Damon Clear self-ligating braces (per jaw): what the system is
Damon Clear self-ligating braces (per jaw) describes the Damon Clear bracket system priced for one arch, the upper or the lower jaw. Damon Clear is a tooth-coloured ceramic bracket with a built-in sliding door that holds the archwire, so there are no elastic bands or metal ties around each bracket. The ceramic body blends with the tooth, the wire sits in a slot that closes by itself, and the aim is lower friction and a less conspicuous appearance than metal braces. Clinics in Turkey fit the system for crowding, gaps and bite problems in adults and older teenagers who want fixed braces that are harder to see.
This guide covers how the bracket works, why a price is often given per jaw, what the research says, what you should expect to pay compared with the UK, US and Germany, and how a treatment that lasts more than a year can be arranged from abroad. For the general technology behind clip-type brackets see our guide to self ligating braces.
How does a Damon Clear bracket hold the wire?
Each bracket has a small slide that covers the slot after the wire has been placed. The orthodontist opens it with a fine instrument, seats the wire, and closes it; at later visits it is opened again to change or adjust the wire. Because the wire is not pressed down by a band, it can slide more freely as the teeth level and align, and the first wires are usually light and flexible. The ceramic bracket body is polished to resist stains, while the slide is designed to keep the same neat profile. The wire itself is still visible unless a tooth-coloured coated wire is used, which is worth asking about.
Why is the price quoted per jaw, and can you treat one jaw only?
A per-jaw price lets you see the cost of one arch and double it for a full treatment, and it also reflects the fact that some people need only one arch treated, for example to close a gap or correct a rotated front tooth on the upper jaw. A single-arch plan is only suitable if your bite allows it: moving the upper teeth alone can change how they meet the lower teeth, so an orthodontist must examine your bite first. Many adults need both arches treated, and some quotes treat the second jaw at a lower price when done together. Always ask for the price for both jaws, not only the per-jaw figure.
Damon Clear self-ligating braces (per jaw) cost in Turkey compared with the UK, US and Germany
The figures below are approximate ranges per jaw, not hospital quotes. They vary with treatment length, complexity and what the package includes.
| Country | Approximate cost range (per jaw) |
|---|---|
| Turkey | €600 – €1,900 |
| United Kingdom | €1,400 – €3,200 |
| United States | €1,800 – €4,800 |
| Germany | €1,500 – €3,800 |
What changes the price: clear ceramic brackets cost more than metal ones, longer or more complicated treatment needs more adjustments, and some packages leave out the retainers and the final removal of the brackets. A written quote should state the number of visits covered, the cost of replacing a broken bracket and who provides the retainers. Ask also whether the stated price is for the bracket system alone or includes the examination, X-rays and the orthodontist's fee.
Do Damon Clear braces work faster or with less discomfort?
The manufacturer's claim is that low-friction sliding gives faster and more comfortable treatment. Independent reviews of randomised trials of self-ligating brackets, including Cochrane reviews, have generally found little or no consistent difference from conventional brackets in treatment time, number of visits or pain. Individual patients do report gentler pressure at the start, and adjustment visits can be quicker because no bands are changed. The honest summary is that Damon Clear is a reasonable choice for an appearance- and hygiene-minded adult, but you should not expect a shorter treatment because of the bracket alone. Your orthodontist's plan decides most of the outcome.
How visible are they, and do the brackets stain or break?
Ceramic brackets are far less obvious than metal, and on lighter teeth they are close to unnoticeable at conversation distance. The archwire remains the most visible part. Modern ceramic is highly stain-resistant, but the small elastic or the wire coating on other systems can discolour; in Damon Clear the absence of elastic bands removes one source of staining. Ceramic is harder but more brittle than metal: a bracket can chip if you bite hard food, and it requires care when removed at the end of treatment to avoid damaging enamel. The bracket slide can also chip or discolour in some patients. Heavy tea, coffee and red wine can stain around the base if cleaning is poor.
Damon Clear, metal self-ligating, ceramic or aligners?
Each option trades look, cost and control differently. Compare with the standard ceramic braces that use elastic ties, with our guide to braces in general and with removable Invisalign.
| Option | Best suited to | Typical limits |
|---|---|---|
| Damon Clear | Adults wanting discreet fixed braces without elastic ties | Higher cost than metal; ceramic is more brittle |
| Metal self-ligating | Teenagers and adults who want durable, lower-cost fixed braces | Clearly visible |
| Ceramic with elastic ties | Discreet fixed braces at a mid price | Ties can stain between visits |
| Invisalign | Mild to moderate problems, removable | Requires 22 hours' daily wear |
Who is a good candidate, and who is not?
Damon Clear suits people with healthy teeth and gums and a problem that fixed braces can correct, who want a more discreet look and are prepared to attend regular visits. It is less suitable for children who have not yet got their adult teeth, for people who grind heavily on the teeth (a risk to ceramic), and for anyone whose gums are inflamed or who has untreated decay. A severe jaw discrepancy may need orthodontic surgery as well. If you want a result in a few weeks or cannot commit to regular checks, no bracket system will serve you well.
Treatment step by step and the trip to Turkey
The orthodontist examines you, takes X-rays and photographs, and plans the movements. After any dental clean or filling, the brackets are bonded to each tooth in a visit of about one to two hours and the first light wire is fitted. Treatment takes about 12 to 24 months with adjustments every six to ten weeks. A short stay of two to four days can cover assessment, bonding and the first wire; what happens afterwards is the planning question. Some patients arrange adjustments with an orthodontist at home using the treatment plan and records from the Turkish clinic, others return at intervals. Read how our process works and agree the follow-up in writing before you pay.
What it feels like and how long the first days last
There is no recovery period in the surgical sense. For two to five days after fitting and after wire changes the teeth are tender, and the lips and cheeks can rub against the brackets until they adapt. Orthodontic wax, soft food and over-the-counter painkillers recommended by your clinician help. You will need to brush after meals, use interdental brushes around the wire and avoid hard or sticky foods that could chip a ceramic bracket. Most people eat normally within a week.
Risks and how to reduce them
The risks are those of any fixed appliance: white marks and decay if cleaning is poor, gum inflammation, a loose or chipped bracket, root shortening in some people and relapse if retainers are not worn. Ceramic has an added risk of enamel damage on removal if done carelessly. The British Orthodontic Society and the NHS advise that treatment is planned by a registered specialist orthodontist, that you see a dentist regularly during treatment and that retainers are worn long term afterwards.
How to choose a clinic: red flags and questions to ask
Choose an orthodontic specialist who examines your teeth and X-rays before quoting. Red flags are a promise of results in weeks, a price that covers only fitting, no mention of retainers and no named plan for adjustments. Questions to ask:
- Is the system genuine Damon Clear, and is the quoted price per jaw or for both?
- How many visits are included, and what is charged for broken brackets?
- Will coated wires be used to keep the look discreet?
- Who will treat me at home, and will you share my records with them?
- Are retainers and the removal of brackets included in the price?
To start, upload photos through our free quote page and a hospital will send a written plan and price.
Hospitals with Dental Treatments in Turkey
Frequently asked questions
Damon Clear braces are tooth-coloured ceramic brackets with a built-in sliding door that holds the archwire, so no elastic ties are used. They aim to be more discreet than metal braces and are bonded to the front of the teeth.
A per-jaw price covers one arch, the upper or lower. It lets patients treat only one jaw if their bite allows it, or double the figure for full treatment. Ask for the price for both jaws and what is included.
Approximate ranges are €600 to €1,900 per jaw in Turkey, against about €1,400 to €3,200 in the UK. Treatment length, complexity and whether retainers and visits are included change the price.
They are much less visible than metal braces because the brackets match the tooth colour, but the wire is still seen unless a tooth-coloured coated wire is used. They are discreet rather than invisible.
Independent reviews have found little consistent difference in treatment time between self-ligating and conventional brackets. They may shorten adjustment visits, but the orthodontist's plan decides how long treatment takes.
Teeth feel tender for two to five days after fitting and after each wire change. Some people find the pressure gentler, but they are not painless. Wax and soft food help.
Modern ceramic resists staining well, and there are no elastic ties to discolour. Heavy tea, coffee and red wine can still mark the area around a bracket if cleaning is poor.
Typically 12 to 24 months, with adjustments every six to ten weeks, followed by retainers worn long term to hold the result.
Sometimes, if your bite allows it. Moving only the upper or lower teeth can change how they meet, so an orthodontist must examine your bite before agreeing to a single-arch plan.
The assessment and bonding take about two to four days. The rest of treatment continues for a year or more, so arrange adjustment visits at home or in Turkey before you travel.