We Don't use Damon Braces at Markham Centre Orthodontics... Here's Some New Evidence Why...

EDIT: It appears this post has generated quite a bit of discussion. Please note that the proper treatment planning by an orthodontist, not the appliance, results in healthy, successful smiles. We appreciate your comments and have added another abstract from one of the world's most respected orthodontists, Dr. Brite Melsen. This is not specific to Damon, but is also about self-ligation.

Transversal Expansion and Self-Ligating Brackets: A CBCT Study

Paolo Cattaneo, L. Cevidanes, M. Treccani, A. Myrda, B. Melsen

Aarhus, Denmark

Aim: To perform 3D assessment of the transverse changes of the maxillary alveolar bone on patients treated with active and passive self-ligating brackets. Material and Methods: Pre- and post-treatment CBCT-scans of 50 patients were taken. 3D models were generated from the scans, were registered using the cranial base stable structures, and superimposed. Changes in basal alveolar bone and dental arches were evaluated using a 3D colored mapping. Results: Expansion happened mostly in the canine and more in the premolar region, and was achieved by buccal tipping. No transverse augmentation of basal bone could be detected. High variation and strong patient-related patterns of transversal expansion were observed.

There has been a lot of media buzz about Damon braces with claims that extractions are not required, and that bone is generated due to extremely light forces. There are also unsubstantiated claims about moving teeth faster. Most people don't want teeth taken out and want fast treatment. With ads showing Miss Seventeen wearing them, who wouldn't want a Damon orthodontist?



At Markham Centre Orthodontics, we strive to provide evidence-based treatment for your Unionville braces and Markham orthodontics. Despite the hype and buzz about this "revolutionary" technology, we want to be sure we are providing our patients with the best and healthy options possible. It is important to realise that it is the orthodontist, treatment planning, and diagnosis, that produce successful outcomes, not a particular product, be it Damon, Invisalign, or any other type of appliance.

A study has come out of the University of Oklahoma by Paventy to scientifically refute the claims by Damon users. They used cone beam technology, similar to that of CAT scans, to measure bone around the teeth after trying to correct severe crowding that Damon braces claim to be able to correct without extractions.

Here is the abstract:

Nonextraction Treatment Using the Damon System: A CBCT Evaluation

Anthony M. Paventy

University of Oklahoma

Objective: To evaluate facial bone changes using CBCT after arch development using the Damon System in nonextraction treatment of moderate to severe crowding.

Methods: 19 patients with clinical crowding of 5+ mm were treated following the Damon System. ACBCT scan was taken prior to bonding (T1) and again after arch development (T2). T1 data served as the internal control group.

Results: The maxillary 1st premolars, mandibular 1st and 2nd premolars and mandibular molars all showed significant facial bone height loss. Additionally, every maxillary tooth showed significant mean facial bone width loss. The same was true for the mandible

Conclusion: The Damon System effectively expanded both dental arches. However, facial bone did not correspondingly adapt after arch development was completed. In fact, facial bone decreased significantly in height and width for nearly all teeth measured.


What this means is that while teeth can be straightened when there is inadequate space, the supporting structures around the teeth can be weakened, leading to an increased likelihood of future gum and tooth mobility problems. The data is beginning to show that severe crowding and transverse expansion may not be best treated without extractions, expanders, or surgery, regardless of what appliance is being used.

Note that the use of self-ligation with proper treatment planning has produced many successful results. However, studies unequivocally show that they are no faster than traditional brackets, and that some brands may actually be more uncomfortable. The data presented at the AAO in Boston and AAO/AAP joint meeting in Orlando confirm that there may be no advantage of self-ligation over traditional brackets.

Orthodontics should be directed at creating healthy smiles that last a lifetime. There are times that it is healthier to remove teeth than to try and fight the natural balance of our bodies. Seek your own professional opinion regarding your own personal situation. Please call 905-477-7750 to schedule your complimentary evaluation for Richmond Hill braces, Scarborough Invisalign, and Markham orthodontics.

Ask your Unionville Orthodontist: Do Celebrities Wear Braces? Am I too old for braces?

Lyndsy Fonseca from Desperate Housewives.


The secret behind many smiles in Hollywood started with braces. Some had braces at an early age while others sported their braces on the red carpet or while in the limelight. Whether you're in your teens, or beyond, it is not too late to think about straight teeth, at any age! Markham Centre Orthodontics is your choice to find your own celebrity smile with Markham braces, Richmond Hill Invisalign, and Unionville orthodontics!


Not too late for Tom Cruise to improve his smile!



Delta Goodrem, Australian pop star.



Even Dakota Fanning wore a facemask!



Sean-a-Paul sports a different kind of bling...



Danny Glover's smile after braces is his Lethal Weapon



Ever wonder how Superman Dwight Howard got such nice teeth?



Love Actually star Thomas Sangster looks even cuter with braces on!

Here's a list of some of more famous people who have had braces: Cameron Diaz, Alyssa Milano, Angie Harmon, Tom Cruise, Carol Burnett, Anna Kournikova, Brett Favre, Brittney Spears, Barbara Walters, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Ashley Judd, Christina Applegate, Clare Daines, Cindy Crawford, Daisy Fuentes, Dakota Fanning, Danny Glover, Diana Ross, Gwen Stefani, Heather Locklear, Jody Foster, Kelly Clarkson, Lee Ann Womack, Lil' Bow Wow, Linda Evans, Marquis Daniels, Martina Hingis, Mary Stuart Masterson, Nicholas Cage, Melissa Gilbert, Monica Seles, Oprah, Pink, Sean Paul, Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Terrell Davis, Tyra Banks, Warren Beatty, Tia and Tamara Mowry.

Contact us to discover your smile today, with braces and Invisalign in Richmond Hill, Markham, Thornhill, Pickering, Ajax, North York, Scarborough, Unionville, and Toronto!

Your Markham Orthodontist and Markham Mayor Scarpitti at the FCCP Annual Ball

On the May long weekend, Dr. Tam represented the Chinese Canadian Dental Society (CCDS) as the incoming President at the Federation of Chinese Canadian Professionals (FCCP) Annual Ball held at Le Parc. The CCDS is a professional organization that hosts academic and social events for its members, offering continuing education in Toronto, Mississauga and York Region. The FCCP is a group of 13 different professions, including dentistry, with a mission to foster the promotion, cooperation, and growth from various disciplines, improve the quality of the community through the organization and active participation in non-profit social and educational initiatives, while uniting professionals to serve as a voice for the Chinese Canadian community.


This year's special guests included Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Miss World Canada 2009 Lena Ma, and Toronto Star columnist Tony Wong. These honoured guests show how important this organization has been to the Greater Toronto community. Dr. Tam spoke with Mayor Scarpitti about Markham Centre Orthodontics, the future growth of Markham, as well as this blog. Let's all give the Mayor a warm welcome as he will be stopping by the blog to check out our picture :).


Along with Past-President Dr. Edwin Tse, incoming VP Dr. Erica Shum, and his wife Amelia, it was a nice evening to celebrate initiatives such as non-profit housing, the education foundation (annual scholarships at many Ontario Universities regardless of ethnicity), and other community projects. Congratulations to the FCCP on another fantastic year!

Markham Invisalign Orthodontist teaches Invisalign in Toronto at George Brown College

Last month, Dr. Tam, your Markham and Toronto Invisalign Premier Provider orthodontist, was invited to lecture on Invisalign at George Brown College to the graduating class of dental hygienists. The Premier Provider designation is given by Invisalign to recognize the top 5% of all Invisalign doctors in North America based upon clinical experience and continuing education requirements. Meanwhile, the hygiene program at George Brown is widely known as the best in the city. It was an excellent chance for these RDH students to learn about this popular clear braces technique from the most experienced Invisalign orthodontist in the GTA east of Yonge Street.


Along with Craig MacIntyre, the top Invisalign rep in North America for 2008, Dr. Tam went through Invisalign from A-Z. The students listened eagerly to his clinical and theoretical expertise. Following the lecture, Dr. Tam provided a live demonstration on his impression-taking technique, one of the most vital parts of successful Invisalign treatment. Students then tried their hands at impressions on the dental models, with Dr. Tam providing advice and instruction in the clinic.


At the end of the day, the hygiene students were extremely excited to have a better understanding of Invisalign treatment. They felt very fortunate to learn from the expert choice for Invisalign braces in Richmond Hill, Markham, East Toronto, and Scarborough.

Please visit our website to learn more about Invisalign in Toronto and Markham to discover the clear secret behind eastern Greater Toronto's best smiles!

Markham Orthodontist and TeamMCO Attend American Association of Orthodontists Annual Meeting in Boston!

Since Thursday, some of the Team at Markham Centre Orthodontics had the opportunity to accompany Dr. Tam to visit Boston for the AAO Annual Meeting. The meeting allows us to interact with other practices, visit exhibit booths on all the new orthodontic innovations, attend lectures on clinical care and customer service, as well as a chance to do some sightseeing!

TeamMCO was able to enjoy the trip to the city where Dr. Tam completed his orthodontics training. Between lectures and playing tour guide, Dr. Tam met with some of the top orthodontists in North America to discuss treatment techniques and the future of orthodontic practice.

We return with energy, enthusiasm and ideas from this amazing meeting. The educational seminars and team building exercises help us put together the best orthodontic experience possible for our patients seeking Markham braces, Greater Toronto Orthodontists, and Richmond Hill Invisalign.

Check out some of the photos of TeamMCO at work and at play!


Some of TeamMCO having fun just before one of our lectures.



Some of us in a lecture about customer care.


The exhibit hall... Yes, there were hundreds of booths all related to orthodontics!


Dr. Tam enjoying a cup of Boston Chowda, a Beantown staple.



Mmmmmm. Another typical food from New England, the lobster roll.



Out for dinner with Jordan, our rep from American Orthodontics.



An after dinner walk in the North End with the famous Mike's Pastry in the background.



After a long line up, we see the infamous "Lobster Tail" pastry. Compare this to the size of the other pastries in the display!

We look forward to meeting you and showing you the secret behind Markham's best smiles!

Congratulations to the Winner of the Markham Centre Orthodontics Scavenger Hunt!

For the past three months, our Markham braces and Toronto Invisalign patients had the opportunity to complete our online scavenger hunt. The questions were designed to provide information about various important aspects of oral hygiene, braces care, our office, and life after braces. As always, we want you to be informed about your orthodontic treatment, so why not have fun while learning more about it? Congratulations to all of our participants who received the BPA-free Nalgene water bottle with the MCO monogram.


We pooled all of the correct entries together and the lucky winner of the draw was Clara Estrella! Clara chose a mixture of Ten Ren's bubble tea gift certificates, movie passes, and Chapters gift cards as her prize.

Remember to check our website, your text messages, or email appointment reminders for all of our Office Fun!

Markham Centre Orthodontics Celebrates Another Year as the Choice For Markham Braces and Toronto Invisalign!

It is still fresh in our memory when the doors of Markham Centre Orthodontics came into existence in 2005. Just a few years later, we have become Invisalign Premier Providers and increasingly, the choice for braces in Markham and Toronto.

Recently, some of TeamMCO celebrated our anniversary with dinner at Marlowe in Richmond Hill. We are extremely honoured that local dentists and our patients have selected Dr. Tam as their orthodontist in Markham. We have seen over one thousand patients and transformed many smiles. We look forward to seeing thousands more, including yours!

Call 905-477-7750 or visit www.markhamortho.com to schedule your complimentary initial examination for Markham braces and Toronto Invisalign.