A Faster, More Comfortable Braces Option

Damon braces are a specific brand of self-ligating braces, not a separate category, think of it like Kleenex and tissues. Damon is one of the most well-known self-ligating systems, manufactured by Ormco, and it uses a sliding-door mechanism to hold the archwire without elastic ties. Other popular self-ligating brands include In-Ovation, Empower, SmartClip, and H4, and they all work on the same core principle: the bracket itself holds the wire in place instead of relying on rubber bands or metal ties. The differences between brands come down to bracket size, whether they’re active or passive, and specific design features, but the treatment experience and results are broadly similar. When you hear someone mention Damon braces, they’re describing a self-ligating system. At your consultation, ask which specific system the practice uses so you know what to expect.

Self-ligating braces may shorten total treatment time by around three to six months compared to traditional braces for many patients, though results vary case by case. That said, the research on this claim is mixed, some peer-reviewed studies have found meaningful time savings while others have found the difference is minimal, and the American Association of Orthodontists has cautioned that treatment speed claims can be overstated. The bigger practical benefits are usually the reduced friction (which can make tooth movement feel gentler) and less frequent adjustment appointments. The overall treatment length still depends heavily on your case complexity, how well you follow care instructions, and how consistently you attend appointments. A straightforward case might finish in 12 to 18 months regardless of bracket type, while complex cases can take two to three years with either system. Your orthodontist will give you a specific timeline at the initial consultation.

Active and passive self-ligating brackets differ in how the built-in door presses against the archwire. Active brackets have a closing mechanism that presses firmly against the wire, applying steady low-friction pressure to help control tooth rotations and torque (the tipping angle of each tooth). Passive brackets have a fully open channel where the wire slides freely without any pressure from the door, minimizing friction and allowing teeth to move with the gentlest possible force. Active brackets are often used later in treatment or in cases needing precise finishing movements, while passive brackets are often preferred earlier in treatment or when the goal is fast, low-friction alignment. Some orthodontists use a combination system, starting with passive brackets and switching to active as the case progresses. The choice depends on your specific bite issues, and your orthodontist decides which type fits your treatment plan best.

Neither is universally “better”, the right choice depends on your case complexity, lifestyle, and how disciplined you’d be about wearing removable trays. Self-ligating braces stay on your teeth 24/7, work well for complex bite corrections and severe crowding, and don’t rely on patient compliance to work. That makes them a strong choice for teens, kids, and anyone who might not consistently wear aligners. Invisalign clear aligners are nearly invisible, come out for meals and brushing, and work best for mild-to-moderate crowding and spacing, but only if worn 20 to 22 hours a day. Invisalign also lets you keep your existing diet and dental hygiene routine, since there’s nothing on the teeth to work around. Self-ligating braces often handle a wider range of orthodontic issues. Cost tends to be comparable between the two. A consultation with Dr. Banasiak is the best way to see which fits your case.

Most self-ligating braces patients come in for adjustments every six to ten weeks, compared to every four to six weeks for traditional braces. That’s because self-ligating brackets don’t require the same amount of hands-on rewiring and elastic-tie replacement at each visit. Each appointment typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, during which the orthodontist checks progress, changes the archwire when needed, and adjusts elastics or other components. Longer intervals between visits are especially convenient for busy adults, college students, and families juggling multiple children’s appointments. During earlier phases of treatment, visits may be a bit more frequent as major movements are dialed in; later phases often stretch out further. Missing scheduled visits can add weeks or months to overall treatment time, so booking your next appointment before leaving the office keeps things on track. Learn more about our Basking Ridge and Mendham office locations for scheduling convenience.

Self-ligating braces may reduce the risk of white spots and enamel demineralization compared to traditional braces, but the difference is smaller than marketing sometimes suggests, and hygiene matters far more than bracket type. The theoretical advantage is that self-ligating brackets lack the elastic ties around each bracket, which are notorious for trapping plaque and food debris. Without those ties, there’s less surface area for bacteria to accumulate, making brushing and flossing more effective. That said, white spots and cavities during orthodontic treatment come primarily from inconsistent brushing, sugary drinks, and poor daily hygiene, not from the bracket system itself. A patient with traditional braces who brushes carefully after every meal will have healthier enamel than someone with self-ligating braces who skips brushing. Regardless of bracket type, brushing after every meal, flossing daily with a floss threader or Waterpik, and using a fluoride rinse are essential to protect enamel during treatment.

Yes, self-ligating braces can be used for children as young as 7 or 8 in cases where early orthodontic treatment is recommended. At this age, treatment is usually part of Phase 1 (early interceptive treatment), a shorter course of partial braces or specialized appliances aimed at correcting jaw growth issues, crossbites, or severe crowding before all adult teeth arrive. Self-ligating brackets can be used during this phase because their gentler pressure and reduced adjustment frequency can make treatment more comfortable for younger patients, who often tolerate longer appointments less well. Most kids don’t need braces on all their teeth at this age, treatment often targets specific teeth or arch expansion instead. Full comprehensive treatment (with braces on every tooth) usually happens later in the early teens once most permanent teeth have come in. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child have a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7 to determine whether early treatment is needed. Learn more on our Youth Orthodontics page.

Self-ligating brackets are highly reliable but can occasionally malfunction, most commonly the small sliding door or clip that holds the archwire in place can pop open, get stuck, or wear out over long treatment periods. If the door on a bracket opens on its own, the archwire may lift out of that bracket and stop applying pressure to that tooth. You might notice it as a bracket that looks different from the others or a wire poking out. The good news is that a stuck-open bracket isn’t painful or dangerous, and the fix is usually quick, the orthodontist closes the door or replaces the bracket in a short repair visit. Broken brackets happen most often from biting hard foods (ice, hard candy, nuts, crusty bread) or from injury. Save any pieces that come off and cover any sharp edges with orthodontic wax until you can be seen. Visit our Emergency Care page for what to do outside office hours.

Clear ceramic self-ligating brackets themselves don’t stain, but the same caveat applies as with regular ceramic braces, over time, discoloration around the edges can occur if oral hygiene is inconsistent or if you consume large amounts of staining foods and drinks. The advantage over traditional ceramic braces is that self-ligating brackets don’t use elastic ties, which are the main things that visibly stain on traditional ceramic braces. So a self-ligating ceramic system tends to look cleaner between appointments than a traditional ceramic system. To keep clear self-ligating brackets looking their best: drink coffee, tea, red wine, and dark sodas through a straw when possible; rinse with water immediately after eating or drinking anything staining; brush thoroughly after meals; and cut back on turmeric, curry, tomato sauce, and berries during treatment. If you’re a heavy coffee or wine drinker and appearance matters, Invisalign may be worth considering since there’s nothing on the teeth to stain.

The Orthodontic Studio offers self-ligating braces at two convenient New Jersey locations. Our Basking Ridge office is at 65 S Maple Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 (908-766-2444), and our Mendham office is at 5 Cold Hill Rd S., Unit 12, Mendham, NJ 07945 (973-543-6644). Both offices are led by Dr. Kenneth Banasiak, a board-certified orthodontist who has treated patients ages 6 to 85 throughout Somerset County, Morris County, and surrounding communities including Bernardsville, Bedminster, Chester, and Morristown. We offer self-ligating braces in both metal and clear ceramic options, along with traditional metal braces, Invisalign clear aligners, and Invisalign Teen. Initial consultations are complimentary and include a full treatment plan and personalized cost estimate, request an appointment online or call the office nearest you.