“You guys were very kind, patient, and friendly. You always took the time to explain everything thoroughly. You were very considerate and made sure that I understood the procedure of what was going on before moving forward.”
Damon Ultima braces in Alpena, Michigan
We traded colors
for comfort.
The smaller, smoother braces system Dr. Sytek uses here in Alpena. In her hands, it moves teeth predictably, so you spend less time in braces and more time getting on with your life.
The system, explained
What makes it different.
Most people picture braces with little colored elastics stretched around every bracket. Damon Ultima works differently. Each bracket has a built-in door that holds the wire in place, so there are no elastic ties at all.
A built-in door instead of elastic ties
The door is what "self-ligating" means: the bracket holds the wire on its own. Fewer parts means less friction on the wire, which is part of why teeth can be guided with lighter, steadier pressure.
Smaller brackets, fewer hooks
The brackets sit closer to the tooth and have fewer pieces to catch on your lips and cheeks. Most of our patients tell us they're more comfortable than the metal braces they remember, and easier to keep clean around.
Predictable movement, one doctor planning
Dr. Sytek chose this system because it moves teeth predictably in her hands, which lets her plan treatment efficiently from the first appointment to the last.
In our hands
Why we chose this system.
When we switched to Damon Ultima the concerned calls about initial soreness and discomfort decreased significantly. The system is designed with so much less "tightness" while still moving the teeth incredibly well. I know some patients are disappointed that we don't offer colors, but for most patients the trade for faster, more comfortable treatment just makes sense.
Dr. Lauren Sytek
The treatment process
What treatment looks like,
step by step.
Here's the path from your first visit to the day the braces come off.
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Your consultation
We take detailed photographs, two types of x-rays, and Dr. Sytek examines your bite. You leave with real treatment options and an exact cost for each.
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Placement
When you're ready to start, we bond the brackets to your teeth and place the first wire. When necessary, we will also set you up with Dental Monitoring so we can track your progress weekly from home. The appointment is straightforward, and you'll go home the same day with care instructions.
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Check-ins along the way
We see you periodically to adjust the wires and check progress. Many Damon Ultima patients also use Dental Monitoring, which lets Dr. Sytek review your teeth from a quick phone scan and often means fewer trips into the office.
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Removal and retainers
When your bite and alignment are where they should be, the braces come off. Retainers are made in-house and can be picked up same day or next, depending on what works for your schedule.
Who this is for
Who thrives with
Damon Ultima.
Kids, teens, and adults who need comprehensive braces treatment More complex bite and spacing issues Patients who want a comfortable, lower-profile alternative to traditional metal braces Anyone hoping to keep in-office visits to a minimum by pairing treatment with Dental Monitoring If you’d prefer a clear option, aligners may be a better fit for your case. Take a look at Oliv aligners, and we’ll help you weigh the two at your consultation.
Book a Consultation
Book a ConsultationWhat patients say
Reviews from real
Alpena families.
“My experience with Sytek Ortho has been great! Everybody is always very welcoming and I never leave without a smile on my face!”
“We are thrilled with the outcome of Parker’s orthodontic care. Dr. Sytek and all of the staff at Sytek Ortho are wonderful.”
“I didn’t like to smile before, but after having braces at Sytek Ortho, I have more confidence with my smile.”
“Dr. Sytek and staff did an amazing job. I love my teeth!”
“We could not be happier with Bently and Emerson’s orthodontic results. The team was incredibly flexible and always available to answer questions. Their treatment experience was positive from start to finish, and their confidence truly shines through their smiles.”
“We’re so happy with the way Noah’s smile turned out and we’re so happy we could do this treatment right here in Alpena. Dr. Kendziorski referred Noah and he’s one of the earlier completed cases with Sytek Ortho.”
“The team at Sytek Ortho is like family to me. They made sure I loved my teeth. They are truly the best people. I miss them!”
“My experience with Sytek Ortho was awesome! Everyone there was very kind and helpful. I am very happy, and my teeth look great.”
“They were all so nice! And brought back my confidence back!”
“I truly love Dr. Sytek. She gave me so much confidence in my smile, and I was treated incredibly well throughout the entire process. The environment was always so welcoming and they always made me feel right at home.”
“I had an amazing experience with Dr. Sytek and the entire orthodontic team. The process was smooth, comfortable, and the results were incredible. I would highly recommend Dr. Sytek to anyone considering orthodontic treatment!”
FAQ
Common questions about
Damon Ultima.
It depends on your case. Some patients finish in under a year, others take longer, and the honest answer only comes after Dr. Sytek looks at your teeth. You'll get a real estimate at your consultation.
You can expect some soreness for a few days after placement and after adjustments, which is normal for any braces. Because the brackets are smaller and have fewer hooks, most of our patients find them more comfortable day to day than the braces they pictured.
Mostly, yes. You'll want to avoid the usual hard and sticky foods that can damage brackets, and we'll give you a clear list at your placement appointment so there are no surprises.
Regular braces use small elastic ties to hold the wire, which get swapped at each visit. Damon Ultima uses a built-in door instead, in a smaller bracket. That means no colored ties, less friction on the wire, and a lower profile against your lips and cheeks.
For most cases, appointments are every 8 weeks for the first year, then every 4 to 6 weeks until treatment is complete. Many of our patients also use Dental Monitoring, which can allow longer stretches between appointments for certain cases.
Bracket breakages are not an emergency and can be handled during regular business hours. Give us a call first thing in the morning and we can typically get you in same day or next day for a repair. These visits are included in the treatment fee.
Related treatments
Other treatment options to consider.
Damon Clear
Clear brackets on the teeth that show.
Oliv Aligners
The clear aligner system Dr. Sytek trusts.
Dental Monitoring
AI-assisted remote check-ins.
Book your consultation in under a minute.
No pressure. Real options.
