Braces in Singapore
Braces are a fixed orthodontic treatment that uses brackets and wires to gradually shift teeth into place over time. They are commonly considered for concerns such as overcrowding or gaps between teeth, which can affect the appearance of a smile and may also make brushing and flossing more difficult.
At Family Dental Centre, orthodontic options are available across clinics in Singapore, including clear aligners and traditional metal or ceramic braces. Because braces are fixed in place, they work without depending on the wearer to remember to use them, which is one reason they suit a wide range of alignment concerns. Which approach is more suitable depends on the type and severity of the misalignment, oral health, and lifestyle, and a dentist can advise based on individual needs.
Straightening teeth is one part of what braces do. Depending on the individual case, they may also help with:
The timing for braces varies by individual needs. Standard treatment may be carried out once more of the permanent teeth have come in, which for many children falls during adolescence, though some cases benefit from earlier, interceptive treatment instead. Consulting with a dental professional can help determine a suitable time for you or your child to begin orthodontic care.
Braces are often started during the school and university years, and cost is usually the first question. Student and NSF rates for braces are set out in the cost section above.
A few things are worth knowing before you book.
Fees and payment are discussed at your consultation, once a dentist has performed a comprehensive oral examination of your teeth, gums, bite and jaw.
Students choosing between the two are usually weighing appearance against cost and upkeep.
| Metal Braces | Ceramic Braces | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Metal brackets and wires, visible when you smile | Tooth-coloured or clear brackets, less noticeable |
| Cost | See the fees listed in the cost section above | See the fees listed in the cost section above |
| Strength and durability | Brackets are less prone to breaking | May be more prone to breakage or dislodging |
| Staining and care | Brackets do not stain, though cleaning still matters | Require diligent care to avoid staining |
| Rubber bands | Colourful rubber band options available | Clear or tooth-coloured ties |
Which option suits you depends on your alignment concern, your budget and how you feel about visibility during treatment. A dentist can talk you through both.
Students weighing up braces tend to raise the same three points.
A dentist can advise whether now is a sensible time to begin, based on how your teeth and jaws have developed.
Ceramic braces in Singapore are one of the many types of dental braces made of tooth-coloured or clear ceramic material. They function similarly to traditional metal braces but are less noticeable in appearance. Ceramic braces are generally considered comfortable to wear and are used to manage common tooth alignment problems. However, they may be slightly more prone to breakage or dislodging, which can extend the overall procedure duration or incur additional costs.
Ceramic braces are less visible than metal brackets, which is a consideration for wearers who prefer a discreet appearance. They match closely with the natural colour of the teeth, making them less noticeable. As such, ceramic braces are worth considering for teenagers and children who may feel self-conscious about wearing braces. Self-ligating ceramic braces are also available, providing added convenience for the wearer.
Ceramic braces may be suitable for individuals of a range of ages in need of orthodontic care. They may be considered for teenagers and children who prefer an aesthetic option for teeth straightening. The tooth-coloured or clear brackets of ceramic braces make them less noticeable, addressing any self-consciousness about wearing braces.
The process of getting ceramic braces involves several steps. It begins with an initial consultation with dental professionals, where your orthodontic needs will be assessed. If ceramic braces are deemed suitable for your case, the brackets are bonded to your teeth using dental adhesive. Archwires will then be placed and periodically adjusted to gradually move your teeth into the desired position. Regular follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments.
Both orthodontists and general dentists are dedicated to oral care, but orthodontics is a distinct specialisation within dentistry. Orthodontists receive specialised training to diagnose and manage issues such as crooked teeth, malocclusions, and misaligned jaws, covering a spectrum from simple misalignments to complex cases that may involve both braces and surgical intervention. For more intricate dental concerns, general dentists often refer patients to orthodontic specialists.
Parents often raise orthodontic questions early, sometimes during a routine visit to a children’s dentist, recognising its impact on overall health and well-being. Early orthodontic evaluations, often raised at a visit to a children’s dentist in Singapore, can address potential jaw and bite discrepancies, taking advantage of a child’s ongoing growth and development.
Passionate in treating her patients, Dr Shue is a certified orthodontist with a wealth of experience in the dental industry. She has also served in various committees such as the Association of Orthodontists (Singapore) as President in 2003/2004 and 2004/2005.
Prior to working in a private practice, Dr Shue was working at the Dental Division and Department of Orthodontics at the Ministry of Health. She was also the visiting assistant professor at University of Toronto and University of California.
As the visiting consultant at the Cleft and Craniofacial Centre for a public hospital in Singapore, Dr Shue also participated in volunteering missions to Myanmar and Indonesia.
Dr Tang obtained her Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree at the National University of Singapore (NUS) in 2005.After completing her residency programme at the National University Hospital and National Dental Centre, Dr. Tang proceeded to attain her specialist in Orthodontics at the National Faculty of Dentistry.
Dr Tang also holds a position as the treasurer of the Singapore Dental Association from 2014 to 2016 and is also a valued member of the Association of Orthodontics Singapore.
To find out whether you are a good candidate, schedule an appointment with our dental clinician for
an initial consultation. Once the assessment of your dental health is done, our clinician will work with
you to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
Both ceramic and metal braces have their advantages:
An orthodontic consultation is an opportunity for you to learn more about your teeth, where our dentist will examine your bite, map out treatment options and explain what a personalized treatment plan looks like, with no obligation for you to commit to treatment that day. During your free time, you can make an informed decision.
Since its inception in 2003, Family Dental Centre (FDC) has grown into a network of 10 dental clinics in Singapore, driven by the mission to provide quality and accessible dental care to the community. As part of the Oracare Group and recognised by both the Singapore Dental Council and the Ministry of Health, our focus is on upholding professional standards in dental services, a commitment that has led to our inclusion in Dental Asia and listing on HealthHub, Singapore’s national health information portal.
At FDC, understanding and meeting the individual needs of our patients is at the heart of what we do. Our expansion to multiple conveniently located clinics reflects our commitment to making dental care accessible to all, supported by a team of over 30 dental clinicians. Continuous professional development is key, ensuring our team is equipped to provide comprehensive care. In recognition of Singapore’s diverse culture and languages, our staff are conversant in English, Mandarin, and Malay, facilitating clear and effective communication with our wide-ranging clientele.
If you are unsure which option is right for you or your child, a dentist can take a look and talk you through what they find. You can book a consultation at your nearest FDC clinic, and our dentist will assess your needs and outline treatment options.
