Derek Damon Orthodontics 
Student-athletes with braces face a higher risk of dental injuries during contact sports. A properly fitted mouthguard protects both teeth and orthodontic appliances from impact damage. Custom-fitted mouthguards, made specifically to accommodate braces, offer the best protection and comfort for active teens. Playing sports with braces is completely manageable—but it does require one extra step … Read more
Damon braces are a self-ligating bracket system that eliminates elastic ties, reducing friction and allowing teeth to move more efficiently. Compared to traditional braces, clinical research shows Damon braces can shorten treatment time by an average of 7.2 months and require up to 47.8% fewer appointments, with patients reporting 60% less discomfort throughout treatment. If … Read more
Packing a braces-friendly school lunch means choosing soft, nutrient-dense foods—like yogurt, pasta, and bananas—while steering clear of hard, sticky, and crunchy foods that can break brackets or bend wires. With a little planning, your child can eat well and stay on track with treatment. Back-to-school season means new schedules, new teachers, and a whole new … Read more
Derek Damon Orthodontics, led by Dr. Derek Damon, was awarded Gold Best Orthodontics at the 2026 Best in Cascades awards. Our practice serves patients of all ages across Bellingham and Anacortes, WA, offering advanced treatment options including the Damon System, Spark Aligners, Invisalign, TADs, and jaw surgery referrals. Being named Gold Best Orthodontics at the … Read more
That satisfying crunch of ice on a hot day feels harmless enough. Many people do it without a second thought, especially when finishing off a cold drink. But if you wear braces or you’re thinking about straightening your teeth, that habit deserves a closer look. So, is chewing ice bad for your teeth? In short, … Read more
Worry about your gums while wearing braces is completely understandable. You want a straighter smile, not new problems along your gumline. The good news is that the relationship between braces and gum recession is often misunderstood, and a little knowledge goes a long way. So, can braces cause gum recession? The short answer is that … Read more
Completing your orthodontic journey is a major milestone worth celebrating. After months or even years of wearing Damon braces or clear aligners, the moment your treatment finishes is incredibly rewarding. You finally get to see the beautiful, broad smile you have been working toward. Naturally, you will want to capture this exciting transformation and share … Read more
Getting your braces tightened or put on for the very first time is an exciting step toward a confident smile. However, those first few days often bring a familiar wave of soreness. Your teeth feel tender, and your usual favorite meals suddenly seem a bit too crunchy or tough to handle. Fortunately, living in a … Read more
A confident smile has the power to change how you interact with the world. It improves your self-esteem, supports better oral health, and leaves a lasting impression on everyone you meet. Many people hesitate to start orthodontic treatment because they worry about the financial investment. You might be wondering, are braces covered by insurance in … Read more
Deciding to improve your smile is an exciting milestone. Many people look forward to the confidence that comes with perfectly aligned teeth, but feeling a little nervous about the journey is completely normal. The idea of sitting in an orthodontist’s chair and having brackets glued to your teeth might seem intimidating if you do not … Read more
