Self ligating Braces/ Damon braces
Self-ligating braces offer an efficient and comfortable orthodontic treatment option for achieving a beautifully aligned smile.
At Smile Doctor Dental Clinic in Ara Damansara, we provide advanced self-ligating braces including quality reputable brand such as Damon self ligating braces that reduce friction and require fewer adjustments compared to conventional metal braces. Experience the benefits of faster treatment times and greater comfort with self-ligating braces.
What are self ligating braces?
Self-ligating braces are a type of orthodontic braces that use a specialized clip or bracket to hold the archwire in place, rather than traditional elastic ties. This innovative design allows for less friction, reducing pain and more efficient tooth movement.
Benefits of self ligating Braces
Faster Treatment Time
Self-ligating braces often reduce overall treatment time due to more efficient tooth movement.
Greater Comfort
Reduced friction and pressure make these braces more comfortable to wear.
Easier Maintenance
Without elastic ties, self-ligating braces are easier to keep clean, promoting better oral hygiene.
Fewer Appointments
These braces typically require fewer adjustments, meaning fewer visits to the dentist.
The Treatment Process
First visit: Initial consultation
First visit: Initial consultation
The dentist will conduct a thorough evaluation of your dental structure and discuss suitable treatment options. Photos, X-rays and mold of your teeth will be taken as a record to customize your treatment plan. Any scaling and fillings are to be done at this stage before braces placement.
After the initial consultation, 2-3 days will be needed to form a treatment plan. Usually the decision of whether extraction of teeth is needed or not will be done after the treatment plan.
Second visit: Self ligating braces Placement
Teeth will be cleaned and polished to prepare for braces placement. The metal brackets will be precisely bonded to your teeth, connected by an archwire. The wire will be held by closing the gate on the self ligating braces and no elastics will be needed.
At times if the top teeth are biting on the bottom braces, a temporary filling material might be placed on your molars to raise the bite and protect the braces from damage. Braces care instructions will be given as well as reminder on the food to avoid with braces.
Third visit: First month review
After 1 month, the dentist will check the progress of your braces and make adjustments to the braces and wires. As there are no elastics needed for self ligating braces, the reviews are usually short and painless.
Reviews are done every month and the next appointment is scheduled end of the visit. Monthly visits to the dentist for adjustments ensure that your teeth are progressing correctly toward the desired alignment.
Treatment Completion
Once the desired results are achieved, the braces will be removed, and you will be provided with a clear retainer to maintain your new smile. Retainers are to be worn full time for 3 months and subsequently worn only during your sleep.
Caring for your braces
Maintain Oral Hygiene
It is recommended to clean the food out of your metal braces after every meal. Brushing and flossing diligently will help to keep your teeth and braces clean, preventing decay and gum disease.
Adhere to Dietary Guidelines
Avoid hard, sticky, and sugary foods that could damage the braces or cause cavities. If a bracket or wire becomes loose, you will need to visit the dentist as soon as possible to avoid injuries and also prolonging the treatment duration.
Regular Check-Ups
Attend all scheduled orthodontic appointments for necessary adjustments and progress monitoring. The monthly review is important to make sure the teeth are moving as planned.
FAQ for self ligating braces
Typically 1.5-3 years depending on the severity of your case. Self ligating braces usually takes less time as compared to conventional metal braces.
Yes! We are equipped with a 3D intraoral scanner that can show you the before and possible after result of your braces treatment.
It depends on the severity of your dental malalignment as well as the protrusion of your lips. If you are not happy with your facial profile, and you find that your lips are protruded outwards, you may need extraction to bring the teeth inwards during the braces treatment.
However there are also other ways such as distalizing with clear aligners, en mass retraction with screw and so on to move the teeth backwards. Damon self-ligating braces is a type of self ligating braces that can expand the arch and at times prevent the need for extraction.
While we would love to claim that braces are painless, unfortunately, that is usually not the case. The constant discomfort from poking wires and the tight feeling after the monthly review appointment can cause ulcers and make eating painful.
Fortunately, newer technology like Damon self ligating braces are available. With their rounded edges and no need for monthly tightening, it makes them relatively less painful compared to conventional braces.
Clear aligners are another option, and while they don’t cause ulcers, you may still feel some tightness each week when switching to a new set.
For braces other than clear aligners, we will need to see you every month to monitor the progress and check for any dislodged brackets.
As for clear aligners, we can provide up to 3 months’ worth of clear aligner sets for those with busy schedules. However, we still recommend monthly visits to ensure the treatment is progressing as planned.
- Brush your teeth or at least rinse your mouth after every meal.
- Use floss or interdental brushes to clean between braces and under wires.
- Avoid sticky, hard, and sugary foods that can damage braces or cause decay.
Contact the dentist as soon as possible to fix the issue. In the meantime, you can use orthodontic wax to cover any sharp edges and prevent irritation. Do note that each time a bracket or wire comes loose, it will prolong the treatment duration so do be mindful of what you eat!
Yes, retainers help maintain the new position of your teeth and prevent them from shifting back. Retainers are worn full time for the first 3 months after braces removal and is switched to night time wear only after that.
Generally the teeth will shift around after not wearing the retainers for some time. If you want to maintain the braces result, retainers will need to be worn life long.
- Discomfort and soreness. There might be ulcers forming in the mouth so be sure to drink more water to help with the healing.
- Potential for tooth decay or gum disease if proper hygiene is not maintained. Any food that we eat might get trapped on the brackets and wires. If it is not removed right after your meal, it can cause tooth decay to form around the brackets.
- Temporary difficulty in speaking or eating. It will take some time and training but you should be fine in a month’s time.
It will depend on your location. Generally, different types of braces can cost as follows:
- Conventional metal braces: Approximately RM5000-6000
- Self ligating braces/ Damon braces: Approximately RM7000-10000
- Clear aligners: Approximately RM6000-24000