Damon Braces, Innovation Braces, Speed Braces

Traditional Brackets Versus Self-ligating brackets

All brackets have strengths and weakness. The orthodontist must know how to manipulate the strengths of traditional brackets versus self-ligating brackets in order to get the best results. Dr. Melendez has used all the below brackets and understands how to manipulate them to optimize the result. At the end of the day, the final outcome is accomplished by the expertise of the orthodontist, not the bracket. The fastest car in the world will never win a race with an amateur behind the wheel, only wrecks and disasters will occur. The same will occur with the wrong orthodontist and bracket. After a detailed exam Dr. Melendez will match the braces to the patient’s needs to get the best result.

All self-ligating brackets have some type of gate that keeps the wire in place. Due to the gate, self-ligating brackets are slightly bulkier than the traditional brackets. The first self ligating bracket was patented in 1933.

Damon braces: The first iteration of Damon brackets came out in 1996. The brackets were hard to open, clumsy and bulky. Today the brackets have gone through many changes and works extremely well. The bracket is passive which allows the wire to move around freely.

Innovation R braces: The first iteration of the Innovation brackets came out in 2002. The gate is made of steel to pushes the wire into bracket.

Speed braces: The word SPEED is an acronym for Spring-loaded, Precision, Edgewise, Energy and Delivery. The first iteration started in 1976. The gate is made of a high resilient active steel that pushes the wire into the bracket.