Braces treatment in Singapore
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Orthodontist-led smile straightening
Dental braces is a type of orthodontic treatment that helps to align crooked, protruding, or uneven teeth, transforming your teeth into a healthy and beautiful smile. Gaps in the teeth can also be closed by having braces treatment. In addition to achieving your desired smile, having straight and aligned teeth prevent bits of food from getting stuck in between gaps caused by crooked teeth. Brushing and flossing will be much easier and effective, resulting in healthier teeth and gums for a long time.
After successful treatment with braces, you will achieve a good bite that makes it easier for you to bite, chew, and speak. Getting braces in Singapore is an easy process, you just need to understand the different types of braces available and make your choice!
What are dental braces?
Braces are wire-based devices that help correct crowded or misaligned teeth. Braces also help correct misaligned jaws to reduce overbite or underbite. By straightening your teeth and/or jaw, you can enhance both your bite and facial profile. Treatment in Singapore usually takes between 2 to 2.5 years, but the duration can be longer or shorter depending on the complexity of your condition.
What does the typical braces treatment in Singapore involve?
For most patients, the best time to start braces is after permanent teeth have replaced all their milk teeth. That will usually be between the ages of 11 to 14 years old. Contrary to popular notion, adults can also reap the same benefits as teenagers from braces treatment in Singapore.
During the initial consultation, our dental specialist/dentist will find out the details of your medical and dental history, discuss concerns you have with your teeth and advise the best form of orthodontic treatment in Singapore to align them. Your orthodontic specialist/dentist will take clinical records such as X-rays, impressions and photos of the teeth to aid in an accurate diagnosis and planning of the treatment and type of braces for you.
Subsequent appointments involve insertion and adjustment of the braces. Insertion may take between 1 to 3 visits to complete depending on the type of braces you are getting in Singapore.
After the braces are in the mouth, your orthodontic specialist/dentist will review and adjust your braces every 4 to 8 weeks. You should avoid biting on large hard pieces of food (e.g. biting into an apple) to prevent dislodgement of your braces.
Initially, there may be some discomfort and a feeling of tightness. Your teeth feel sore because they are moving into alignment. After a few days, you should feel better.
The inner side of your cheeks or lips may get an ulcer from rubbing against the braces. Use dental wax from your orthodontic specialist/dentist in Singapore to quickly and easily relieve the sore.
Treatment with fixed braces usually takes between 2 to 3 years in Singapore, although it may sometimes be adjusted shorter and longer depending on the complexity of the case. After your braces are removed, your dental specialist/dentist will provide you with removable or fixed retainers. Retainers need to be used throughout your life. They are important as they hold your teeth in their corrected positions after the braces have been removed.
You should see your dental specialist/dentist about 1-3 months after your retainers are fitted. Subsequently, you can arrange for your visit to coincide with your routine 6-monthly dental check-up.
How much do braces cost in Singapore?
Wondering if braces treatment is Medisave Claimable?
Getting braces in Singapore is not claimable under Medisave. Medisave can only be used for certain dental surgical procedures. For more details on Medisave coverage, please visit our Medisave Page.
Other fees
Depending on the individual, there may be other treatment fees involved, for instance, teeth extraction. A more detailed estimate of the fees involved can be confirmed after the initial consultation.
| Consultation & Examination | $80 – 200 |
| 2 Digital x-rays (Orthopantomogram & Cephalometric x-rays) | $320 |
| Metal braces | $6,000 – 6,500 |
| Self-ligating steel braces | $6,200 – 6,800 |
| Ceramic (tooth coloured) braces | $6,800 |
| Lingual braces (placed behind the teeth) | $12,000 – 14,000^ |
*All fees are subject to prevailing Singapore Goods and Services Tax.
*All fees are subject to change without prior notice.
Upon confirmation that you will proceed with your braces treatment, a 50% payment is collected during bond up. The remaining 50% of the balance can be made at subsequent review visits in instalments of SGD$250 each time.
^For lingual braces, first payment of $3,000 is collected when bond up is done; second payment of $2,500 is collected during the second appointment; and $300 will be collected during each review visit until the remaining treatment fees have been fully paid.
The information provided above is of a general nature only as you would need to be examined by our dental specialists/ dentists in order to confirm the best treatment option for you.
Meet our orthodontist & dentist in Singapore
At Specialist Dental Group, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional dental care. With a team of internationally qualified dental specialists and surgeons who are leaders in their fields, we offer unparalleled expertise and experience. Our multi-speciality approach allows specialists to collaborate and comprehensively address your unique dental needs.
By leveraging advanced technology and techniques, we minimise pain and discomfort, prioritising your comfort throughout the treatment process – whether you are getting braces or complex dental surgery in Singapore.
Our commitment to research-based treatment, knowledge sharing, and patient satisfaction is evident through various prestigious awards and achievements. When you choose Specialist Dental Group, you can trust that you’re receiving top-quality dental care with peace of mind. Contact us today for more information.
Thinking about getting braces treatment in Singapore? Our orthodontic team handles the full range of misaligned teeth (malocclusions), including growth modifications. They work closely with the other dental specialists in the team to manage patients with jaw problems.
Frequently asked questions
What are the types of braces available in Singapore?
Fixed braces
Metal braces
Ceramic braces
Self-ligating braces
Lingual braces
Removable braces
Invisalign® is a popular and proven dental treatment in Singapore that uses clear, removable aligners to give you your desired smile.
What are metal braces?
Traditional metal braces comprise brackets affixed to teeth, and wires threaded through slots in the brackets. Some patients in Singapore may also have metal bands encircling back teeth. Wires are held to brackets by tiny rubber bands. Brackets are generally made of stainless steel, and the wires are made of metal alloys to deliver a constant, gentle force to move teeth.
Although not the most aesthetic type of fixed braces treatment in Singapore, metal braces are predictable, yield good results, and are the least costly option.
We also provide colourful braces where you can choose the colour of the elastic ties that bind wires to the brackets. You can even change the colour each time you visit the dentist.
We have patients in Singapore who change the colours of their elastic ties according to the holiday season—for instance, opting for red and green during Christmas. Wearing metal braces can be fun!
What are ceramic braces?
Ceramic braces are tooth-coloured. While not completely invisible, they are more subtle and less noticeable, making them the more aesthetic option for some patients in Singapore.
Did you know that Tom Cruise wore ceramic braces? If you were not aware of this, then it means that the ceramic braces did a good job of being unnoticeable on this frequently photographed Hollywood personality.
Like metal braces, ceramic braces are affixed to teeth, and wires are threaded through slots in the brackets. Wires are held to brackets by tiny rubber bands. The brackets are made of ceramic, and the wires are made of metal alloys to deliver a constant, gentle force to move teeth.
Ceramic braces blend in with your teeth and are less noticeable from a distance or in photographs.
On the other hand, the professional fees involved for getting ceramic braces are higher than getting traditional metal braces in Singapore.
The clear/white elastics also stain easily if not cared for properly. The good news is that since your elastics are changed regularly at your monthly orthodontic visits, the stained effect only lasts until your next dental appointment.
What are self-ligating braces?
Instead of wires or elastic bands, self-ligating braces are designed with a little gate to hold onto the archwires gently. Hence, the treatment is more comfortable than metal and ceramic braces. The treatment also takes a shorter time frame, roughly an average reduction of 4 months, to complete. The number of appointments with your dental specialist/dentist in Singapore is reduced by an average of 4 visits compared to conventional metal or ceramic braces.
In addition, it is easier to achieve good oral hygiene as self-ligating brackets do not accumulate plaque as much as rubber modules or wires. They do not easily stain since they do not contain rubber parts. They are also strong and rarely break.
Self-ligating braces are aesthetically better than conventional metal ones as they do not need ligatures, elastic bands or wires to hold onto the archwires
What are lingual braces?
Lingual braces are placed on the back of your teeth (at the side of the tongue), hiding the appliance from your smile and making it unnoticeable to others. Its discreetness is the main advantage of lingual braces and one of the ways to straighten your teeth in an “invisible” manner in Singapore.
In terms of materials involved and techniques required, it is largely similar to conventional metal braces.
Regarding comfort level, lingual braces generally require more time to get used to and wear.
What is the difference between braces and Invisalign?
When considering orthodontic treatment options in Singapore, it is essential to understand the difference between braces and Invisalign. Braces, consisting of brackets and wires, are fixed appliances that gradually straighten teeth. They are highly effective for various dental issues and are suitable for patients of all ages. On the other hand, Invisalign, a clear aligner system, offers a discreet and removable alternative. It uses a series of custom-made, clear aligners to gradually shift teeth into the desired position. Invisalign is particularly popular among adults and those seeking a more inconspicuous treatment option.
However, Invisalign requires discipline – the aligners have to be worn for a minimum of 20 to 22 hours a day. For more information, please refer to the Invisalign page here.
Is braces treatment suitable for patients in Singapore with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems or patients who are pregnant?
Patients with high diabetes, blood pressure and heart problems must inform their orthodontic specialist/dentist before commencing dental surgery or orthodontic treatment.
Pregnant women can undergo orthodontic treatment safely but need to inform their dentist so that appropriate changes can be made to some of their dental care.
What causes crooked teeth?
There are various reasons for crooked teeth. They are namely genetics, premature loss of primary teeth and bad habits.
Genetics: some people are born with smaller jaws. In such cases, the teeth compete for space when erupting. Hence, they will rotate, move and overlap with other teeth to fully erupt into the oral cavity.
Premature loss of primary teeth: The remaining teeth may shift to fill up the space left by the missing tooth. When the permanent tooth replaces the baby tooth, it may move from its normal position and erupt crookedly.
What happens after my braces are removed?
Congratulations on the end of your braces journey. That also marks the beginning of your need for retainers. Retainers maintain your teeth in corrected positions and prevent relapse (teeth moving back out of alignment).
Some retainers are removable, which you can take out if you need to eat, brush or play contact sports. While (bonded) retainers are fixed onto the back of your front teeth. Depending on your situation, our dental specialists/dentists will prescribe the best option for you.
You must wear your retainers diligently. The removable retainers must be worn full-time daily for the first six months, followed by night-time wear, gradually reducing this over time. You can easily clean your retainers by brushing with non-abrasive toothpaste and rinsing with tap water.
In addition, a biannual dental follow-up helps to maintain optimal treatment results and overall dental health. Your orthodontist/dentist can promptly address any issues (e.g. change of alignment) that arise after the completion of your braces treatment in Singapore. Your orthodontic follow-up reviews can be done simultaneously during your regular professional dental cleaning.
Are there any alternatives to wearing braces if I want to get my teeth straightened faster?
Orthodontic treatment typically requires 12 to 24 months to complete.
Alternatively, you can consider cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as veneers or crowns. A consultation can be scheduled with our team of Prosthodontists to understand your suitability. The entire process takes only one to two weeks to complete.
Do I need to have my teeth extracted if I wear braces/ Invisalign?
It depends. We only extract teeth if there is a clear indication. Sometimes, teeth alignment is possible without extractions.
On the other hand, in some situations, extraction is one of the means to get the space required to align crooked teeth properly and achieve a pleasant facial profile. Our dental specialists/dentists can assess the condition of your teeth during a scheduled consultation and advise you on the best course of action for your braces treatment journey in Singapore.
My sibling has crooked teeth. Does this mean that I will also have crooked teeth too?
It depends. Certain hereditary traits such as small or big teeth, missing teeth, jaw size and jaw growth problems have strong genetic links. However, other factors are involved, such as thumb-sucking or pacifier sucking past a certain age, mouth breathing, early loss of primary (milk) teeth and trauma that leads to crowding and misalignment of teeth.
What are the side effects or risk factors for receiving braces treatment in Singapore?
When receiving braces treatment in Singapore, potential side effects or risk factors are minimal and temporary, including mild discomfort, soreness, or irritation, which will get better over time and can be managed with orthodontic wax.
How long will I have to wear braces in Singapore?
The duration of wearing braces varies depending on individual needs, but generally, it can range from 1 to 3 years. Our experienced dental specialists will assess your case and provide a more accurate timeframe for your braces treatment in Singapore.
How often should I visit the dentist during my braces treatment in Singapore?
Regular visits to the dentist are essential during your braces treatment in Singapore. Typically, patients need to come in for adjustments every 4 to 8 weeks to ensure progress and make necessary adjustments to the braces.
While I have braces, will my teeth hurt between visits to the dentist?
It is common to experience some discomfort or sensitivity between visits while wearing braces. This discomfort is temporary and will get better as time passes. Adhere to the recommended orthodontic care practices given by your dental specialist in Singapore.
Will I be able to speak normally with braces?
Yes, you can speak normally with braces. Initially, it may take a short adjustment period to get used to braces, but most patients in Singapore adapt quickly and find their speech returns to normal.
Can I do sports with braces?
Engaging in sports activities is still possible with braces. However, you may want to wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and braces during physical activities. If you’re unsure, please consult your dental specialist in Singapore.
What food and drinks should I avoid when wearing braces?
While wearing braces, it is best to avoid sticky or hard foods that can damage the braces, such as popcorn, hard candies, and nuts. Additionally, it is advisable to minimise the consumption of sugary drinks and opt for water.
What should I do if I damage or break my braces?
If you damage or break your braces, contact the clinic immediately. Take a photo if possible and send it to us. We will guide you on what to do next, whether it requires an emergency appointment or temporary measures until your scheduled visit. Prompt action helps prevent further complications and ensures the success of your braces treatment in Singapore.
What should I take note of when having braces?
Braces need a series of appointments to complete. For predictable results, you have to make sure you keep to your scheduled appointments and brush your teeth well. Regular professional dental cleaning every 3 to 6 months is also essential for a good overall treatment outcome. Caring for your braces and preventing breakages helps to ensure that you complete your treatment within the expected duration.
