The Damon System "Advance Your Expertise"

Self-ligating bracket systems are one of the most advanced and innovative products used by orthodontists to correct patient smiles. While there are a number of self-ligating systems available, the Damon Bracket System is perhaps the most popular and the one that is used the world over. Now, as dentists recommend the Damon System more often to patients in the UK, it is important that customers understand more about the treatment and procedure.
This article is designed to act as an information guide about a product called the Damon System. The article aims to make sure that patients know what to expect, which questions to ask and exactly when to ask them.

The Damon System: The Background

The very first version of the Damon System was produced in 1996. By 2000 the second version, with a number of design upgrades, was available. At the same time, a set of guidelines were also being produced that enabled dentists to really make the most of the Damon System and to give their patients the very best orthodontic solution. The meant that dental professionals were able to make the Damon System work for them and, as a product, it went from strength to strength. In 2004 and 2005, the Damon 3 hybrid and then the Damon MX brackets emerged as solutions for patients who wanted ceramic brackets that were just as hard-wearing as conventional ‘train track’ metal braces.
To further empower the dental professionals who used the Damon System, the Damon Forum was set up. Now, Damon Forum meetings regularly attract well over 1,000 dental professionals, eager for opportunities to share knowledge and exchange ideas. Research has also been completed that shows just how successful the Damon System has proven in trials. To find out more, visit www.damonsystem.com

The Damon System: The key facts

In 1996 the first Damon System design was produced and marketed. It was the start of a great success story. In 2000, the second, updated version was released which cemented the Damon System’s reputation as a world-class orthodontic product. In 2004 and 2005, further design developments saw the Damon Hybrid and Damon 3MX brackets brought onto the market. These new versions enabled the Damon System to be applied to more orthodontic problems and therefore broadened its appeal still further.

The Damon System: The Theory

The Damon System is not solely centred around the innovative Damon Bracket. The bracket is only one element in a broader approach to treatment that focuses on improving facial aesthetics and balance.
Conventional brackets use steel or rubber ties to attach the wire onto the bracket. These hold the wire in place. At the same time, they create negative friction which works against the very brackets that create it. Therefore, tooth movement takes time as the friction keeps on trying to slow it down. Damon System braces deploy a unique slide design that produces minimal friction. By reducing the friction, the Damon System moves teeth much more efficiently and by applying much lighter forces.

The Damon System: The Technology

Most products on the market today claim to be ‘wonderful’, ‘revolutionary’ and ‘remarkable’. The Damon bracket , like the others that also make great claims, is only as good as the orthodontist that recommends and applies it. It will not work miracles for everyone.
Having said that, The Damon System does have some standout features that will help patients choose it over and above other products on the market.
Transparent composite components in the bracket mean that orthodontists can recommend the Damon System as a treatment which is discrete and less visible than traditional braces. It is also less likely to stain. At the same time, the edges of the bracket are shaped to give wearers as much comfort as possible.
The bracket slot of the Damon bracket is specially designed to minimise negative friction and optimise tooth movement.
The metal slide is the innovative aspect of the Damon technology. Because the slide does not have to hold the wires in place (hence ‘self-ligating), the wires are free to apply constant pressure to the teeth. So the desired results should be delivered more quickly than with other types of braces.

The Damon System: The Treatment Concept:

The idea behind the Damon System is to transform the way dentists approach orthodontics, rather than simply to launch another product onto the market. Therefore, an important element in the Damon System is the ongoing enhancement of products alongside the ongoing professional development of orthodontists and dental professionals.
Adopting the right approach is seen as critical to the success of the Damon System, so a good orthodontist is essential. Simply utilising Damon brackets, but continuing with the same conventional approaches will only show partial benefits.
In many ways, it is this commitment to an evolving product and to the education of professionals that makes the Damon System stand out.

The Damon System: The Treatment

The Damon System uses very gentle pressure to move teeth quickly and comfortably. The initial wires apply up to 75% less force than traditional brackets. This means that most patients will need to make fewer visits to their dentist and that they will also probably see more tooth movement between visits.
Because the Damon System exerts lighter forces, the braces do not need to be adjusted as often as with conventional braces. Therefore, on average, patients see their dentist up to 10 times fewer than during treatment with conventional braces.

The Damon System: The Advantages

The Damon System has three key selling points which make it attractive to patients:
Extra comfort
Because the unique sliding mechanism of the Damon System reduces friction, the brace exerts less pressure. Therefore, it is more comfortable to wear.

Better aesthetics
The Damon System is not an entirely invisible brace, yet it does show less metal and bracket than a conventional brace.

Faster treatment times
Because the Damon System technology moves teeth more efficiently, the treatment times are usually shorter than with conventional braces. However, you should get a clear idea of treatment times and a full treatment plan from your dentist at the initial consultation stage.

The Damon System: The Disadvantages

As with most dental procedures, it is slightly unfair to claim that there are disadvantages. However, there are aspects of the procedure which some patients may feel comfortable with and which others may not.
Sometimes, people call the Damon System an ‘extraction-free treatment’. It is not. As emphasised, the Damon System is part of an overall approach to treatment based around facial aesthetics and balance. To achieve the desired results, extractions may be appropriate.
For some patients, this broader treatment can also include the wearing of headgear.

The Damon System: The Cost

The Damon System costs more than conventional braces. The reason for this cost is that many patients also buy into the idea that they are getting more than simply braces. For many patients, the reason for choosing the Damon System is the broader approach to improved facial aesthetics that lies behind the product.

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