Correct crowding, spacing and bite concerns with a self-ligating braces system backed by extensive clinical experience. At Christensen Orthodontics, we provide Damon™ braces in South Jordan, Utah, for children, teens and adults who need fixed orthodontic treatment and personalized care.
Dr. Todd Christensen has 12 years of experience with self-ligating braces and has completed more than 6,000 Damon cases. He will evaluate your teeth, bite and treatment goals before explaining whether Damon braces, traditional braces or clear aligners offer the right approach for your smile.
Call 801-446-5548 to schedule a Damon braces consultation.
What Are Damon Braces?
Damon braces are a type of fixed orthodontic treatment that uses self-ligating brackets. Instead of using elastic ties to hold the orthodontic wire in each bracket, the Damon system uses a built-in mechanism that secures the wire.
The brackets remain attached to the teeth and work continuously. During progress visits, Dr. Christensen monitors how the teeth and bite are responding and makes adjustments based on the treatment plan.
Damon braces may be used to address:
- Crowded, crooked or overlapping teeth
- Gaps and uneven spacing
- Rotated or displaced teeth
- Overbites, underbites, crossbites and open bites
- Teeth that do not meet evenly
- Alignment that has shifted after previous treatment
- Other dental and skeletal alignment concerns
No orthodontic system is right for every patient. Dr. Christensen will determine whether Damon braces can provide the control required for your individual case.
What Does Self-Ligating Mean?
Traditional braces commonly use small elastic ties to secure the wire to the brackets. Self-ligating brackets use a built-in component that opens and closes around the wire.
This bracket design changes how the wire is held, but the overall goal remains the same: applying planned orthodontic forces to move teeth and improve the bite. Treatment results still depend on the diagnosis, treatment plan, patient response and cooperation with instructions.
Damon braces are sometimes promoted with broad promises about treatment speed, comfort or appointment frequency. Those outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Dr. Christensen will provide expectations based on your teeth and bite rather than making general claims that may not apply to your case.
Why Experience With Damon Braces Matters
The appliance is only one part of orthodontic treatment. Diagnosis, treatment planning and ongoing clinical decisions determine how the system is used.
Dr. Christensen has treated more than 6,000 Damon cases and has worked with self-ligating braces for 12 years. This experience includes children, teens and adults with varying levels of crowding, spacing and bite complexity.
His experience allows him to:
- Determine when Damon braces are appropriate
- Plan treatment around the patient’s bite and facial balance
- Monitor tooth movement and make adjustments when needed
- Recognize when another braces system or clear aligners may be preferable
- Address both the functional and aesthetic goals of treatment
Our recommendation will be based on your individual needs rather than the assumption that one orthodontic system is best for everyone.
How Damon Braces Treatment Is Planned
Treatment begins with a detailed evaluation of your teeth, bite, jaw relationships and goals. Digital X-rays or an intraoral scan may be used to provide additional information and create an accurate digital model of your teeth.
After reviewing the findings, Dr. Christensen will explain:
- What is affecting your teeth or bite
- Whether Damon braces are recommended
- What movements treatment needs to accomplish
- Whether elastics or another appliance may be needed
- What you can expect during progress visits
- How your daily habits can support treatment
- How retention will help protect the final alignment
You will have the opportunity to compare Damon braces with other appropriate treatments before deciding how to proceed.
Damon Braces Compared With Traditional Braces
Damon braces and traditional braces are both fixed treatments that use brackets and wires to move teeth. The primary difference is how the wire is held within each bracket.
- Damon braces: Use a built-in self-ligating mechanism to secure the wire.
- Traditional braces: Commonly use elastic ties to secure the wire to each bracket.
Both systems can be effective when they are appropriately planned and managed. The bracket design alone does not determine the quality of the result.
Dr. Christensen has completed more than 6,000 Damon cases and more than 2,000 traditional braces cases. His experience with both systems allows him to recommend the option that fits the required tooth movement and the patient’s individual needs.
Damon Braces Compared With Clear Aligners
Damon braces are fixed to the teeth, while clear aligners are removable.
Fixed braces work continuously and do not depend on the patient remembering to insert trays. They may be a good fit for patients who need detailed control or prefer not to manage removable appliances.
Clear aligners are less noticeable and can be removed for meals and oral hygiene. They require consistent daily wear and careful storage.
The decision depends on your bite, required tooth movement, preferences and ability to follow treatment instructions. Dr. Christensen will explain the advantages and responsibilities of each appropriate option.
Damon Braces for Children, Teens and Adults
Self-ligating braces may be used at different stages of life. The right time to begin depends on dental development, jaw growth and the condition being treated.
Damon Braces for Children
Some children benefit from fixed braces while permanent teeth and jaws are still developing. Dr. Christensen has completed more than 5,000 early orthodontic cases and can determine whether a child needs treatment or continued monitoring.
Learn more about early care on our Phase One Treatment page.
Damon Braces for Teens
Damon braces may be an option for teenagers with crowding, spacing or bite concerns. Because the braces remain attached to the teeth, they do not require teens to remember a daily aligner schedule.
Visit our Teen Orthodontics page for more information about treatment during adolescence.
Damon Braces for Adults
Adults may choose Damon braces to address long-standing alignment or bite problems, complex movements or teeth that have shifted after earlier orthodontic care.
Our Adult Orthodontics page explains additional options for adult patients.
What To Expect During Treatment
After your braces are placed, you may notice pressure or tenderness as your mouth adjusts. Similar sensations may occur after certain progress visits. This is common with orthodontic treatment and typically improves with time.
During follow-up visits, our orthodontist will:
- Evaluate tooth movement and bite changes
- Check the brackets and wires
- Make adjustments based on your progress
- Review elastic wear or other instructions
- Answer questions about comfort and home care
Appointment frequency and treatment length vary. Dr. Christensen will provide an individualized estimate after evaluating your case.
Caring for Damon Braces
Food and plaque can collect around any fixed orthodontic appliance. Careful brushing, flossing and food choices help protect your teeth and appliances.
Patients with Damon braces should:
- Brush carefully around the brackets and gumline
- Floss using the technique recommended by our team
- Avoid hard, sticky or chewy foods that may damage braces
- Wear elastics or other appliances as directed
- Use orthodontic wax for temporary irritation when appropriate
- Keep scheduled progress visits
- Contact our office if a bracket or wire feels loose or sharp
Our team will show you how to clean around your braces and answer questions as you adjust to treatment.
Protecting Your Results After Damon Braces
Once active treatment is complete, your teeth need support as they settle into their improved positions. Dr. Christensen will provide a retainer and explain how often it should be worn.
Retainer wear is essential because teeth can shift after any type of orthodontic treatment. Following your retention plan helps preserve the result created with Damon braces.
Frequently Asked Questions About Damon Braces
How are Damon braces different from traditional braces?
Damon braces use self-ligating brackets with a built-in mechanism that holds the orthodontic wire. Traditional braces commonly use elastic ties. Both are fixed treatments, and the better choice depends on the movements your case requires.
Are Damon braces faster than traditional braces?
Treatment time depends on your bite, tooth movement, case complexity and response to treatment. A particular bracket system cannot guarantee faster results. Dr. Christensen will provide an individualized estimate after evaluating your smile.
Are Damon braces more comfortable?
Any braces system can cause pressure or tenderness as teeth begin moving or after adjustments. Individual experiences vary. Our team will explain what to expect and provide guidance for temporary discomfort.
Can adults use Damon braces?
Yes. Damon braces may be used for adults as well as children and teens. Dr. Christensen will evaluate your oral health, bite and required tooth movement before recommending treatment.
What should I do if a bracket or wire feels loose?
Call 801-446-5548 for guidance. Do not attempt to remove or repair the appliance yourself. Our team will determine whether you need an appointment and explain how to remain comfortable.
Will I need a retainer after Damon braces?
Yes. Teeth can shift after orthodontic treatment. Wearing your retainer as directed helps maintain the alignment achieved with Damon braces.
Do you provide Damon braces near Riverton, Sandy and Herriman?
Yes. Christensen Orthodontics welcomes Damon braces patients from South Jordan, Riverton, Sandy, Draper, West Jordan, Herriman and surrounding communities in Utah.
Schedule a Damon Braces Consultation
Find out whether Damon braces are the right fixed orthodontic treatment for your smile. Call Christensen Orthodontics at 801-446-5548 or contact our office to schedule a consultation in South Jordan, Utah.
801-446-5548