Soul Surfer’ Bethany Hamilton endorses the Damon® System of Braces to promote fast, high-tech, comfortable orthodontic treatment! Here’s more information from Bethany and the makers of the Damon System…

Pro Surfer, Bethany Hamilton began orthodontic treatment at age 14 for a severe underbite with significant crowding and a narrow arch. She also had an open bite, which means there was open space between her upper and lower teeth when her jaw was closed. These types of cases are typically among the most difficult to treat and often require surgery. Hamilton relied on the Damon System instead of traditional braces for her treatment.

The light pressure used in the Damon System stimulates broad, natural arch development and typically delivers results up to 25 percent faster than traditional braces, according to clinical studies. While traditional braces require elastic ties to hold wires in place, these ties can accumulate bacteria and often require "tightening" that can hinder tooth movement and prolong treatment.

In contrast, the Damon System combines "tieless" braces with high-tech memory-shaped wires that don't need to be "tightened." Damon System braces are easier to keep clean, which promotes better patient hygiene throughout treatment. Additionally, treatment with the Damon System rarely requires tooth extractions and frees patients from the use of headgear, rapid palatal expanders and other invasive appliances. The cost of treatment with the Damon System is comparable to that of traditional braces.

"Smiles are a blessing and an infectious tool for spreading happiness and bringing joy to others. "The Damon System transformed my smile, allowing me to confidently share my story of perseverance and encourage others undergoing adversity,” said Bethany Hamilton.

To learn more visit, damonbraces.com

Q: I wanted to let you know how much my kids and I enjoy the fun, social setting of your clinic. It is amazing to me how many people visit and enjoy the fun atmosphere of the office. Your staff always seems in great spirits and glad to see us. Is this socializing atmosphere planned or did it just happen?

Dr. Herman's Answer: My staff and I wanted our orthodontic office to be a "cool" place to come and visit. We definitely never wanted it to be a boring and quiet health care facility. We are always excited to open up for the day to see our patients and get the "festivities" underway. While my clinical staff and I take the health care part of your visit very seriously we want the patient and visitors to have a fun experience. We really appreciate you letting us know you have noticed!!

Q: I am use to getting dental x-rays where they put the film in your mouth. My orthodontist took an x-ray with a machine that circled my head. It produced an x-ray of all of my teeth and jaw. Why take this x-ray?

Dr. Herman's Answer: The x-ray is called a panorex and is taken by most orthodontists and dentists. It is used to look for missing teeth, extra teeth and pathology in your jaw bone, like a tumor. As a screening x-ray it is taken by dentists every 2-3 years in non-adult patients and about every 5 years for adults. Orthodontists and your dentist find that the panorex is the best way to assess if wisdom teeth are coming in straight or are impacted. As an orthodontist, I also use the panorex to check for movement of stuck teeth, other than wisdom teeth, or to assess if the roots of teeth are getting straight or are still slanted.

Q: I have a missing upper front tooth and I have crooked teeth, what are my options?

Dr. Herman's Answer: Since I rarely take out teeth, I suggest two options. One is to correct the crowding problem through orthodontics and replace the missing tooth with an implant. This is the more expensive plan but usually the best option. It involves placing a titanium screw (implant) into the bone and placing a cap or crown over the implant. The 2nd option is called a substitution plan which involves using another tooth next to the space and moving it into the empty spot. It can work surprisingly well. The main advantage is the cost is minimal and is not an extra charge if part of your orthodontic plan. I recommend a free consult with me to discuss which option may be best for you.

Q: I expected that you would monitor the progress of the straightening of my daughter’s teeth. What surprises me is the emphasis you and your staff place on monitoring the health of her teeth and gums. Aren’t you just her orthodontist?

Dr. Herman’s Answer: Yes, but I was a dentist for 8 years before I did a residency to become an orthodontist. The biggest problem any orthodontist has while straightening teeth are issues with gum and dental disease. I put the patient first in making it convenient for each patient to obtain exam and hygiene services. This means you can have exam and hygiene services at the office of your dentist or at my office. While your daughter is under my care my goal is no new gum disease or cavities. However, if you want to help me to accomplish that goal is up to you.

Q: I got my braces off last year. The glue came off on a tooth on one of the retainers glued to my teeth. What do I do?

Dr. Herman's Answer: Make an appointment to come in and in minutes it will be repaired. I use a combination approach to retainers. You get two types of retainers: ones glued to the back of your upper and lower teeth; and removable, clear retainers that you wear only at night. You have a primary and a backup system to your retainers. Some orthodontists use glued on retainers for the lower only. They use a stiff wire glued on in 2 spots. I place both an upper and lower retainer with a flexible wire that is glued on in 6 spots on the lower and 4 spots on the upper. If the glue comes off one tooth or more you are protected. If the glue comes off a tooth be sure to wear the clear retainer at night until the repair is made.

Q: I read in a recent health magazine that a person's smile ranks 2nd to having a handsome or beautiful face when judging someone's attractiveness. Is that true?

Dr. Herman's Answer: Yes. There are many studies that show that a person's smile opens a lot of doors. Many studies on personal appearance show nice smiles rank high in getting better jobs, more attractive partners, better service and so on. With minimally invasive systems of braces like "Damon Clear" you can get the crooked tooth or poor looking smile improved usually without taking out teeth, minimal discomfort and shorter time in treatment. To find out how easy it is to get the smile you always wanted, call for your free consultation.

Q: Is there any research supporting the Damon System of Braces claim to have less discomfort (pain) than other types of braces?

Dr. Herman's Answer: A recent study gave some more insight to this question. The study was on friction within several self ligating types of braces. These types of braces don’t use wires around the brace to tighten. The study measured “kinetic friction” or friction between the braces (bracket) and the wire. The study found that the passive self ligation system by Damon had, by a large amount, the lowest amount of friction. This is important because friction can make the force used by an orthodontist to move teeth to be lost in overcoming friction rather than moving teeth. So an orthodontist increases force in high friction systems. To the patient more force usually means increased soreness (pain).

Q: When do I get to stop wearing my retainers?

Doctor Herman's Answer: The purpose for wearing retainers is to keep your teeth from moving after you are done with braces. The goal is to make it easy for you to wear them and to minimize the number of hours and/or days you need to wear them. I routinely place a fixed retainer for both top and bottom teeth (A wire glued onto the back of your teeth). With the fixed retainer in place you need to wear the clear removable retainer every night. You do this for a year. The 2nd year the clear removable retainer is worn 3-4 times a week. The third year wearing once a week usually works. I do not recommend wearing a retainer less that 1 time per week. It is the least you can do to keep your smile looking as good as the day your braces were removed.

Q: My child has braces and I was told to reduce his number of sugar exposures. What does that mean?

Dr. Herman's Answer: Studies show that there is a strong relationship between cavities and exposure to refined sugars in snacks and sugar filled beverages. Soda, juices and sports drinks high in sugar are the main culprits for causing cavities. If your child can have these beverages reduced or if he or she is willing to drink a sugar free variety, you will do a lot to reduce risk of cavities. Candy, cake, cookies and so on are high in sugar but they don’t appear to cause cavities nearly as much as the sugar containing beverages. Coke like sodas and some juices also contain acids that contribute to the cavity process. Limit sugar beverages and you will significantly reduce his risk to cavities.

Q: I was told by others that you and your office are great but sometimes there is a wait to be seen. I have been there 3 times. All three times you were busy but I did not have any real waiting time. Why the comments about the wait?

Dr. Herman's Answer: Before the expansion there were sometimes waiting times longer than both me and my patients liked. In July of 2010, I completed expanding the clinical part of the office. I nearly doubled my ability to serve patients. I also added several more staff. All of these staff came from other orthodontic or dental offices. They came with a large amount of experience and fit in great with my existing staff. The end result is elimination of most of the wait times. I am open on Fridays when most other offices are closed. Fridays, especially Friday afternoon, remain very popular.