Damon (self-ligating) braces

Page updated October 14, 2026. Medically reviewed by Dr. Abraham Thomas and Dr. Jennifer Loucks-Buren.

Damon braces are a brand of self-ligating braces: instead of elastic ties, each bracket has a built-in door or clip that holds the wire. They can mean shorter appointments and easier cleaning, but research so far finds them no faster or more effective overall than regular braces, and published costs are in the same range or higher.

What Damon braces are

All braces use brackets and an archwire. With traditional braces, tiny elastic bands or metal ties, called ligatures, hold the wire in each bracket (Healthline). Self-ligating brackets have a door on the front that holds the wire instead, so no elastic ring is needed (AAO). Damon is one self-ligating system (Healthline). The AAO describes self-ligating braces as a modern twist on traditional braces with built-in clips or doors (AAO).

Damon braces come in metal or with clear brackets (Healthline), and treat the same kinds of problems as other braces, including overbites, underbites, uneven and crowded teeth (Healthline). Because there are no ties, self-ligating brackets don't use the colored o-rings that many people choose for regular braces (AAO).

How any braces move teeth

Whatever holds the wire, braces work the same way: steady pressure on a tooth causes bone to be broken down on one side of the root and rebuilt on the other, so the tooth moves (AAO). The archwire can be held by ties, small wires, rubber rings, or the little doors of self-ligating brackets (AAO). As teeth move, the orthodontist adjusts or replaces the wire to keep the pressure right (AAO). That's why the type of bracket matters less than the treatment plan and how consistently you follow it.

Active vs passive self-ligating brackets

There are two kinds, both with a small door or gate that closes over the bracket (Healthline):

• Active: a sliding spring clip presses against the wire, applying force.
• Passive: a simple slide that doesn't press on the wire.

Either way, you still need regular adjustment visits, where your orthodontist checks progress and may change the wire (Healthline).

Damon braces vs regular braces

What the research says

Some orthodontists say self-ligating braces work faster, hurt less or need fewer visits. Healthline, reviewing the studies, says most of these claims aren't supported (Healthline):

• Speed: a 2011 study of patients who had extractions found no difference in treatment time or number of visits. A 2019 study found upper teeth aligned faster in the first 4 months (Healthline).
• Effectiveness: a 2017 review of 20 studies found no significant difference from traditional braces (Healthline).
• Stability: a 2014 study found no difference in how well results held long term (Healthline).
• Pain: in a 2014 study, people with traditional braces reported more pain, but the difference wasn't statistically significant (Healthline).

Healthline's conclusion: Damon braces offer some advantages, such as easier cleaning, but aren't necessarily better, and some orthodontists choose them mostly out of personal preference (Healthline).

How much Damon braces cost

We haven't found a survey of what patients actually pay for Damon or other self-ligating braces, so treat these figures with care:

As with any braces, your price depends on how much correction you need, how long treatment takes and the orthodontist (Healthline). Dental insurance with orthodontic benefits may cover part of the cost (Healthline). Ask for a quote for both regular and self-ligating braces for the same case, and see metal braces cost and our braces cost calculator.

Insurance and paying for self-ligating braces

If your dental plan includes orthodontic benefits, it may cover part of the cost, so check before you start (Healthline). Plans usually pay up to a lifetime maximum; in OrthoFi data for 2021 cited by Align, orthodontic coverage averaged $1,772 (Align, citing OrthoFi). Some plans only pay what standard braces would cost and leave you the difference for a pricier option (Healthline), so ask whether self-ligating brackets count as an upgrade. Many orthodontists offer payment plans (Healthline); see braces payment plans and dental insurance for braces.

Who self-ligating braces suit

Because Damon braces correct many of the same problems as regular braces, Healthline says most people are likely candidates (Healthline). Whether you get them depends on your condition, your treatment plan and your budget (Healthline), and on your orthodontist's preference: some prefer the system, but you can get the same results with other braces (Healthline). If longer gaps between visits matter to you, mention it; the AAO says self-ligating brackets generally allow more time between appointments (AAO).

Damon braces vs Invisalign

Clear aligners are removable and nearly invisible, but must be worn at least 22 hours a day (AAO). Damon braces, including the clear version, are fixed in place all day (Healthline), so they work without you remembering to wear them. Aligners typically treat light to moderate problems (AAO). Compare costs on Invisalign vs braces, and all options on types of braces.

Downsides of self-ligating braces

• Bracket failure: opening and closing the doors repeatedly causes wear, so they may not stay closed as well; replacing a bracket means a longer visit and possibly longer treatment (Healthline). A door that opens may need an emergency visit (Healthline).
• The usual risks of braces: tooth decay if food gets trapped, and teeth moving back if you don't wear your retainer afterward (Healthline).
• Possibly higher cost (Healthline).
• Fewer looks: no colored ties to change.

Cleaning self-ligating braces

Without ties to trap food, self-ligating braces may be a little easier to clean (Healthline), but food can still get caught around any brackets and raise the risk of decay (Healthline). The AAO's routine applies: brush after meals, use an interproximal brush for hard-to-reach spots, floss at least once a day, and rinse with water after sugary drinks (AAO).

Questions to ask your orthodontist

• Why do you recommend self-ligating brackets for my case?
• What would regular braces cost for the same treatment?
• Will I have fewer or shorter visits, and how often?
• Are bracket repairs included in the fee?
• Are clear self-ligating brackets an option, and do they cost more?