Damon braces are a passive self-ligating orthodontic bracket system that was developed by Ormco TM. Self-ligating braces have a gate incorporated into each orthodontic bracket to lock the wire, hence eliminating the need for elastic or metal "ties".
The first generation of Damon bracket system was developed in 1996 and since then the Damon system has gone through many improvements in its bracket and gate design as well as materials to overcome several mechanical challenges and aesthetics.
Damon Q2 and Damon Clear2 are the latest members of the Damon bracket system. The 2 bracket systems are similar in terms of lock design and have variable torque options available for individual teeth to optimise teeth movement. There are also a few differences.
Damon Q2 is made of stainless steel while Damon Clear 2 is made of Polycrystalline alumina (PCA) material, hence the clear appearance.
Due to the difference in material, the size of the Damon Clear brackets are also slightly bigger than the Damon Q system. However, the two systems are compatible with each other.
The difference in materials also has a slight effect on the friction in the system which might have an effect on the speed of tooth movement. The metal system, in general, has lower friction compared to the clear system. However, this difference and the actual effect on treatment time may not be clinically significant and will require more research to be determined.
