Did you know that 96% of patients report a boost in self-confidence after completing orthodontic treatment? A straight smile changes how you see yourself and how the world sees you. However, achieving that perfect smile requires more than just applying braces and hoping for the best. It requires a medical strategy tailored specifically to your biology.
At Damon Orthodontics, we believe that your dental care should be as unique as your fingerprint. While the end goal—a healthy, beautiful smile—is often the same, the road to getting there looks different for everyone. By combining the latest technology with the rigorous standards set by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), we create treatment plans that respect your individual anatomy, lifestyle, and long-term health.
Key Takeaways
- Personalized Care: Every patient’s orthodontic treatment plan is uniquely designed to match their individual needs, ensuring optimal results.
- Innovative Technology: We utilize advanced technology to provide efficient, effective, and comfortable treatment experiences.
- AAO Standards: Our practice adheres to the professional standards set by the American Association of Orthodontists, ensuring high-quality care.
- Focused on Long-Term Health: Treatments are crafted not just for aesthetic improvements but also with an emphasis on lasting oral health.
- Tailored Approach: Recognizing that no two smiles are alike, we create plans that respect your anatomy, lifestyle, and personal goals.
The Gold Standard: Understanding AAO Guidelines
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is the governing body that sets the ethical and clinical standards for orthodontic care in the United States. Adhering to these guidelines isn’t just about following rules; it’s about ensuring patient safety and treatment efficacy.
One of the most critical AAO guidelines is the recommendation for comprehensive diagnosis and treatment planning. This means an orthodontist cannot simply look at your teeth and guess the solution. They must evaluate the position of the jaw, the health of the gums, the airway, and facial balance before moving a single tooth.
For example, the AAO recommends that children get their first orthodontic check-up no later than age 7. This allows specialists to spot issues with jaw growth and emerging teeth while they are still easily correctable. By aligning our practice with these evidence-based standards, we ensure that every treatment plan is medically sound and timed perfectly for the best results.
Personalized Treatment: The Damon Difference
Personalization is at the heart of what we do. As the practice where the Damon System was invented (by Dr. Clay’s uncle and Dr. Paul’s father), we have a deep understanding of how to customize care for faster, more comfortable results.
Traditional orthodontics often focused heavily on extracting teeth to relieve crowding. Our philosophy is different. We focus on developing the arch to create a broad, full smile that supports the face and airway. This approach often eliminates the need for extractions or palatal expanders.
When you visit Damon Orthodontics, we analyze your unique facial features. We don’t just straighten teeth; we engineer a smile that complements your profile, lips, and overall facial structure. This is what we call “face-driven orthodontics.”
Advanced Technology for a Better Experience
To deliver personalized results, we rely on tools that offer precision and flexibility. We utilize three primary technologies to customize your journey:
Damon System Braces
These are not your parents’ braces. The Damon System utilizes self-ligating brackets. Unlike traditional braces that use elastic ties (which create friction and pressure), Damon braces use a slide mechanism to hold the wire. This allows teeth to move more freely and comfortably.
The result? Fewer appointments and treatment times that are significantly shorter than the national average.
Damon Clear
For patients who want the efficiency of the Damon System but prefer a more discreet look, we use Damon Clear.
These brackets are resistant to staining and virtually invisible, making them a fantastic option for adults and teens who are conscious of aesthetics.
Spark Clear Aligners
For those who want to avoid brackets entirely, we offer Spark Aligners. These clear, removable trays are made from a proprietary material that is clearer and more comfortable than other leading brands.
Because the trays are custom-printed based on a 3D scan of your mouth, they offer a level of precision that generic mail-order aligners simply cannot match.
Real Stories, Real Smiles
The true measure of personalized care is found in the stories of our patients.
Case Study: The “Impossible” Crowd
One teenage patient came to us with severe crowding. Other consultations had suggested removing four permanent teeth. Using the Damon System’s ability to widen the arch gently, we were able to align his teeth without a single extraction. The result was a broad, movie-star smile that supported his facial structure rather than narrowing it.
Case Study: The Busy Professional
A marketing executive in her 30s wanted to fix a gap in her front teeth, but refused metal braces due to client meetings. We designed a Spark Aligner plan for her. She could remove the trays for big presentations, and within 10 months, her gap was closed completely.
Rooted in the Spokane Community
Our commitment to personalized care extends beyond the clinic chair and into the community we love. As a third-generation Spokane family, we are dedicated to giving back.
Damon Orthodontics is a proud high-ranking sponsor of the Greater Spokane League (GSL), helping student-athletes thrive. We also partner with the Smile For A Lifetime Foundation, a scholarship program that identifies children whose families cannot afford treatment and provides them with orthodontic care completely free of charge.
We believe everyone deserves the confidence that comes with a great smile.
Making Orthodontics Accessible
We believe that financial constraints shouldn’t stand in the way of excellent health. That is why we offer flexible, interest-free payment plans and family discounts. We also accept direct payment from most insurance carriers to minimize your out-of-pocket expenses.
We serve the entire region with three convenient locations:
- Northside Spokane: 4407 N Division St #722
- Spokane Valley: 12406 East Mission
- South Hill: 418 E 30th Ave
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the Damon System really hurt less?
A: Yes. Clinical studies suggest that the passive self-ligating brackets we use produce less friction and force than traditional braces. This generally results in less discomfort for the patient.
Q: Do I need a referral from my dentist?
A: No, you do not need a referral to schedule a consultation with us. We are happy to coordinate with your general dentist, but you can contact us directly.
Q: Is it too late for me to get braces as an adult?
A: Absolutely not. A large percentage of our patients are adults. As long as your gums and bone structure are healthy, we can improve your smile at any age.
Your Smile Journey Starts Here
Your smile is complex, but your choice of orthodontist shouldn’t be. By combining the scientific rigor of AAO guidelines with the innovative legacy of the Damon System, we offer a treatment experience that is as effective as it is personal.
Don’t settle for a generic approach. Contact Dr. Clay Damon and the team today to discover what a personalized treatment plan looks like for you.
Author Bio
Dr. Clay Damon
Dr. Clay Damon is a third-generation Spokane resident and a board-certified orthodontist. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Washington and his Master of Science in Orthodontics from Case Western Reserve University. Carrying on a family legacy of innovation, he specializes in the Damon System and airway-focused orthodontics. Learn more about Dr. Clay’s medical background here.
