Kahului & Pukalani Ceramic Braces
Smile Your Best with Clear Braces
Maui Orthodontics by Bonham and Bonham is proud to offer clear braces to patients across Maui from our Kahului and Pukalani offices. Dr. Aurelia Bonham and Dr. Paul Bonham use Damon self-ligating clear braces to help you get a smile you’ll want everyone to see.
A Low-Profile Approach to Braces
Clear braces straighten your teeth with brackets that blend in with your smile. At Maui Orthodontics, Drs. Bonham and Bonham offer this option if you want the structure and control of braces with a less noticeable look.
At our Kahului and Pukalani offices, we use Damon self-ligating clear braces. That means the brackets hold the wire in place with built-in clips instead of elastic ties, creating a more streamlined system that differs from traditional braces in both design and function.
How Clear Braces Work
Clear braces move teeth with brackets and a wire, just like metal braces. The difference is that they use clear or tooth-colored materials, which makes the appliance less prominent during treatment.
The Damon System
Damon Clear braces use a self-ligating design rather than elastic ties. This system holds the wire with built-in clips, which changes how the braces function and sets them apart from more traditional bracket systems.
The Damon Clear Difference
No Elastic Ties: Traditional clear braces use rubber bands to hold the wire in place, which stain and discolor when exposed to foods like coffee, wine, colored drinks, or curry. Damon Clear uses a built-in sliding "door" that never discolors.
Faster Treatment & Fewer Visits: Because there are no elastics acting like "parking brakes," the wire can slide freely. This can reduce overall treatment time and require fewer adjustment appointments.
Better Oral Hygiene: Without the tiny nooks and crannies of elastic ties, there are fewer places for plaque and bacteria to accumulate.
Continuous Wear: Unlike clear removable aligners (like Invisalign), Damon braces are non-removable, ensuring 24/7 treatment compliance.
The Benefits of a Damon Clear Smile
Damon Clear braces offer a stylish, streamlined path to your new smile. There’s a lot to love about clear, self-ligating braces at Maui Orthodontics.
More Efficient
Every smile moves on its own timeline, but Damon Clear braces use a self-ligating design that helps reduce friction as your teeth shift. That allows the system to move teeth more efficiently than traditional braces, which rely on elastic ties.
For many patients, that can mean a treatment experience that feels more efficient overall, with simpler, easier-to-manage appointments along the way.
More Discreet
Clear Damon braces use ceramic brackets that blend in better with your teeth, so your treatment does not stand out like metal braces. You still get the strength and control braces are known for, just in a look that feels more understated.
That balance appeals to teens and adults who want fixed treatment without making braces the first thing people notice about their smile.
More Comfortable
Damon Clear braces pair smooth ceramic brackets with a self-ligating system that moves teeth with light, controlled force. Without elastic ties adding extra bulk and friction, treatment can feel cleaner and more comfortable day to day.
You will still feel pressure as your teeth move, but the overall system supports a smoother treatment experience than many patients expect from braces.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clear Braces
Clear braces give you a more subtle way to straighten your smile without giving up the control and consistency of braces. Here are some of the questions patients ask most often at Maui Orthodontics by Bonham and Bonham.
Getting clear braces placed does not hurt, and the appointment usually takes about an hour. Our team will clean and prepare your teeth, then Dr. Paul Bonham or Dr. Aurelia Bonham will place each bracket and secure your braces in position.
Once your braces are on, we will show you how to keep them clean, what foods to avoid, and what to expect during the first few days of treatment.
Yes, clear braces work with the same basic mechanics as metal braces. They use brackets and a wire to move teeth into healthier alignment and can treat many of the same orthodontic concerns.
At Maui Orthodontics, Dr. Paul Bonham and Dr. Aurelia Bonham use Damon Clear braces, which combine the effectiveness of braces with a more discreet appearance and a self-ligating design.
Not at all. Many adults choose clear braces because they want the reliability of braces without the more noticeable look of metal brackets.
Clear braces can be a strong option for teens and adults alike. During your consultation, we will look at your smile, your bite, and your goals to help you decide whether clear braces are the right fit.
Treatment time depends on your case, your bite, and how much tooth movement you need. Many patients wear braces for about 12 to 24 months, but your treatment may take more or less time depending on your needs.
The best way to get a realistic timeline is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Paul Bonham or Dr. Aurelia Bonham. We will evaluate your smile and give you a treatment estimate based on your case.
You may feel some soreness after your braces go on and after certain adjustment appointments, but that feeling usually fades within a few days. Most patients describe it as pressure rather than pain.
Because Damon Clear braces use a self-ligating system, many patients find treatment feels smoother than they expected. Orthodontic wax, soft foods, and over-the-counter pain relief can help while your mouth adjusts.
The ceramic brackets themselves resist staining well, but the braces can still look less clear over time if oral hygiene slips or staining foods and drinks build up around them. Coffee, tea, red wine, and strongly colored foods can all affect how clean your braces look during treatment.
Good brushing habits make a big difference. Our team will show you how to keep your braces looking their best throughout treatment.
Self-ligating braces use built-in clips to hold the wire in place instead of traditional elastic ties. At Maui Orthodontics, Damon Clear braces use this design to create a more streamlined system.
That difference helps reduce friction as teeth move and can make adjustments feel simpler and treatment feel more efficient overall.
You should avoid hard, sticky, and very chewy foods that can damage brackets or wires. Foods like popcorn, caramel, hard candy, and crunchy snacks can create problems during treatment.
Choosing braces-friendly foods helps protect your appliance and keep your treatment on track. We will give you clear guidance on what to skip and what is safe to enjoy.
Yes. Regular dental visits still matter during orthodontic treatment. Your dentist helps keep your teeth and gums healthy while we focus on alignment and bite correction.
Because braces create more places for plaque to collect, cleanings and checkups become even more important during treatment.
Most patients come in every several weeks, so we can monitor progress and make any needed adjustments. Your exact appointment schedule will depend on your treatment plan.
Because Damon Clear braces use a self-ligating design, your visits are more streamlined than with more traditional braces systems.
The cost of clear braces depends on the complexity of your case and the length of treatment. Since every smile is different,
the best way to get accurate pricing is to come in for a free consultation.
Our team will explain your choices, clearly review costs, and discuss your financing options to help you make an informed decision.
Get Started Today!
Dr. Paul, Dr. Aurelia, and the whole team at Maui Orthodontics are ready to help you and your family achieve the best possible smile with Damon Clear braces. Start with a free consultation at our Pukalani or Kahului office today.