Damon Braces: How Self-Ligating Braces Work, Cost, and Results

The Slide Mechanism

Each Damon bracket has a small door or gate that opens and closes. The orthodontist threads the archwire through the bracket and then closes the door to hold the wire in place. Because the wire is not tied down with an elastic, it can slide more freely through the bracket slot.

This passive self-ligation approach uses lighter forces in the early stages of treatment. As teeth begin to align, the orthodontist may switch to stiffer wires and a more active engagement. The goal is to let biology do more of the work with less mechanical resistance.

Damon Braces vs. Traditional Braces

Traditional braces use elastic ligatures that press the wire firmly into the bracket slot. This creates more friction, which requires more force to move teeth. Damon braces reduce this friction, especially in the early alignment phase.

Some clinical studies suggest self-ligating braces may shorten the overall number of appointments because the wire does not need to be re-tied at each visit. However, peer-reviewed research shows mixed results on whether self-ligating braces produce significantly faster tooth movement than traditional brackets. A 2015 Cochrane review found no strong evidence that self-ligating brackets reduce treatment time or produce better outcomes compared to conventional brackets.

• Friction: Damon brackets produce less friction than elastic-tied conventional brackets
• Appointments: Adjustments may be quicker since no elastics need replacing
• Force levels: Lower initial forces may reduce early discomfort
• Hygiene: No elastics means fewer places for plaque to collect around brackets
• Cost: Damon braces often cost slightly more than traditional metal braces

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Damon braces can treat most of the same conditions as traditional braces. These include crowding, spacing gaps, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. They work well for both teens and adults.

Patients with severe skeletal discrepancies (where the jaw itself needs repositioning, not just the teeth) may still need additional appliances or jaw surgery alongside braces. Your orthodontist will evaluate your specific bite and jaw structure to determine whether Damon braces are appropriate for your case.

Before Treatment Begins

Your orthodontist will take digital X-rays, photographs, and impressions or 3D scans of your teeth. These records allow the orthodontist to map out a treatment plan and estimate your treatment timeline. You will discuss your goals, options, and expected costs during this consultation.

Bracket Placement Day

Bonding the brackets to your teeth takes about 60 to 90 minutes. The orthodontist cleans and preps each tooth surface, applies a bonding agent, positions each bracket precisely, and cures the adhesive with a light. A thin archwire is then threaded through the brackets and secured by closing the slide mechanism on each one.

You may feel pressure and mild soreness for the first 3 to 5 days after placement. Over-the-counter pain relievers and a soft food diet help manage this initial discomfort.

During Treatment

Adjustment visits typically occur every 6 to 10 weeks. At each visit, the orthodontist opens the slide mechanism, may replace the archwire with a different gauge or stiffness, and closes the brackets again. Because there are no elastics to remove and replace, adjustments tend to be faster.

You will still need to maintain careful oral hygiene. Brush after every meal, use an interdental brush or floss threader to clean around brackets, and avoid hard or sticky foods that could damage the brackets or wires.

Days 1 to 7

Expect mild to moderate soreness, especially when chewing. The inside of your cheeks and lips may feel irritated as soft tissues adjust to the brackets. Orthodontic wax applied over any bracket that rubs can ease this. Stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and smoothies.

Weeks 2 to 4

Soreness decreases significantly. Most patients return to their normal diet, avoiding only very hard or sticky foods. You may begin to notice slight tooth movement, though visible changes usually take a few months.

Months 3 to 6

Crowding and spacing often show noticeable improvement by this point. Your orthodontist may switch to stiffer archwires to begin correcting the bite. Adjustment appointments continue every 6 to 10 weeks.

Final Phase and Retention

Once your teeth reach their target positions, the brackets are removed in a 30- to 45-minute debonding appointment. The orthodontist cleans remaining adhesive from your teeth.

Retainers are required after any orthodontic treatment to prevent teeth from shifting back. Your orthodontist may recommend a fixed (bonded) retainer, a removable clear retainer, or a Hawley retainer. Most patients wear retainers full-time for the first 3 to 6 months, then nightly long-term.

What Affects the Price

Several factors influence the total cost of Damon braces treatment.

• Case complexity: Mild crowding costs less to treat than severe bite problems
• Bracket type: Damon Clear brackets typically cost $500 to $1,000 more than Damon Q metal brackets
• Geographic location: Urban areas and high cost-of-living regions tend to have higher fees
• Treatment duration: Longer cases require more appointments and materials
• Orthodontist experience: Board-certified orthodontists with specialized training in the Damon system may charge higher fees

Insurance and Payment Options

Most dental insurance plans that cover orthodontics will cover Damon braces at the same rate as traditional braces. Orthodontic benefits typically have a lifetime maximum of $1,000 to $2,500. Some plans restrict coverage to patients under age 19.

Many orthodontic offices offer in-house payment plans that spread the cost over the length of treatment with little or no interest. FSA (flexible spending accounts) and HSA (health savings accounts) can also be used toward orthodontic expenses.