Treatments & Appliances
6 min read • By Dr. Kevin Baharvand, Diplomate, American Board of Orthodontics
Damon braces get marketed hard. Faster treatment, fewer appointments, wider smiles, no tightening, sometimes even "no extractions." Patients bring me the brochures. So let me give you the straight version, because I use self-ligating braces when they fit and I have no reason to oversell or trash them. The truth sits somewhere between the hype and the skeptics.
What are Damon braces?
Damon braces are a brand of self-ligating braces. Regular metal braces hold the archwire in place with a small elastic tie, the colored band you replace at every visit. Self-ligating brackets skip the tie and use a tiny sliding door or clip built into the bracket instead. That's the whole mechanical difference. Damon is simply the best-marketed name in that category, made by Ormco, but several companies make self-ligating systems.
The claims, and what the research actually says
| The marketing claim | What the evidence shows |
|---|---|
| "Much faster treatment" | Systematic reviews find no meaningful difference in overall treatment time versus conventional braces. |
| "Far fewer appointments" | Chair time per visit may be slightly shorter, but the total number of visits is similar. |
| "Grows a wider smile / avoids extractions" | You can't grow bone width in an adult. Whether you need extractions depends on your case, not the bracket brand. |
| "Less pain" | Evidence on comfort is mixed. Some patients feel less pressure, but it's not a guarantee. |
None of this means Damon braces are bad. It means the dramatic before-and-afters in the ads come from skilled orthodontics, not from the clip. The American Association of Orthodontists makes the same point: the specialist's treatment plan drives your result.
The real pros and cons
Here's what's actually true, stripped of the sales pitch:
- Genuine perks: no elastic ties to change (so slightly quicker adjustments), a low-profile look, easy to keep clean around the bracket, and less friction on the wire in theory.
- Honest downsides: they usually cost more than standard metal braces, you can't do the fun elastic colors kids love, and they won't finish your case faster than a well-run conventional setup.
Are Damon braces right for you?
Self-ligating braces are a perfectly good choice for many patients, especially adults who want a clean look and don't care about colors. But if a practice is selling you Damon as a shortcut that no other option can match, be a little skeptical. We offer traditional braces, clear ceramic braces, self-ligating options, and clear aligners, and we recommend based on your bite, your goals, and your life, not on which product has the slickest brochure.
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Why families trust Elate Orthodontics
With over 1,000 five-star reviews across three locations, Elate Orthodontics is led by Dr. Kevin Baharvand, DMD, MS, a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, whose clinical work was recently selected for the cover of the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, the most prestigious peer-reviewed journal in the field, and a national speaker on clear aligner treatment. Alongside Dr. Julia Kang, DMD, MS, both Boston University graduates and members of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon national honor society, our husband-and-wife team has been recognized as D Magazine Best Dentist 2026, Living Magazine Readers' Choice 2026 Best Orthodontist in Frisco & Plano, Readers' Choice Best Orthodontist in The Colony, Best New Business by the Chamber of Commerce, Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite, and featured in Orthotown and Authority Magazine.
We serve families through three convenient offices in West Frisco, North Frisco, and The Colony, each staffed by the same trusted team, equipped with advanced technology, and committed to the personalized approach that consistently helps patients finish treatment sooner than expected. From braces and clear braces to Angel Aligners, we offer treatment for every age and every stage of life. We stay in-network with most insurance plans and offer flexible financing to make exceptional orthodontic care accessible for every family we serve.
Need general and family dentistry too? Our sister practice, Tribute Family Dentistry, provides dental care for all ages.
