Damon System Archives

Never Too Late To Change Your Smile

October 11, 2013 by Momstart 2 Comments

As you know, I’m a Damon Diva (compensated for my time) working on a new smile and I’m almost there. It’s been quite a journey and I’ve found that it’s a much more common story than I once thought. More adults than ever before are seeking treatment for a healthier, more perfect smile, including moms like yourself. Inspired by this and to celebrate the recent wedding of Bethany Hamilton, “Soul Surfer” and Damon® Smile endorser, the makers of Damon Smile shared “Never Too Late”—an infographic that depicts the reasons why consumers of all ages should consider investing in the smile they’ve always dreamed of. The infographic also illustrates the facts and figures behind the benefits of a better smile and combats the fears adults most commonly associate with wearing braces.

There’s lots of great information within the Damon Smile infographic, titled “Never Too Late” and some highlights include:

Appearance: Many adults believe that braces are unsightly and bulky, but with the clear, aesthetic braces available today—such as Damon Clear™—consumers have a more subtle treatment option
Time: Today’s consumer wants fast treatment and fortunately Damon Smile reduces treatment time by six months, on average
Cost: To ease the financial burden of braces, many orthodontists offer flexible payment plans that help mitigate costs. Additionally, most insurance providers will cover up to 50 percent of treatment
Discomfort: Today’s braces are less invasive than orthodontic appliances of the past, preventing pain and reducing the need for extractions and headgears

To locate a nearby Damon Smile orthodontist, please visit the online Damon Doctor Locator or go to www.DamonBraces.com.

Be sure to connect with DamonSmile on Facebook at facebook.com/DamonSystemBraces, or Twitter at @DamonBraces.

The Third and Fourth Months with Damon Clear Braces

May 14, 2013 by Momstart 2 Comments

The Third and Fourth Months with Damon Clear Braces

I’m a Damon Diva and this is my experience with the Damon Clear, virtually invisible, brackets for the third and fourth months as part of the campaign working with the Damon System.

I feel like I never told you how the second month with the Damon System went and let me say that it was about the second month that I was able to start eating harder foods. Once I found out I was able to eat different things, I started trying all the foods I loved. I got to the point where I was pretty much able to eat all foods. I found crunchy veggies to be a challenge even cut up very finely, which is why I purchased a juicer. Meats that are overcooked, I can’t chew, but who wants to eat overcooked meat anyway?

The Third and Fourth months have been really uneventful. My teeth moved a lot in the first two months and then it wasn’t until the third month that I went in for another appointment. It was the adjustment appointment that most people have with conventional braces except I found out that they usually have those appointments every two to four weeks. I’m so glad my appointments are spread out further. My gap was gone at the end of two months, actually my gap was gone within the first month.

At the second appointment, the orthodontist changed the wire to a thicker wire and it happened so fast. They take out the wire, measure the new one, put it in and then clip the ends off. I wasn’t sore after the appointment, I was a little sore when it came to chewing and it took me a few days to eat everything I loved again but I was determined to eat. So I just did it. My teeth started moving again, I have a gap on the bottom right side which is what the orthodontist wants to happen on both sides, hopefully that will happen soon because I want to move along and get the final result as soon as possible. If it’s possible, I want them off by November of this year (my sister is getting married). I’ll be fine if I still have them on because my friends said that my smile looks amazing regardless of the braces.

Debunking the Myths of Wearing Braces

April 19, 2013 by Momstart 7 Comments

Debunking the Myths of Wearing Braces

The Myths of wearing braces:

· Braces are painful

Only at first are braces painful. I’m going to be honest and say that yeah, when you first have them put on it’s not until the next day that they ache and then eating is hard. I wasn’t able to eat regular foods for two months, but I think it really depends on your pain tolerance. A friend of mine said her son had braces a week after I did and he never took a break from real food. She was a little disappointed because she was hoping to save on the grocery bill for a few months not having her teenage boy eat her out of house and home for 18 months. After the two months I was eating everything except bread and all those foods that might break the brackets off, which is just really really hard crunchy stuff like chips, popcorn and nuts. So my mouth ached for two months, third month no. Then I had a new wire put in and then my mouth was sore for a day. Only a day!

· Braces are bulky, metal and not visually appealing

My braces, from the Damon System allow for my teeth to move along a wire because of how the bracket system is designed and they are not bulky in any way. My braces do not have to be adjusted, instead they change a wire at my appointments, going to larger wires. We also use rubber bands that are very thin and small and not noticeable. I have the Damon Clear, virtually invisible, brackets for my treatment on my top teeth, and now they have them available for the bottom teeth too. My friends said that they don’t even notice the top braces.

· You can’t eat anything with braces

Only for the first two month did I feel like I couldn’t eat anything. After the first two months I was eating regular foods. I tend to stay away from all the foods that were on the DO NOT EAT list. I’m also hesitant to eat crunchy veggies but I can eat them. I’ve been using my juicer instead. And there are lots of different foods you can eat even if you want to stay away from crunching. You can have oatmeal, yogurt, cereal, soup, potatoes, pasta and lots of other foods.

· People won’t take me seriously with braces

NOT TRUE AT ALL! Everyone that I have run into looks at my braces and says things like: I want braces so bad, or I had braces as a child, make sure you wear your retainer, I didn’t and now I need braces again. I’ve been asked to speak in front of people and do video campaigns on my blog. No one cares if I have braces in fact they are practically ecstatic for me because they know that I’m going to be very happy with the end result and I can’t wait for the end result.

I have not been passed up for a single campaign due to my braces.

If you’re interested in finding out more information or if the Damon System is right for you then use the Doctor Locator to find your nearest Damon System orthodontist and ask them how you may benefit from Damon Braces.

I’m a Damon Diva and am being compensated for my time and will be treated with the Damon System and sharing that experience with you.

A Way to Keep Your Smile Healthy

April 15, 2013 by Momstart Leave a Comment

As a Damon Diva I receive compensation for posts, the the Damon Clear, virtually invisible, brackets for my treatment from the Damon System. It’s quite impressive having the invisible brackets on top because most people don’t even notice until they look really close. As I told you yesterday, this is Oral Care Awareness month and this is separate from the Damon System, but it’s another way you might want to take care of your already amazing smile.

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, virtually all adults—99 percent—believe a smile is an important social asset. With that statistic in mind, DenMat—the makers of LUMINEERS—announced the introduction of its inaugural National LUMIDay, a nationwide initiative dedicated to elevating consumer awareness around the importance of improving smiles and maintaining oral hygiene. National LUMIDay will take place on April 24, 2013.

Clinically proven, LUMINEERS are ultra-thin, highly translucent veneers that reshape and whiten teeth in just two office visits. More than 13,000 dentists nationwide use LUMINEERS, with more than a quarter of a million patients treated. Unlike painful procedures commonly associated with traditional veneers, such as shots and the drilling of sensitive tooth structure, LUMINEERS transform smiles through a seamless application process that keeps teeth intact, resulting in a more natural-looking smile.

“I offer my patients LUMINEERS to help them achieve the smiles they’ve always wanted, in a short amount of time,” said Dr. David Ouellet, dentist. “From whitening stains to correcting chipped or crooked teeth, the results I can produce with LUMINEERS are unparalleled. Additionally, for prospective patients hesitant about the process, the LUMINEERS experience offers a digital smile makeover that creates a set of before and after photos to virtually show what a person’s final smile will look like before undergoing the process.”

As part of its National LUMIDay celebration, LUMINEERS dentists are also educating patients on oral cancer detection and proper dental care in recognition of April’s Oral Cancer Awareness Month. For the fifth consecutive year, there has been an increase in the number of U.S. patients diagnosed with oral and oropharyngeal cancer, and more than 8,000 fatal cases are expected to occur in 2013. Creating awareness of proactive oral screening exams and the symptoms to be mindful of contributes to earlier disease detection and helps to reverse unfavorable statistics.

To book an appointment with a LUMINEERS dentist on National LUMIDay, please visit www.lumineers.com.

My First Orthodontic Appointment EVER

January 11, 2013 by Momstart 4 Comments

My First Orthodontic Appointment EVER

I recently visited the Orthodontist Dr. Matthew K. Bruner who comes highly recommended. At my appointment I was really impressed with his office—he was working on four different patients all at the same time. Considering I’ve never been to an orthodontist, I wouldn’t have any idea if this was normal or not, but it sure seems to raise efficiency.

At my appointment they took a lot of photos. They took a photo of my profile, my mouth open and my mouth closed. Then they took photos of my teeth. They put these mouth openers, they were placed on both sides and they took photos of all angles of my teeth with a camera much like mine. Then they used a machine that took a 180 degree x-ray of my teeth. This allowed them to look at my roots and overall health of my mouth and teeth. Damon System orthodontists are trained to take the whole patient into account: the shape of your face, your profile, what you will look like into your 40s, 50s… and beyond. The Damon System is based on a unique treatment philosophy that goes beyond straight teeth.

From this Dr. Bruner was able to determine that I have a Class 3 overbite and that many of my teeth do not line up. You can see on the photo which teeth aren’t lined up by the pen marks Dr. Bruner drew on teeth. The bottom of my chin is not quite lined up with the center of my eyes. That kind of correction could have been fixed if I had braces earlier in life but now my mouth is pretty much formed. They are however, going to try and move my jaw back with the Damon System. We did go over all options, I even asked about invisible liners and he said they wouldn’t solve the problems that I have. Liners can not move my teeth back to correct the class three overbite, or allow my teeth to adjust gradually over the next 18 months.

And I’m really excited that they will be using the Damon Clear, virtually invisible, brackets for my treatment. I’m a bit nervous about getting braces, excited for the outcome but really nervous. Going to the dentist has never been something that I enjoy. My bonding process has taken place, and I’m going to share that experience with you very soon.

I’m a Damon Diva and am being compensated for my time and will be treated with the Damon System and sharing that experience with you.

Contemplating Damon System Braces

November 28, 2012 by Momstart 12 Comments

Contemplating braces for the first time has me really inspecting my teeth. When I was a child, my dentist told me I had the straightest teeth he’s ever seen. My smile was amazing and I brushed my teeth all the time. Then I went to college and my wisdom teeth came in. I had major migraines and the wisdom teeth never came out because they were impacted. So, I had to have them pulled in order to feel better. Then there was too much space, and I think my tongue keeps growing because now I’ve found there isn’t enough room in my mouth for my tongue so it’s been pushing a gap into my two front teeth.

Between the gap and the slight crowding in the bottom of my teeth I think braces would be a good option, that and because I want to avoid jaw surgery. I told my current dentist of my dilemma and that was his answer, jaw surgery. No thanks, which is the main reason I’m excited to be working with the Damon System. I will be visiting a local orthodontist about getting fitted with the Damon System braces. I’m hoping that we will be able to use the Damon Clear. They are virtually invisible and have so many advantages over traditional braces and aligners. The Damon Clear offer the same fast, comfortable treatment as traditional Damon Braces, but with clear, “can’t even see” brackets! Likewise, I don’t have to worry about losing aligner trays or taking them out while eating—not that aligners would likely be a treatment fit for me as they typically are most effective for minor tooth movements not jaw surgery-like transformations. I’m looking forward to getting rid of the gap in my teeth and having more room in my mouth.

But before I start my treatment I visited the dentist for my bi-yearly checkup and found that I have some cavities I need to get rid of first. So on Wednesday I’m getting my cavities filled and then the next week I will have my first consultation for the Damon System.

If you’re interested in finding out more information or if the Damon system is right for you then use the Doctor Locator to find your nearest Damon orthodontist and ask them how you may benefit from the Damon System.

I’m a Damon Diva and am being compensated for my time and will be treated with the Damon System and sharing that experience with you.

Pledge to ‘Always Smile’ National Orthodontic Health Month #DamonDivas

October 31, 2012 by Momstart 10 Comments

As a Damon Diva I get to share what’s going on with the company behind the Damon® System, Ormco. They are celebrating National Orthodontic Health Month in October by spreading awareness of the value of a healthy, beautiful smile. You are invited to visit www.damonbraces.com/promo/s4l-pledge and take the pledge to “Always Smile.” For every pledge received, Ormco will donate one dollar to the Smile for a Lifetime Foundation (S4L), a nonprofit organization that provides orthodontic care and free braces to underserved children with financial challenges and orthodontic needs.

“With millions of Americans interested in improving their smiles, Orthodontic Health Month is the perfect opportunity to promote the difference a straight smile can make in a person’s confidence, health and life,” said Vicente Reynal, president of Ormco. “Smiles bring value to life experiences and with advanced solutions like Ormco’s Damon® System that offers virtually invisible, comfortable and fast treatment, image-conscious adults, teens and kids can quickly achieve a new, beautiful smile.”

The Damon System has treated more than three million patients worldwide. Available in a virtually invisible Damon Clear™ option, the orthodontic treatment uses low-friction passive self-ligating brackets, hi-tech light-force archwires and minimally invasive protocols for remarkable patient results. Ormco also offers Insignia™, an advanced digital treatment solution that utilizes a combination of powerful 3-D treatment planning software and customized appliances, enabling orthodontists to provide faster treatment and more predictable results compared with traditional braces.

If you are interested in taking the smile pledge click here and Ormco will donate one dollar for the first 1,500 pledges received.

For more updates follow them on Facebook at Facebook.com/DamonSystemBraces and Facebook.com/InsigniaSmile, or Twitter at @DamonBraces.

I’m a Damon Diva and will receive treatment and compensation for my time.

I’m a Damon Diva #DamonDiva

October 30, 2012 by Momstart 10 Comments

Earlier this month or was it really last month? Wow, how time flies when you have kids that are in school and you have a very full schedule and you’re practically working full time. Anyway, I attended a trip to Orange County where I met the company behind the Damon System and learned why I should consider using it!

The Damon System is a unique set of braces that not only straighten your teeth but move them to correct overbites and other orthodontic issues that affect that appearance of your smile. Plus treatment is six months faster on average than with traditional braces. There are so many people out there that struggle with self-confidence issues because they don’t like their smile. My husband used to never smile—he hated the way his teeth looked. He’s been getting his teeth fixed, not for cosmetic issues but for other reasons and now he has more confidence and his mouth looks great. (I never thought there was anything wrong though, just not something I notice when I look at people) That personal thought being said, our world doesn’t work like that. People are promoted and accepted by their looks when we want to get that job we have to look our best.

That’s what the Damon System does, it provides people with self-confidence, gives you healthier teeth and gums, and a broader smile. Like I mentioned above, the system moves your teeth along the wires giving you a broader, healthier looking smile while enhancing your facial features. A nice smile is not only beautiful, it also promotes good health. When your teeth are straight and evenly spaced, your teeth are easier to keep clean and properly aligned teeth chew more efficiently, which may help digestion. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain. This may contribute to conditions that cause not only tooth decay but may lead to gum disease and tooth loss.

I just wanted to give you a very quick overview as I’m going to be delving into my own personal experience. If you’re interested in finding out more information or if the Damon system is right for you then use the Doctor Locator to find your nearest Damon orthodontist and ask them how you may benefit from the Damon System treatment.

I’m a Damon Diva and am being compensated for my time and will be treated with the Damon System and sharing that experience with you.

Smiling through Adversity Bethany Hamilton Damon System

November 16, 2011 by Momstart 5 Comments

I was listening to a webinar this morning for a better smile by the Damon® System, an orthodontic treatment that combines “tieless” braces with advanced memory wire. These advanced orthodontic treatment options offer fast, comfortable and virtually invisible braces for teens, children and adults of all ages.

I have a gap in my teeth, there isn’t enough room in my mouth for my tongue to sit so while I’m sleeping my tongue pushes out against my top teeth and it causes me to have a gap. I’ve talked to my dentist about fixing it and he said he would probably have to do jaw surgery to fix my teeth. Um, no thank you. He did say he could fix it, but because there isn’t enough room in my mouth for my tongue I would end up with another gap. So I’m wondering if the Damon System would be able to help.

This is what I learned:

Bethany Hamilton, the Soul Surfer who was attacked by a shark and is now completely recovered and back into competing and sharing her story had a terrible smile. A dentist was watching one of interviews and wanted to do something to help her, so he offered her his services. After some time passed Bethany’s family contacted them and he decided to use the Damon System to correct her teeth, and he knew if it didn’t work they might have to resort to jaw surgery, but guess what, it worked and she now has an amazing smile.

How it works:

Damon passive self-ligating braces that eliminate the need for elastic or metal "ties". With Damon tie-less braces you can experience treatment without tightening.
Light high-technology shape-memory wires that move teeth faster and require fewer adjustments.
A new clinically proven treatment approach that aligns your teeth and enhances your facial aesthetics—usually without extractions or rapid palatal expanders.

So in my particular case, The Damon System might or might not help me, I’ll have to ask my dentist. There are reasons why this system works well in children because they are still growing. The shape of their mouth is still changing and is much easier to manipulate. Bethany was a young teenager when they started the Damon System process which is one of the reasons it worked so well. The other reason it worked so well is because of it’s unique system, which is why it also works on adults. It’s a little different than traditional braces. They don’t use a ring. You have fewer treatments. The combination of the bands and the head gear provide more room for growth. So I’m pretty sure that my dentist’s original statement is true, my mouth is finished moving on it’s own. However, I might still bring it up at my next appointment and see what they say it wouldn’t hurt to ask. You should find out about your own case with your own dentist. Make sure you ask about the Damon System the next time you go in if you’re considering braces. Remember I’m no expert on any medical issue.