According to a board certified orthodontist, 19 out of 20 orthodontists take out 4 premolars, and 1 out of 20 will struggle for 5 years trying to get a good result without extractions before telling you, “Well, I did my best, but here’s an extraction referral.”
The Science Behind Space: Why Expansion Has Its Limits
When it comes to gaining space, the best research shows a gain of 0.7mm for every 1mm of expansion across the premolars. For someone needing about 12mm of space in their maxillary (upper) arch, this equates to almost 18mm of expansion. At that extreme level, molars and premolars are basically going to move through the buccal cortical plates (jaw bones). This structural limitation demonstrates why expansion alone is not a realistic solution for severe crowding, and this calculation doesn’t even take into consideration any existing crowding.
Your Lower Jaw: The Non-Negotiable “Diagnostic Arch”
For reference, the best research there is regarding space gain from expansion, shows a gain of 0.7mm for every 1mm of expansion across the premolars. Those who need about 12mm of space in their maxillary arch equates to almost 18mm of expansion. At that point, molars and premolars are basically going to go through the buccal cortical plates (jaw bones).
That doesn’t even take into consideration any amount of crowding. mandibular arch. No matter what you may have read, or what AI will likely tell you, the mandible arch cannot be expanded. The mandibular arch (lower jaw bone) is referred by orthodontists as the ‘diagnostic arch’ by reason that the severity of crowding and protrusion determines whether a case can be treated as non-extraction, or not.
Beyond the Bling: Why Expertise Trumps Aesthetics and Online Advice
Having a thin gingival biotype – meaning you’re very prone to bone loss and recession – is why it’s highly recommended to trust those who specialised in the field of orthodontistry: only they have the knowledge to determine the type of braces to suit the issues to be rectified, and the patient themselves. It’s all well and good to do some research and choose the whether you want traditional, ceramic, lingual, invisible, whatever … and doesn’t mean they’re to be insisted upon. You’re not the one with the dental degrees and experience. It’s perfectly valid to found only say, two orthodontists in your area willing to do
the realignment the way want them to, charging much more than those who recommend a different treatment plan.
It’s because they know you’re going to be a problem.
TikTok Is Not Your Orthodontic Guru: Fact-Checking Social Media Hype
So never consult TikTok as your guru or conflate a social media view count with an integrity score. A recent study revealed that of the many orthodontic products promoted on Instagram, 60% were found to be misleading; with only 1.7% were objectively true. Also revealed in the similar findings of another study, 82.3% of Australian orthodontic specialist Facebook pages presented information prone to unreasonable patient expectations. Certainly, gaining some knowledge is preferable to having no comprehension at all – otherwise you won’t even know what questions to ask – but it’s not a competition. Your dental professional is not trying to outsmart you. They’re helping you understand the importance of teeth and jaw alignment for good oral health, overall health, and quality life enjoyment.
Choosing either metal or artistic braces doesn’t necessarily take into account that the ideal choice specifically depends upon the situation, the therapy needed, and the cost. Traditional braces give your orthodontist more precise contol to move teeth in small augmentations. The common objection to metal braces by patients is their appearance.
The Buzz Around Damon Braces: Marketing Muscle vs. Clinical Evidence
The significant buzz around Damon braces isn’t because they’re new; they’ve been around for decades. It’s predominantly due to the substantial marketing budget of its manufacturer, Ormco Corp. While there’s no doubt self-ligating technology is an advancement on conventional braces, the results don’t significantly differ from them, or other brands of similar style.
Not all self-ligating brace brands are the same, but they share the core technology of using a built-in clip instead of elastic ties for lower friction and fewer appointments. They can be ‘active’ or ‘passive’, with major differences in bracket design. Other brands include Carriere, Empower, In-Ovation, Discovery SL, and Alias.
Self-Ligating Systems: Benefits, Brands, and The UK Advertising Standard Ruling
In 2017 as the result of an NHS orthodontist’s complaint, the UK Advertising Standards Authority ruled on Damon bracket advertising. It concluded that the evidence provided by Ormco did not adequately demonstrate that the Damon system provided faster, less painful treatment than traditional braces.
Ormco submitted supportive documents of its claims. Included were clinical studies, a discussion document, articles, a survey of orthodontic practitioners and Masters theses.
The submitted evidence was reviewed, Several were commercial surveys which were not peer-reviewed, and unpublished Masters. Four of the conducted studies used models rather than human subjects. While it was acknowledged that in vitro studies form an important part of orthodontic research and development, it was not considered sufficient in supporting claims of comparative performance given the absence of adequate clinical trials.
It was found that the Damon ad breached four Committee of Advertising Practise (CAP) codes, and was not to appear again in the same form.
An April 2025 Saudi Arabian study of the advertised claims of Damon braces surveyed 918 adults. The dissimilarities between public perception and scientific evidence were highlighted. It concluded that providing the public with reliable, evidence-based information is crucial in orthodontic advertising to
prevent potential misinformation.
If a self-ligating system is compatible to a patient’s needs, there are other brands to choose from and it does have some advantages.
Breaking Down Braces: Material Choice and The Universal Goal
With it’s clip or sliding door mechanism, there are no elastics or ligature wires. This makes for less food debris, easier cleaning and the reducing the opportunity for plaque to develop. As well as clear, the supports come many colours. Fewer adjustment appointments are required with each lasting 2-3 months. Imaging tests aren’t disrupted the way traditional braces affect them with ceramic supports causing considerably less signal obstruction.
Aspects that may not appear important and are, include ceramic brackets being much less sturdy than metal, with more than twice the fragility to break or crack. They are bonded onto each tooth, and eliminating the excess paste has been known to harm the tooth surface. They are prone to staining and can effectively stay that way until they’re removed.
The truth is all braces have exactly the same function: applying consistent pressure to move teeth. To be honest, all braces come with levels of discomfort, particularly in the early stages and the tenderness that occurs after adjustments.
The difference is never brand marketing and social media saturation, but the expertise of your orthodontist. Professional philosopy, a customised treatment plan, complex case experience and precision adjustments give the assurance of optimal results.
