Self-Ligating Braces (Damon System)

Self-ligating braces are fixed braces whose brackets have a built-in clip or sliding door that holds the archwire, instead of the small elastic rings or wire ties used on conventional braces. Damon is the best-known brand; others include In-Ovation and Clarity SL, and both metal and ceramic versions exist.

They straighten teeth as effectively as conventional braces, with quicker wire changes and no elastics to stain. Good-quality trials have not confirmed the claims of markedly faster treatment, less pain or fewer extractions, so choose them for convenience rather than speed.

What Self-Ligating Braces (Damon System) involves

After records are taken (photographs, a 3D scan or impressions, a panoramic X-ray and a side-view skull X-ray), the orthodontist plans tooth movements. At the fitting visit the teeth are cleaned, etched and dried, and each bracket is bonded in a precise position with light-cured adhesive. A thin, flexible nickel-titanium wire is placed and each bracket's door is clicked shut over it. At later visits the doors are opened, the wire is changed for progressively stiffer ones, and elastics between upper and lower teeth may be added to correct the bite. When the result is reached, brackets are removed, the enamel is polished and retainers are fitted the same day.

Who is a good candidate for Self-Ligating Braces (Damon System)?

Anyone suitable for fixed braces is suitable for self-ligating ones; the question is whether the visit pattern works for you.

• Teenagers and adults with crowding, spacing or bite problems that need fixed appliances
• People who want fewer and shorter adjustment appointments
• Patients who struggle to keep elastic ties clean or dislike their staining
• Those wanting a ceramic, less visible fixed option

It is usually not the right choice if:

• People who live abroad and cannot attend adjustments every 6 to 10 weeks for 12 to 24 months
• Untreated gum disease or active decay, which must be dealt with first
• Mild alignment problems that clear aligners could correct with less visibility
• Severe jaw discrepancies that need orthognathic surgery in addition to braces

Technique options

• Passive self-ligating (Damon): The door does not press on the wire, giving low friction in early alignment.
• Active self-ligating: A spring clip presses on the wire for more control in finishing stages.
• Ceramic self-ligating: Tooth-coloured brackets for the front teeth; slightly bulkier and more fragile.
• Conventional braces or clear aligners: Equally valid alternatives; aligners suit remote monitoring better.

What happens during your treatment

Fitting takes 60 to 90 minutes and is not painful; no anaesthesia is needed. Teeth ache for 3 to 5 days after fitting and for a day or two after each wire change. Brackets can rub the cheeks at first, and relief wax helps. Adjustment visits last 10 to 20 minutes.

Preparing for your trip

Braces are a course of treatment, not a one-off. Expect adjustment visits every 6 to 10 weeks over 12 to 24 months. For medical travellers this only works if you visit Istanbul regularly, live there part of the year, or have an orthodontist at home who agrees to continue with the same bracket system. Emergency repairs for a loose bracket need someone local.

• Tell the doctor about medication, allergies, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and any history of cold sores, keloid scars or autoimmune disease
• Avoid alcohol, aspirin and anti-inflammatory painkillers for a few days beforehand if your own doctor agrees, to reduce bruising
• Arrive without make-up on the treatment area and avoid sunbeds and strong sun for two weeks before

Recovery and results

There is no downtime. Eat soft foods for the first few days and avoid hard, sticky and chewy foods throughout. Brush after every meal and use interdental brushes and fluoride mouthwash. After removal, retainers are worn full-time for some months and then at night indefinitely; a bonded wire behind the front teeth is often added.

• Back to everyday activity: None
• When results show: Visible alignment in 2 to 4 months
• How long they last: Lasting with lifelong retainer wear

Safety, risks and revision policy

Risks are the same as with any fixed brace and mostly relate to cleaning and compliance.

• White spot decalcification or decay around brackets with poor brushing
• Gum inflammation
• Shortening of tooth roots, usually minor
• Loose brackets or broken doors needing repair
• Mouth ulcers from rubbing
• Relapse if retainers are not worn

Every written proposal arranged through Clinic-Y states what the clinic covers if a correction is needed. Ask for it before you book, not after.

Cost of Self-Ligating Braces (Damon System) in Türkiye

Clinic-Y does not publish a single price for Self-Ligating Braces (Damon System), because the honest figure depends on your case. What moves it:

• Metal or ceramic brackets and brand
• Complexity and length of treatment
• Number of visits and any repairs
• Retainers and their replacement
• Extractions or mini-screws if needed

Send your photographs or reports and you receive written, all-inclusive proposals from suitable teams, side by side. Reviewing your case is free.

Frequently Asked Questions