damon braces, on the other hand, are self-ligating. Instead of brackets that require regular adjustments, Damon braces use a slide mechanism to connect your wires and brackets, allowing your braces to move freely with your teeth as they shift into place. Not only are Damon braces more comfortable and more aesthetically pleasing — they can provide fantastic results on a shorter timeline. You also have the choice between metal or clear Damon braces, so you can pick a more discreet option if you prefer.
How Do Damon Braces Work?
So how do Damon braces work exactly? While the end goal is the same as traditional braces, Damon braces use a different method to guide your teeth into their final position. Remember that slide mechanism we mentioned? The slide brackets are attached to memory wire, which alleviates the pressure that traditional elastics can cause. Over time, the braces automatically tighten and move with your teeth.
Treatment with traditional braces often involves extracting perfectly healthy teeth or introducing palatal expanders to make space in the mouth. Aside from being uncomfortable, these interventions are also usually unnecessary. Damon braces are clinically proven to improve your smile while enhancing your facial aesthetic at the same time, all without the need for extractions or expanders.
So, while we can’t tell you how much faster Damon braces are than traditional braces, self-ligating braces allow the teeth to take a more direct path to their final position, which can make your treatment more efficient in the long run.
Benefits of Damon Braces
Now that you understand how Damon braces work, you’re probably wondering if they’re really better than traditional braces. At Okuda & Noorda Orthodontics, we say yes! Here are the benefits of Damon braces:
- Faster treatment time. A recent study showed that patients completed treatment 7.2 months faster than those with traditional braces.
- Appearance. Clear Damon braces are almost invisible.
- Fewer maintenance. Patients with Damon braces have nearly half as many appointments than those with traditional braces.
- More comfortable treatment. Self-ligating braces put less pressure on the teeth, resulting in less pain and discomfort.
- Less friction. The elastics with traditional braces cause friction, which leads to more pain and discomfort.
- Less plaque and bacteria. Self-ligating braces are easier to clean, and create fewer places for bacteria and plaque to build up.
- Clinically proven results. Damon braces can improve your facial aesthetic without the need for tooth extractions or palatal expanders.
Overall, when you choose treatment with Damon braces, you’re choosing a healthier smile. You’ll have fewer appointments, less pain and no need for intervention. Damon braces are a more comfortable, quicker route to the smile you’ve always imagined.
Cost of Damon Braces vs Traditional Braces
Given that they use advanced technology to create your ideal smile with limited discomfort, Damon braces do tend to cost a little more than traditional braces. On average, traditional braces cost somewhere between $2,500 and $7,000, whereas Damon braces cost anywhere between $3,800 and $8,000. The cost of the Damon system will depend on your unique needs. Talk to your orthodontist about payment options and check with your insurance provider to find out if you’re covered.
Where Can I Get Damon Braces?
Since Damon braces are a special kind of braces, only Certified Damon System doctors are qualified to provide them. Fortunately, Dr. Okuda and Dr. Noorda are both certified and have more experience with the Damon system than any other Las Vegas or Henderson orthodontist. Ready to find out if Damon braces are right for you? Call Okuda & Noorda Orthodontics today.
