The Damon System, devised by Dr. Dwight Damon, an orthodontist, employs many of the old mechanisms of braces, but with a couple of innovative exceptions. Regular braces depend on elastics to hold their arch wires in place. Damon Braces are self-ligating, which means that no elastics are necessary, according to Aesthetic Orthodontics. This decreases the discomfort often associated with wearing braces. This orthodontia method also reportedly moves teeth faster, usually without the need for extractions or expansion appliances. As with any braces, you should avoid certain foods that can damage them.
The Difference
The important thing to remember is that Damon Braces are still braces. According to the Damon System website, the big difference is that they use a slide mechanism to hold the wires. But the wire is still there, as vulnerable to what you put in your mouth as the wires associated with other braces, if not more. The Damon System website indicates that the wires used for these braces are lighter, high-tech and involve "shape memory" to move your teeth more quickly and with fewer adjustments. You should eat with extra caution to protect them.
Recommendations
As with all braces, you should stick to soft foods for the first day, according to Scott, Lu, Sorkin & Jarvis Orthodontics. After that, you can graduate to relatively normal eating with the exception of foods that will endanger the shape-memory wires. Dr. Dan Peterson of Family Gentle Dental Care recommends cutting anything questionable or of substance into small, bite-size pieces.
Warnings
Aesthetic Orthodontics warns that you should stay away from all hard or sticky foods, just as you would with all braces. Hard or sticky foods can bend or break the wires and potentially the slide mechanisms. Hard foods include raw vegetables, so eat your vegetables cooked. Hard breads, hard fruits such as apples and tough meats can cause damage. Avoid candies such as licorice, caramel or taffy, which are too chewy, or popcorn, pieces of which can get stuck in your braces. Never chew ice or gum.
Time Frame
Aesthetic Orthodontics advises that most Damon treatments are completed within two years. This is quicker than conventional orthodontia, so if you must give up your favorite foods, it will be for a relatively limited period of time.
Tips
Scott, Lu, Sorkin & Jarvis Orthodontics advises not to panic if a wire does come loose. Push it out of the way with the back of a spoon, a pencil eraser or other blunt object so it doesn't irritate your mouth, and call your orthodontist for an appointment so he can repair it. Also don't worry if your teeth feel loose. It's part of the treatment, the result of their moving into a better position, and it's temporary.
