To the uninformed, fixed braces might seem like some antiquated throwback to American high school dramas: Something worn for kitsch, or because they are cheap. They might say things like ‘in a world where you can have clear removable aligners, why would you want fixed braces?’ For the record, these imagined people would be morons (or at least severely uninformed). Fixed braces are still with us because they are one of the most effective and versatile orthodontic treatments available. Removable aligners are also only suitable for certain problems, whereas fixed braces can tackle even the most complicated of bite problems. The removable aligner, therefore, is not the technological advancement of the fixed brace. Damon and In-Ovation R braces, however, are.

What are Damon braces?

Damon braces utilise a unique ‘sliding door’ mechanism which eliminates the need for elastic in your braces. This allows your teeth to move without friction, making both your experience with your braces much more comfortable and the brace itself easier to clean. The absence of elastic also means fewer adjustment appointments! Their special design also improves treatment time: Treatment can be cut by up to 25% with Damon braces. Damon braces are also more discreet as they utilise a ceramic-reinforced bracket system which can be coloured to fit in with your teeth’s natural appearance. They braces will not be invisible, but they won’t be too obvious either.

What are In-Ovation R braces?

Much like Damon braces, In-Ovation R braces are ‘self-litigating’. Both Damon and In-Ovation R braces offer similar advantages to each other, meaning they are both faster and more comfortable than conventional fixed braces.

The benefits of fixed braces

Aside from the advantages mentioned in the opening paragraph, one of the benefits of fixed braces is that they cannot be removed. This may seem a little odd, but allowing you to remove your braces opens up a vista of potential for human error: Removable aligners need to be worn for between 20 – 22 hours a day. Forgetting to put them back on can delay treatment and sometimes undo all of the orthodontic progress you’ve achieved. With fixed braces, you have no such problems.