Damon braces in Turkey: what they are and how they work
Damon braces are a brand of self-ligating braces. Like traditional braces, they use small brackets bonded to the teeth and a thin archwire that guides the teeth into line. The difference is how the wire is held: conventional braces use tiny elastic bands or metal ties to press the wire into each bracket, while Damon brackets have a built-in sliding door or clip that holds the wire loosely. The idea is that with less friction the teeth can move more freely, with lighter forces. Damon brackets come in metal and in clear (tooth-coloured) versions. Dental clinics in Turkey offer them as a mid-priced orthodontic option for teenagers and adults.
This guide explains what the system does and does not change, what research says about speed and comfort, who it suits, what it costs in Turkey compared with the UK, US and Germany, and how treatment works when it lasts well over a year. For the wider choice of dental work see our dental treatments in Turkey overview.
How is a self-ligating bracket different from a traditional one?
A conventional bracket needs a ligature, a small elastic ring or wire tie, to hold the archwire in its slot. As teeth move, the tie presses against the wire and creates friction; elastics also stain and need to be replaced at every visit. A Damon bracket has a passive slide that closes over the wire, which can therefore glide through the bracket more freely. The wire is also usually a flexible, shape-memory type at the start, so the first stages use light force and the teeth are gradually levelled before stiffer wires finish the bite. There are no elastic bands to change and clinicians often say that the appointments are shorter, because opening and closing the slide is quick.
Do Damon braces work faster or hurt less?
This is the most common claim and the least supported one. Systematic reviews, including work published by the Cochrane group on self-ligating brackets, have not found a clear difference between self-ligating and conventional braces in the total treatment time, the number of visits needed, the amount of crowding corrected or the pain felt. Some studies note a small advantage in chairside time, easier cleaning around the brackets without elastics, and a few fewer appointments in some patients. Damon braces do work: they straighten teeth well, as all fixed braces do. The result depends mostly on the orthodontist's treatment plan and on how well you follow instructions, not on the type of bracket. Be cautious with any clinic that promises a shorter treatment or no extractions simply because of the brand.
Damon braces cost and price in Turkey
The figures below are approximate ranges for a full course of treatment on both arches, not hospital quotes. Each clinic confirms its own price after an examination, X-rays and scans.
| Country | Approximate cost range |
|---|---|
| Turkey | €1,200 – €3,500 |
| United Kingdom | €2,500 – €6,500 |
| United States | €4,000 – €8,500 |
| Germany | €3,000 – €7,000 |
The price changes with the bracket material (metal or clear), the complexity of the bite, whether extractions, expanders or temporary anchorage screws are needed, and the length of treatment. Ask whether the quote includes the records (X-rays, photographs, scans), the bonding appointment, adjustment visits, the retainers, and any repairs for broken brackets. Check what happens to the cost if treatment takes longer than planned.
Damon braces, traditional braces, ceramic braces or aligners?
Damon braces sit between traditional metal braces and other fixed options. Our guides to braces, ceramic braces and self-ligating braces give more detail, and Invisalign and clear aligners are the removable alternatives.
| Option | Best suited to | Typical limits |
|---|---|---|
| Damon braces (self-ligating) | Crowding and spacing in teenagers and adults, easier cleaning than elastics | Visible brackets; no proven speed advantage |
| Traditional metal braces | Complex bites and tight budgets | Elastic ties stain and need changing |
| Ceramic braces | Adults who want less visible brackets | More fragile, can stain; higher price |
| Clear aligners (Invisalign) | Mild to moderate problems, motivated adults | Must be worn 20 to 22 hours a day; not for every bite |
Who are Damon braces suitable for, and who is not?
Fixed braces suit most children over about 11 to 12 and adults with healthy gums and teeth. Damon brackets are used for crowding, gaps, rotated teeth and many bite problems. They may not be the right choice when the problem lies mainly in the jaw bones, where surgery may be needed with braces, when there is untreated gum disease or decay, when oral hygiene is poor, or when you cannot attend adjustment appointments. Cavities and gum disease should be treated before braces begin. If you cannot accept visible brackets, discuss ceramic brackets or aligners.
What does the treatment involve, step by step?
The first visit includes examination, X-rays, photographs and often a 3D scan. The orthodontist explains the plan, which may include extractions or expanders. At the bonding appointment the teeth are cleaned, brackets are bonded and the first light archwire is placed; this takes about one to two hours for both arches. Over the following months the wire is changed to stronger or shaped wires, and treatment commonly lasts around 12 to 24 months, with adjustments every six to ten weeks. The brackets are removed at the end, and a retainer is fitted to hold the teeth in position. Retainers are worn as advised, often at night for years, because teeth tend to drift back.
How does a trip to Turkey fit a treatment that lasts over a year?
This is the main practical issue for braces abroad. The first visit can be done in a few days: scans, bonding and instructions. But adjustments need to take place regularly for a year or more, so you need a plan: either another visit to Turkey every few months, or an agreement with a dentist at home to carry out the adjustments, which some local dentists refuse. Ask the clinic in writing how follow-up will work, what you do if a bracket breaks, and who finishes the treatment. Some patients choose a Turkish clinic for shorter treatments or for the start only and then continue at home; this needs a written transfer plan. For a more convenient arrangement, ask about remote monitoring by photographs. A video check-in cannot replace an in-person adjustment.
Damon braces before and after: what results can you expect?
Typical photographs show teeth that are aligned, with gaps closed and a more even bite and smile at the end of treatment. They do not show the months in the middle, when the teeth may look worse before they improve, or the retainer period afterwards. Results differ with the amount of crowding, age, how well you wear any elastics and how clean your teeth are kept. Ask for photographs of patients with a similar problem and age, and for the clinic's estimated treatment time, not a promise.
What are the risks, discomfort and aftercare?
Common effects are soreness for a few days after bonding and after wire changes, irritation of the cheeks and lips (orthodontic wax helps) and difficulty cleaning. Less common problems include decalcification (white marks) and cavities from poor brushing, gum inflammation, shortening of tooth roots in some patients, relapse if retainers are not worn and broken brackets or wires. The British Orthodontic Society and the American Association of Orthodontists advise that the treatment should be planned and supervised by a registered orthodontist. Brush after meals, use interdental brushes, avoid sticky and hard foods and keep every appointment.
How do you choose a clinic, and what are the red flags?
Look for an orthodontist who has a recognised specialist qualification and can show records of similar cases, a clear written plan with the estimated duration and total price, and an agreed follow-up arrangement. Be cautious about promises of faster treatment, quotes with no examination or X-rays, pressure to pay in advance for the full course, and no clear answer on who finishes your treatment. Read how our process works and send photographs and any X-rays through the free quote page for a written plan and price.
Questions to ask the clinic
- Is Damon the right system for my bite, or would another type suit me?
- How long will treatment take, and how many visits will it need?
- How will adjustments be arranged if I live outside Turkey?
- What is included in the price, and what are the extra charges?
- Are retainers included, and how long must I wear them?
Hospitals with Dental Treatments in Turkey
Frequently asked questions
Damon braces are a brand of self-ligating braces. The archwire is held by a built-in slide rather than elastic bands, which is meant to reduce friction. They are available in metal and clear versions.
Yes, they straighten teeth well like other fixed braces. Reviews do not show a clear difference from conventional braces in total treatment time or pain, so results depend mainly on the orthodontist's plan and your cooperation.
Research, including systematic reviews, has not found a reliable difference in treatment time. Some patients have shorter appointments because there are no elastics to change, but overall duration is usually similar.
Approximate ranges are €1,200 to €3,500 in Turkey, against about €2,500 to €6,500 in the UK. The price depends on the material, complexity and any extractions or expanders, so ask for a written quote.
Teeth feel sore for a few days after bonding and after wire changes. Many patients find the first light wires comfortable, but studies show no clear pain advantage over other braces. Simple painkillers and orthodontic wax usually help.
Treatment commonly lasts about 12 to 24 months, depending on how crowded the teeth are and the bite. Adjustments take place every six to ten weeks, followed by a retainer.
Damon braces are fixed and work well on complex bites, while Invisalign aligners are removable and almost invisible but need 20 to 22 hours of daily wear. A specialist can explain which suits your teeth.
The start can be done in a few days, but adjustments are needed regularly for a year or more. Arrange follow-up in writing, either repeat trips or a dentist at home who agrees to continue treatment.
Yes. Teeth tend to move back after braces are removed, so a retainer is fitted and normally worn at night for years, as the orthodontist advises.
Three to five days usually covers the examination, scans and bonding. Later adjustments need further short visits or a local dentist at home.