The Value of Self-Ligating Brackets in Orthodontics: About the Damon Protocol

In orthodontics there has been a change in the treatment plan of crowding cases from extraction protocol. This was mainly due to the introduction of self-ligating bracket and temperature activated wires. Even though there are certain exceptions, the self-ligating bracket have evolved in orthodontics because of its advantages such as low friction, shorter treatment duration and increased efficacy. Damon’s self-ligating system has been in existence since 1930 but it has been well developed in the past 30 years with the introduction of newer systems. Damon’s self-ligating brackets have been designed to overcome the drawbacks of conventional bracket system and are often considered as the pinnacle of bracket technology. The main advantage of Damon’s system was low friction and shorter treatment duration. But the efficiency of the appliance is influenced by several factors such as Biomechanics, frequency of dental visits and patient comfort. The chapter will highlight the efficiency of the appliance, the various possible outcomes and its influence on the ease of orthodontic therapy