SC Orthodontics · Self-ligating braces
Braces with a built-in slide instead of tiny ties around each bracket. Discover the Damon difference with Dr. Haykani.
The difference, explained
With Damon, the wire is held by a slide built into the bracket. That means no separate elastic ring is needed to hold it in place—a distinctive approach within fixed-braces treatment.
01The mechanism
Most conventional braces use a small elastic ring or metal tie to retain the archwire. Damon brackets close around it with a built-in passive slide. The holding mechanism is part of the bracket itself.
Your orthodontic team opens the slide to access the wire, then closes it again. There is no individual ligature to remove and replace at each bracket. Your teeth still move under a clinician-directed plan, with regular checks and adjustments.
Ligature ties hold the archwire in a bracket. Bite-correcting elastics add force between selected teeth and have a different purpose. Even without the small ligature ties, your Damon plan may still include prescribed elastics. Our guide to rubber bands for braces explains the difference.
Two ways to retain the wire
Conventional tied brackets
Damon passive self-ligating
Conceptual wire-retention diagrams; not model-specific or to scale.
Damon integrates wire retention into the bracket, rather than relying on a separate tie. “Passive” describes that slide; it is not an active spring clip pressing on the wire. This is a mechanical distinction, not a guarantee of faster treatment, fewer visits or less discomfort. Both approaches still need careful planning, good cleaning and follow-through.
02A plan for your bite
For teens and adults considering self-ligating braces, the starting point is the bite—not the bracket name. Dr. Haykani reviews crowding or spaces, tooth positions and dental health before recommending Damon or another approach.
At our Valencia office, bring your dental history, concerns and day-to-day priorities. We discuss your treatment options, an individual time estimate and the responsibilities that come with fixed braces. Read what happens at a first consultation before your visit.
Depending on your case, conventional metal braces, ceramic braces or clear aligners may also be worth considering. Damon stays attached to your teeth, so there are no trays to remove for meals or remember to put back. The tradeoff is cleaning around brackets and avoiding foods that can damage them. Bracket choice alone cannot determine whether you need extractions or additional appliances. Read our braces-versus-aligners guide to compare the routines.
Discuss your goals and examine your teeth and bite. Any records needed for planning help us compare suitable approaches and explain the proposed fee.
Fit the brackets and archwire, then demonstrate brushing, cleaning around the wire and any prescribed elastics. You leave knowing what to do if something rubs or loosens.
Review tooth movement and bite changes; adjust or change wires as needed. When active treatment finishes, follow a retainer plan to help maintain the result.
03Between visits
Your review schedule is individual. At visits we check your bite, movement and appliance—not just the slides. Keep appointments and wear prescribed elastics as directed. Our wire changes and adjustments guide explains what those visits involve.
Brush with fluoride toothpaste and clean between teeth and beneath the wire. Keep your dental checkups, and avoid hard or sticky foods that could damage braces.
No. Plaque can still collect around brackets and along the gumline. Removing the need for small ligature ties does not remove the need for daily cleaning. Ask us to demonstrate a technique that reaches around your appliance.
Practical reading: brushing with braces and brace-friendly foods.
04Beyond active treatment
Teeth can shift after treatment. Follow your individual retainer instructions and contact us if a retainer breaks, is lost or no longer fits.
Before you decide
Your quote depends on the treatment recommended for you, not a price assumed from the bracket brand. At the consultation, ask what is included, how retainers and repairs are handled, and how payments would be scheduled. Start with our fees overview, financing information and insurance guidance.
A little more detail
Understand the appliance, then bring the questions that are personal to you.
Both use brackets and an archwire. With many conventional braces, elastic or metal ties hold the wire in place. Damon uses a built-in passive slide, so wire changes use the bracket’s opening mechanism rather than individual ligature replacement. Both remain fixed appliances that require professional adjustments and daily care.
Possibly. The small ties that hold a wire in a bracket are different from elastics prescribed to help with your bite. Self-ligating brackets do not rule out those elastics or other appliances. Wear only the type and arrangement we prescribe.
Not automatically. The time and visit schedule depend on the tooth movements, bite, appliance plan and how treatment progresses. We discuss a realistic estimate for you rather than a fixed timeline based on the bracket brand.
The Damon system includes metal and clear bracket options. We can explain which option is appropriate for the teeth being treated, and what other parts of the braces will still show. Your bite and treatment needs guide the choice.
Adults and teens can be considered for Damon braces. Suitability depends on your teeth, bite, gum health and treatment goals—not age alone. If you have crowns, implants or a history of gum problems, tell us during your consultation so those factors can be included in planning.
No bracket system makes that decision for you. Space, tooth positions, your bite and supporting tissues guide the plan. Some cases need extractions or other appliances; others do not. We explain the recommendation and alternatives for your own situation before treatment.
Tender teeth or irritation can happen as you adapt to braces and after some adjustments. Softer foods may help initially. Contact us if discomfort is severe, persists or gets worse, rather than assuming it is part of the process.
Call or text the office and describe what happened. Do not try to open or close the bracket yourself or pull on the wire. Orthodontic wax may temporarily help a rubbing spot while you wait for advice; a damaged appliance may need a repair.
Your next step
Explore Damon and other orthodontic options with Dr. Haykani at SC Orthodontics in Valencia, serving Santa Clarita.
Damon braces near you
Directions and timing from your part of the valley.
Also consider
SC Orthodontics · Self-ligating braces
Braces with a built-in slide instead of tiny ties around each bracket. Discover the Damon difference with Dr. Haykani.
The difference, explained
With Damon, the wire is held by a slide built into the bracket. That means no separate elastic ring is needed to hold it in place—a distinctive approach within fixed-braces treatment.
01The mechanism
Most conventional braces use a small elastic ring or metal tie to retain the archwire. Damon brackets close around it with a built-in passive slide. The holding mechanism is part of the bracket itself.
Your orthodontic team opens the slide to access the wire, then closes it again. There is no individual ligature to remove and replace at each bracket. Your teeth still move under a clinician-directed plan, with regular checks and adjustments.
Ligature ties hold the archwire in a bracket. Bite-correcting elastics add force between selected teeth and have a different purpose. Even without the small ligature ties, your Damon plan may still include prescribed elastics. Our guide to rubber bands for braces explains the difference.
Two ways to retain the wire
Conventional tied brackets
Damon passive self-ligating
Conceptual wire-retention diagrams; not model-specific or to scale.
Damon integrates wire retention into the bracket, rather than relying on a separate tie. “Passive” describes that slide; it is not an active spring clip pressing on the wire. This is a mechanical distinction, not a guarantee of faster treatment, fewer visits or less discomfort. Both approaches still need careful planning, good cleaning and follow-through.
02A plan for your bite
For teens and adults considering self-ligating braces, the starting point is the bite—not the bracket name. Dr. Haykani reviews crowding or spaces, tooth positions and dental health before recommending Damon or another approach.
At our Valencia office, bring your dental history, concerns and day-to-day priorities. We discuss your treatment options, an individual time estimate and the responsibilities that come with fixed braces. Read what happens at a first consultation before your visit.
Depending on your case, conventional metal braces, ceramic braces or clear aligners may also be worth considering. Damon stays attached to your teeth, so there are no trays to remove for meals or remember to put back. The tradeoff is cleaning around brackets and avoiding foods that can damage them. Bracket choice alone cannot determine whether you need extractions or additional appliances. Read our braces-versus-aligners guide to compare the routines.
Discuss your goals and examine your teeth and bite. Any records needed for planning help us compare suitable approaches and explain the proposed fee.
Fit the brackets and archwire, then demonstrate brushing, cleaning around the wire and any prescribed elastics. You leave knowing what to do if something rubs or loosens.
Review tooth movement and bite changes; adjust or change wires as needed. When active treatment finishes, follow a retainer plan to help maintain the result.
03Between visits
Your review schedule is individual. At visits we check your bite, movement and appliance—not just the slides. Keep appointments and wear prescribed elastics as directed. Our wire changes and adjustments guide explains what those visits involve.
Brush with fluoride toothpaste and clean between teeth and beneath the wire. Keep your dental checkups, and avoid hard or sticky foods that could damage braces.
No. Plaque can still collect around brackets and along the gumline. Removing the need for small ligature ties does not remove the need for daily cleaning. Ask us to demonstrate a technique that reaches around your appliance.
Practical reading: brushing with braces and brace-friendly foods.
04Beyond active treatment
Teeth can shift after treatment. Follow your individual retainer instructions and contact us if a retainer breaks, is lost or no longer fits.
Before you decide
Your quote depends on the treatment recommended for you, not a price assumed from the bracket brand. At the consultation, ask what is included, how retainers and repairs are handled, and how payments would be scheduled. Start with our fees overview, financing information and insurance guidance.
A little more detail
Understand the appliance, then bring the questions that are personal to you.
Both use brackets and an archwire. With many conventional braces, elastic or metal ties hold the wire in place. Damon uses a built-in passive slide, so wire changes use the bracket’s opening mechanism rather than individual ligature replacement. Both remain fixed appliances that require professional adjustments and daily care.
Possibly. The small ties that hold a wire in a bracket are different from elastics prescribed to help with your bite. Self-ligating brackets do not rule out those elastics or other appliances. Wear only the type and arrangement we prescribe.
Not automatically. The time and visit schedule depend on the tooth movements, bite, appliance plan and how treatment progresses. We discuss a realistic estimate for you rather than a fixed timeline based on the bracket brand.
The Damon system includes metal and clear bracket options. We can explain which option is appropriate for the teeth being treated, and what other parts of the braces will still show. Your bite and treatment needs guide the choice.
Adults and teens can be considered for Damon braces. Suitability depends on your teeth, bite, gum health and treatment goals—not age alone. If you have crowns, implants or a history of gum problems, tell us during your consultation so those factors can be included in planning.
No bracket system makes that decision for you. Space, tooth positions, your bite and supporting tissues guide the plan. Some cases need extractions or other appliances; others do not. We explain the recommendation and alternatives for your own situation before treatment.
Tender teeth or irritation can happen as you adapt to braces and after some adjustments. Softer foods may help initially. Contact us if discomfort is severe, persists or gets worse, rather than assuming it is part of the process.
Call or text the office and describe what happened. Do not try to open or close the bracket yourself or pull on the wire. Orthodontic wax may temporarily help a rubbing spot while you wait for advice; a damaged appliance may need a repair.
Your next step
Explore Damon and other orthodontic options with Dr. Haykani at SC Orthodontics in Valencia, serving Santa Clarita.
Damon braces near you
Directions and timing from your part of the valley.
Also consider
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