Dental News - Combining aesthetics, low friction and passive self-ligation in orthodontics

Marc Chalupsky, DTI

Tue. 26. July 2016

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STOCKHOLM, Sweden: One of the highlights at this year’s European Orthodontic Society congress in Stockholm in Sweden was Damon Clear2 from Ormco, a leading manufacturer of advanced orthodontic technology. The ceramic passive self-ligating bracket offers optimal bond strength, as well as greater reliability and enhanced optical appearance than its predecessor. Additionally, the precise bracket system features a comfort fit and fast and easy wire changing.

In orthodontics, clinical evidence suggests that bracket systems need to be durable, resistant to friction, biocompatible, stain-resistant, as well as easy to bond and debond. An ideal orthodontic appliance should combine excellent aesthetics and optimum technical performance. Designed as an aesthetic passive self-ligating bracket, Damon Clear2 is made of polycrystalline alumina, known for resisting staining due to coffee, alcoholic beverages and other agents. In contrast to monocrystalline and stainless brackets, the polycrystalline structure requires a more advanced manufacturing process, which leads to clear performance, a comfort fit and enhanced strength. Besides their durability, polycrystalline brackets such as the Damon Clear2 achieve adequate force control over long treatment periods. The advanced passive self-ligation technology of Damon Clear2 minimises frictional resistance for more efficient tooth movement.

“Ceramic brackets were introduced in the 1980s and have since then enjoyed steady growth rates. Since our first ceramic bracket systems, Ormco has improved the braces’ design and clinical performance. One of the key advantages of ceramic solutions has always been the aesthetic aspect,” said Annette Hüls, Sales Manager for Switzerland. “Besides their excellent optical properties, ceramic brackets possess an extremely high hardness, making them superior to stainless steel. Damon Clear2 provides a fortified slide, window channel and tie wings for exceptional strength and durability. Its four solid walls enable effective torque expression and rotation control for meticulous finishing.” In addition, orthodontists have hailed the system’s bond strength and comfortable debonding experience, in combination with the Damon Clear opening and closing tools. In addition, Damon Clear2 braces use elastic ties to help patients clean their orthodontic appliances better throughout the treatment.

For the second version of Damon Clear, the California-based company improved its SpinTek slide technology. The slide now employs greater reciprocal force during opening for fast and comfortable wire changes and adjustments. In contrast to other self-ligating brackets that require unidirectional forces to open the slide, a special SpinTek opening instrument allows for a net force of 0 kg. Other advantages include the customised base design with laser-etched pads, as well as the removable and colour-coded positioning gauge to denote the torque values. In future, more torque values will be added for central and lateral incisor, canine and premolar treatment.

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