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 2026 Best in Cascades awards is genuinely humbling. Recognition like this doesn’t come from marketing—it comes from patients who trust us with their smiles and feel good enough about the experience to say so publicly. And that means everything to us.
This post pulls back the curtain on what we actually do here at Derek Damon Orthodontics, from the technology we use to the philosophy that shapes how we treat every patient. If you’ve been thinking about orthodontic treatment for yourself or your child, or you’re just curious about what makes one practice different from another, you’ll find real answers here.
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Derek Damon has been an accredited orthodontist since 2001, with more than two decades of clinical experience across our Bellingham and Anacortes offices.
- We offer a range of proven treatment options—including the Damon System, Spark Aligners, Invisalign, and TADs—so your plan reflects your needs, not a default choice.
- Early orthodontic evaluation, ideally around age 6–7, can prevent more complex issues from developing later.
- Every treatment plan we create is personalized. Your face, bite, timeline, and lifestyle all factor into our recommendations.
- Modern orthodontics at our practice is built around fewer appointments, greater comfort, and faster results than traditional approaches.
What Does the Best in Cascades Award Actually Mean?
The Best in Cascades recognition isn’t something a practice can apply for or purchase. It’s community-driven—patients in the Cascades region vote for the providers they trust most. Winning the gold designation in orthodontics reflects the consistent experiences our patients have had at both our Bellingham and Anacortes locations.
We’ve been serving families across northwest Washington since Dr. Damon purchased the practice in 2001. That’s over two decades of refining our approach, investing in better technology, and building relationships with patients who come back to us when their kids are old enough to need treatment. Continuity like that is built one appointment at a time.
Why Dr. Derek Damon’s Background Sets the Foundation
Orthodontics runs in the Damon family — Dr. Damon is the sixth orthodontist across his family, which includes his father, uncle, and cousins. That’s not a coincidence; it reflects a deep generational commitment to the profession.
Dr. Damon grew up in western Washington, completed his undergraduate degree at UC Berkeley, earned his dental degree at the University of Washington, and returned to UW for his orthodontic residency. He received his orthodontic certification in 2001. Since then, he has maintained active memberships in the American Association of Orthodontists, the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, and the Washington State Dental Association—staying current with the research and techniques that shape the field.
Beyond credentials, Dr. Damon volunteers with the Mount Baker District Dental Society and has organized fundraisers supporting local Dental Access programs. That community investment isn’t separate from how we run our practice—it’s part of the same commitment.
How We Treat Patients Across All Stages of Life
We believe that every smile is unique, and our approach to care reflects that philosophy.
From children getting their first check-ups to adults seeking advanced orthodontic treatment, we tailor our services to meet the needs of patients at every stage of life.
Early Orthodontic Treatment: Why Timing Matters for Children
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At that point, most children have enough permanent teeth present for us to identify how the bite is developing—and whether intervention now would make later treatment simpler or unnecessary.
Early evaluation doesn’t always mean early treatment. Often, we monitor a child’s growth over time and act when conditions are right. But certain issues—severe crossbites, significant crowding, protruding teeth, and habits like thumb sucking or mouth breathing—respond much better to correction during active jaw development. Addressing a crossbite with a palatal expander during childhood, for example, frequently eliminates the need for surgery later.
Adolescent Treatment: Building Confidence During a Critical Window
Between ages 11 and 13, most of the baby teeth have been replaced by permanent ones. This creates a prime window for orthodontic correction, because the jaw is still growing and teeth move more efficiently. Adolescents at our practice also benefit from the fact that orthodontic treatment is common among their peers—they’re not navigating it alone.
We work with teenagers to find options that fit their lives, whether that’s Damon System braces, clear aligners, or a combination approach depending on what their case requires.
Adult Orthodontic Treatment: More Options Than You Might Expect
Adult orthodontics has grown significantly, and for good reason. Our discreet treatment options—particularly clear aligners—fit into professional and personal lives in ways that weren’t possible with older systems. Adults who come to us often prioritize minimal visibility during treatment and a predictable timeline. Both are things we can deliver.
One distinction worth noting: adult treatment requires close attention to periodontal health. We assess gum health before and throughout treatment to make sure corrections are being made on a stable foundation.
Our Treatment Options — and How We Choose Between Them
When it comes to orthodontic care, we understand that no two patients are alike. Selecting the right treatment involves a thorough evaluation of individual needs and goals, alongside factors like lifestyle, age, and overall oral health.
Here’s an overview of the options we offer and how we determine the best path forward for each patient.
What Makes the Damon System Different From Traditional Braces?
The Damon System uses self-ligating brackets with a patented slide mechanism that holds the wire without elastic ties. That matters because elastic ties create friction, which slows tooth movement and collects bacteria. By eliminating them, the Damon System allows teeth to move more freely with lighter forces—resulting in faster treatment, fewer appointments, and better oral hygiene conditions throughout.
Clinically proven for more than 20 years and used in over 7 million cases, Damon Braces also tends to produce a broader arch smile that fills the corners of the mouth more fully. We offer both Damon Q (all-metal, self-ligating) and Damon Clear (aesthetic brackets) depending on patient preference.
Spark Aligners and Invisalign: Understanding Your Clear Aligner Options
We offer both Spark Aligners and Invisalign because we believe patients should have access to the option that works best for their case—not just the one a practice happens to prefer.
Spark Clear Aligners are manufactured with proprietary TruGEN material, which offers strong sustained force retention and 19% better contact surface area per tooth than comparable aligners. They’re also made with 80% better printing resolution and feature smooth, polished edges that reduce soft tissue irritation. Spark’s weekly aligner change protocol means treatment can progress quickly.
Invisalign remains a strong option, particularly for patients who may have started treatment elsewhere or have specific case requirements. The iTero Element Scanner allows us to create a precise 3D model and show patients a preview of projected outcomes before treatment begins.
Both systems are removable, virtually invisible, and require only a few office visits per year. Wear time is 20–22 hours per day for optimal results.
TADs and Jaw Surgery: Solutions for Complex Cases
Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) are small titanium screws placed in the jaw to serve as fixed anchoring points during braces treatment. They allow us to move specific teeth with greater precision than conventional braces alone, often eliminating the need for headgear and reducing overall treatment time. Placement is quick, performed under local anesthesia, and removal is equally straightforward.
For cases where jaw alignment is the underlying issue—affecting chewing, speech, breathing, or facial balance—we work with oral and maxillofacial surgeons to coordinate corrective jaw surgery. Dr. Damon uses digital imaging technology to plan and time surgical cases carefully. Jaw surgery is typically considered only after jaw growth has stopped, generally around ages 14–16 for females and 17–21 for males.
What to Expect When You Visit Us
Your first appointment is a conversation as much as it is an evaluation. We look at your teeth, bite, and jaw development, and then we listen—to what’s bothering you, what your goals are, and what your life looks like outside our office. That information shapes the recommendation we make.
We don’t have a single preferred treatment we guide everyone toward. Some patients are excellent candidates for clear aligners. Others get better results faster with the Damon System. Some cases benefit from TADs alongside either option. We tell you which approach we think will produce the best outcome for your specific situation, and we explain why.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the difference between Spark Aligners and Invisalign?
A: Both are clear, removable aligner systems that gradually shift teeth into alignment. Spark Aligners use TruGEN material for stronger sustained force retention and are manufactured with 80% better printing resolution than comparable aligners. Invisalign is a widely recognized system with a strong track record. During your consultation, we’ll evaluate your case and discuss which option—or whether braces would be a better fit—is most likely to get you the result you’re looking for.
Q: How many appointments will I need?
A: That depends on the treatment type and case complexity. The Damon System and Spark Aligners are both designed to reduce the number of office visits compared to traditional orthodontic approaches. Clear aligner patients often need only a few check-ins per year, with progress monitored remotely using Dental Monitoring software. We’ll give you a realistic appointment estimate at your initial consultation.
Q: My child is 7. Is it too early to bring them in?
A: No—in fact, age 7 is precisely when the American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first evaluation. We can assess how the bite and jaw are developing and either confirm everything looks on track or identify anything worth monitoring or treating early. An evaluation at this age doesn’t commit your child to immediate treatment.
Q: Do you offer payment plans?
A: Yes. We offer flexible monthly payment plans, many with no down payment and no interest. Treatment cost varies based on the type of treatment and duration needed, and most insurance plans that include orthodontic coverage apply equally to Damon System braces as they would to conventional braces. We’ll walk through financial options with you during your consultation.
Q: What happens after treatment ends?
A: Once your active treatment is complete, we’ll fit you with a custom retainer made using the same digital scanning technology as your aligners or brackets. Retention is a critical part of keeping your results long-term, and we’ll give you clear guidance on wear time and care.
Ready to See What’s Possible?
Winning Gold Best Orthodontics at the 2026 Best in Cascades awards reflects the trust patients in this community have placed in us—and we don’t take that lightly. Every recommendation we make, every appointment we schedule, and every plan we build is shaped by a genuine commitment to results that last.
If you’re ready to explore your options, contact our Bellingham or Anacortes office to schedule your consultation. We’ll take the time to understand your situation and give you a clear picture of what treatment could look like for you or your child. A confident smile is closer than you might think.