Cost of Braces in Singapore
How much does braces cost in Singapore? Which type of is braces is the most ideal for me? – These are some of the questions you’ve probably got if you’re thinking of getting braces.
Here’s an in-depth guide to getting started on braces treatment in Singapore.
Braces in Singapore: Options & Costs
For anyone looking to get started on their orthodontic treatment, it’s very important to understand the different treatment options available, the cost of each of these treatment options, and the ways that they can be financed.
How much do braces cost?
At NoFrills Dental, we offer a range of different types of Braces, such as conventional metal braces and self-ligating braces. Before your get started on your braces journey, the cost of the entire treatment will be laid out during your initial consultation.
The average cost of orthodontic treatment in Singapore ranges between $3,500 – $6,500 depending on the complexity of the case, length of treatment, type of braces used and the expertise of the practitioner performing the treatment.
Here’s a quick guide to your next smile makeover with braces, we’ll cover the options available to patients in Singapore and the costs involved of each treatment option before you get started.
Why Should I Get Braces?
Most people would agree that having a pleasing smile paired with a set of perfectly straight and white teeth makes anyone instantly more attractive, confident and approachable. Teeth straightening through the means of orthodontic treatment is one of the most common aesthetic procedures done all over the world, with an estimated 33% of the entire world’s population having undergone some form of orthodontic treatment at some point in their life.
Getting your teeth straightened is a really common procedure.
The Solution For Straighter Teeth
Braces are a form of orthodontic treatment where a set of brackets, wires and elastic bands are attached to your teeth and used to shift and straighten your teeth. The treatment aims to provide patients with an improved bite, smile and overall oral health by shifting teeth to an ideal position, pre-planned by a dentist or orthodontist (Specialist Dentist that focuses on treating the misalignment of teeth). Braces can be used to prevent and treat misaligned teeth, bite problems and certain jaw misalignments.)
Patients get braces for a variety of reasons but some of the more common reasons include:
- Correcting bite issues such as open bite, overbites and underbites.
- Prevention of tooth damage and excessive tooth wear resulting from improper tooth alignment or a lopsided jaw.
- Difficult to maintain oral health due to crowded or crooked teeth which result in gum disease, tooth decay or both.
- Speech impairments such as lisps due to misaligned teeth.
- Address jaw-related issues such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
- Confidence booster – some patients may be uncomfortable smiling with their teeth due to the misalignments of their teeth.
Braces for Children
Parents with children under the age of 11 who are suffering from jaw or bite-related issues should intervene and address these orthodontic issues early on as the early intervention of orthodontic issues will generally result in a better final treatment outcome and shorter treatment duration as the dentist will be able to prevent these issues from getting worse as the child ages.
Braces for Teens
Generally, younger patients suffering from malocclusion resulting from misaligned teeth should have their teeth adjusted only after all their adult teeth have fully erupted. This allows the dentists to fully plan the movement of teeth and build a smile that’ll last the patient a lifetime. Most dental clinics will have special pricing plans for students when it comes to braces treatment in Singapore.
Braces for Adults
Braces are suited for people of all ages and there’s no age ceiling for the treatment, some patients even get their braces done when they’re over 60 years old! Moreover, almost half of all patients who have braces in Singapore are adults above the age of 21. However, adult patients looking to get started on their braces journey to a straighter smile should set aside a higher budget as compared to children as it is generally more complex to adjust adult patients as the bone structure in adults is a lot denser than that of younger patients which can result in longer treatment duration.
Braces in adults usually cost about $200 more than teens or children patients for the same level of complexity of the case.
Cost of Braces in Singapore
Average cost for Braces in Singapore is between S$3,500 – S$6,500
Orthodontic treatment is very personalised. The price component of each patient is highly dependant on the complexity of the patient’s case. As such, the more complex the case is, the higher the overall cost of the braces treatment will be. Prices vary from clinic to clinic and depending on the age, type of braces, the expertise of the dental practitioner (orthodontists charge more than general dentists), the cost of the treatment will vary accordingly.
What affects the cost of braces?
The total cost of treatment will also depend on the specific type of braces that you’ll be using for your orthodontic treatment. There are 5 main types of braces that patients can choose from: conventional metal braces, ceramic braces, self-ligating braces, lingual braces and Invisalign (technically not braces, but the sake of discussion we’ll add it to this list). Depending on your needs, budget and requirements, your dentist will recommend the right option for you.
| Type of Braces | What is it? | Dental Visits | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Braces | The most common type of ‘normal’ metal braces which most people know of. | Once every 4 weeks for wire adjustments | S$3,500 – S$5,000 |
| Ceramic Braces | Similar to metal braces except brackets are made of tooth-coloured ceramic instead of metal. This provides patients with a more subtle appearance. | Once every 4 weeks for wire adjustments | S$4,500 – S$6,500 |
| Self Ligating Braces (2nd Generation Braces) | The second generation of braces which does not require ligatures to adjust teeth. Most patients know them as Damon braces. | Once every 5-6 weeks for wire adjustments | S$5,500 – S$7,500 |
| Lingual Braces | Braces which are bonded behind teeth. Providing patients with an Invisible solution to adjusting their smile. | Once every 4 weeks for wire adjustments | S$5,000 – S$13,000 |
| Invisalign | A series of clear plastic aligners which gradually shift teeth after every set of aligners. | Once every 6 – 8 weeks. Can be longer if patients are using the Dental Monitoring system. | S$4,500 – S$9,500 |
The average cost of braces ranges between S$3,500 – S$6,500 in Singapore
Orthodontic treatment is very personalised. The price component of each patient is highly dependant on the complexity of the patient’s case. As such, the more complex the case is, the higher the overall cost of the braces treatment will be. Prices vary from clinic to clinic and depending on the age, type of braces, the expertise of the dental practitioner (orthodontists charge more than general dentists), the cost of the treatment will vary accordingly.
What affects the cost of braces?
The total cost of treatment will also depend on the specific type of braces that you’ll be using for your orthodontic treatment. There are 5 main types of braces that patients can choose from: conventional metal braces, ceramic braces, self-ligating braces, lingual braces and Invisalign (technically not braces, but the sake of discussion we’ll add it to this list). Depending on your needs, budget and requirements, your dentist will recommend the right option for you.
 |
Metal braces are the most common form of fixed braces that utilises metal archwires, a series of metal brackets bonded to the front of teeth and ligature to shift teeth. They’re the most affordable option when it comes to straightening teeth. Patients will have to visit their dentist once a month to get their braces progressively tightened in order to progress through every stage of treatment. |
Pros of Metal Braces
- Most affordable solution
- Can address complex issues without much hassle
Cons of Metal Braces
- Metal braces are highly noticeable and may not be aesthetically pleasing for some patients.
- Uncomfortable and can cause abrasion and ulcers.
- Good oral health maintenance is required.
- Traps food particles – which result in poor oral health or even tooth decay if not removed.
The average cost of metal braces ranges between $3,500 – $5,000 in Singapore.
 |
Ceramic braces are another form of fixed braces that’s similar to metal braces, apart from the fact that the brackets are made from ceramic instead of metal. This ceramic material can be clear or matched to the colour of your teeth. The archwire is sometimes transparent as well to provide patients with a more discrete look when getting their teeth straightened with braces. Patients will have to visit their dentist once a month to get their braces progressively tightened in order to progress through every stage of treatment. |
Pros of Ceramic Braces
- Can address complex issues without much hassle
- Looks better than metal braces
Cons of Ceramic Braces
- May not be aesthetically pleasing enough for some patients.
- The risk of breakage is higher than metal braces as ceramic brackets are more fragile.
- Ceramic brackets are usually larger than metal brackets.
- Higher level of maintenance required as they’re prone to staining.
- The ceramic brackets may stain resulting in some discolouration.
- Uncomfortable and can cause abrasion and ulcers.
- Traps food particles – which result in poor oral health if not removed
The average cost of ceramic braces ranges between S$4,500 – S$6,500 in Singapore. Some patients choose to only use ceramic braces for their upper teeth and metal ones for their lower teeth (Lower teeth are generally less visible) – which can result in some cost savings.
|
Self-ligating braces remove the need for conventional elastic band ligatures which are used in conventional metal braces and ceramic braces. In terms of appearance, they look almost identical to regular metal braces, just without the elastic band ligatures. Self-ligating braces allow the patients to enjoy reduced visits to the dentists, increase the comfort level of braces by reducing the amount of pressure on teeth and reduce the overall treatment duration when compared to regular braces. Common types of self-ligating braces include Damon Braces. |
Pros of Self Ligating Braces
- Can address complex issues without much hassle.
- Does not require ligatures to adjust teeth.
- Faster treatment compared to metal braces or ceramic braces.
- More comfortable when compared to metal braces or ceramic braces.
- Reduced number of dental visits required.
Cons of Self Ligating Braces
- May not be aesthetically pleasing for some patients.
- More expensive than regular metal braces.
- Uncomfortable and can cause abrasion and ulcers.
- Traps food particles – which result in poor oral health if not removed.
- Cost more than regular metal or ceramic braces
The average cost of self-ligating braces ranges between S$5,500- S$7,500 in Singapore.
|
Lingual braces are metal braces which are attached to the inner side of teeth. This provides patients with orthodontic treatment that’s practically invisible. However, a major downside to this type of braces would be the fact they’re very hard to install, adjust and maintain. Lingual braces are usually only done by orthodontists given the complexity of installation and adjustments. Not to mention they’re also the most expensive type of braces. Moreover, they’re known to be really uncomfortable, simply due to the fact that it reduces the amount of space for the tongue to rest, which can result in pain, abrasion or tenderness of the tongue. |
Pros of Self Ligating Braces
- Virtually invisible as the braces are placed on the inside of teeth
- Don’t cause ulcers or abrasion to cheeks
Cons of Self Ligating Braces
- Very uncomfortable and can cause abrasion and ulcers on the tongue.
- Very expensive
- Difficult to install and adjust – Usually only done by orthodontists
- Not suitable for complex cases
- Traps food particles – which result in poor oral health if not removed.
- Difficult to clean
- A longer treatment duration is to be expected.
The average cost of lingual braces ranges between S$5,000 – S$13,000 in Singapore.
|
Invisalign treatment is different from the other treatment discussed above, the Invisalign system does not utilise any brackets or wires to adjust teeth, instead, it uses a series of customised BPA-free clear plastic aligners which are changed every 10 days which gradually shift teeth. Invisalign can be considered an alternative to braces. Because of the ‘invisible’ appearance of the aligners, many patients know Invisalign as ‘invisible” braces. They are customarily fabricated to exactly fit a patient’s teeth. |
Pros of Invisalign Treatment
- Virtually invisible as the clear aligners used to shift teeth and clear.
- More comfortable compared to other braces options.
- Removable, which allows patients to take their aligners out when eating, drinking or brushing their teeth.
- Fewer dental visits required
- Easier to maintain oral health, as regular brushing and flossing is all that’s required.
Cons of Invisalign Treatment
- Cost can be quite high compared to other treatment options
- May not be the most efficient when it comes to treating complex cases
- Because aligners are removable, patients have the tendency of misplacing their them after taking them out.
The cost of Invisalign treatment in Singapore typically ranges from about $4,500 – $8,000 when performed by a general dentist, while the cost of Invisalign lies between $7,000 – $9,500 for treatment by an orthodontist.
Metal Braces
Metal braces are the most common form of fixed braces that utilises metal archwires, a series of metal brackets bonded to the front of teeth and ligature to shift teeth. They’re the most affordable option when it comes to straightening teeth. Patients will have to visit their dentist once a month to get their braces progressively tightened in order to progress through every stage of treatment.
Pros of Metal Braces
- Most affordable solution
- Can address complex issues without much hassle
Cons of Metal Braces
- Metal braces are highly noticeable and may not be aesthetically pleasing for some patients.
- Uncomfortable and can cause abrasion and ulcers.
- Good oral health maintenance is required.
- Traps food particles – which result in poor oral health or even tooth decay if not removed.
The average cost of metal braces ranges between $3,500 – $5,000 in Singapore.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are another form of fixed braces that’s similar to metal braces, apart from the fact that the brackets are made from ceramic instead of metal. This ceramic material can be clear or matched to the colour of your teeth. The archwire is sometimes transparent as well to provide patients with a more discrete look when getting their teeth straightened with braces. Patients will have to visit their dentist once a month to get their braces progressively tightened in order to progress through every stage of treatment.
Pros of Ceramic Braces
- Can address complex issues without much hassle
- Looks better than metal braces
Cons of Ceramic Braces
- May not be aesthetically pleasing enough for some patients.
- The risk of breakage is higher than metal braces as ceramic brackets are more fragile.
- Ceramic brackets are usually larger than metal brackets.
- Higher level of maintenance required as they’re prone to staining.
- The ceramic brackets may stain resulting in some discolouration.
- Uncomfortable and can cause abrasion and ulcers.
- Traps food particles – which result in poor oral health if not removed
The average cost of ceramic braces ranges between S$4,500 – S$6,500 in Singapore. Some patients choose to only use ceramic braces for their upper teeth and metal ones for their lower teeth (Lower teeth are generally less visible) – which can result in some cost savings.
Self Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces remove the need for conventional elastic band ligatures which are used in conventional metal braces and ceramic braces. In terms of appearance, they look almost identical to regular metal braces, just without the elastic band ligatures. Self-ligating braces allow the patients to enjoy reduced visits to the dentists, increase the comfort level of braces by reducing the amount of pressure on teeth and reduce the overall treatment duration when compared to regular braces. Common types of self-ligating braces include Damon Braces.
Pros of Self Ligating Braces
- Can address complex issues without much hassle.
- Does not require ligatures to adjust teeth.
- Faster treatment compared to metal braces or ceramic braces.
- More comfortable when compared to metal braces or ceramic braces.
- Reduced number of dental visits required.
Cons of Self Ligating Braces
- May not be aesthetically pleasing for some patients.
- More expensive than regular metal braces.
- Uncomfortable and can cause abrasion and ulcers.
- Traps food particles – which result in poor oral health if not removed.
- Cost more than regular metal or ceramic braces
The average cost of self-ligating braces ranges between S$5,500- S$7,500 in Singapore.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are metal braces which are attached to the inner side of teeth. This provides patients with orthodontic treatment that’s practically invisible. However, a major downside to this type of braces would be the fact they’re very hard to install, adjust and maintain. Lingual braces are usually only done by orthodontists given the complexity of installation and adjustments. Not to mention they’re also the most expensive type of braces. Moreover, they’re known to be really uncomfortable, simply due to the fact that it reduces the amount of space for the tongue to rest, which can result in pain, abrasion or tenderness of the tongue.
Pros of Self Ligating Braces
- Virtually invisible as the braces are placed on the inside of teeth
- Don’t cause ulcers or abrasion to cheeks
Cons of Self Ligating Braces
- Very uncomfortable and can cause abrasion and ulcers on the tongue.
- Very expensive
- Difficult to install and adjust – Usually only done by orthodontists
- Not suitable for complex cases
- Traps food particles – which result in poor oral health if not removed.
- Difficult to clean
- A longer treatment duration is to be expected.
The average cost of lingual braces ranges between S$5,000 – S$13,000 in Singapore.
Invisalign
Invisalign treatment is different from the other treatment discussed above, the Invisalign system does not utilise any brackets or wires to adjust teeth, instead, it uses a series of customised BPA-free clear plastic aligners which are changed every 10 days which gradually shift teeth. Invisalign can be considered an alternative to braces. Because of the ‘invisible’ appearance of the aligners, many patients know Invisalign as ‘invisible” braces. They are customarily fabricated to exactly fit a patient’s teeth.
Pros of Invisalign Treatment
- Virtually invisible as the clear aligners used to shift teeth and clear.
- More comfortable compared to other braces options.
- Removable, which allows patients to take their aligners out when eating, drinking or brushing their teeth.
- Fewer dental visits required
- Easier to maintain oral health, as regular brushing and flossing is all that’s required.
Cons of Invisalign Treatment
- Cost can be quite high compared to other treatment options
- May not be the most efficient when it comes to treating complex cases
- Because aligners are removable, patients have the tendency of misplacing their them after taking them out.
The cost of Invisalign treatment in Singapore typically ranges from about $4,500 – $8,000 when performed by a general dentist, while the cost of Invisalign lies between $7,000 – $9,500 for treatment by an orthodontist.
Looking to learn more about Braces in Singapore?
Download a copy of the Braces Guidebook 2021.
Getting Started On Braces
Average Duration of Braces Treatment
The overall duration of braces treatment for most patients averages out to be about 18 months. The total duration of treatment is dependant on a number of factors such as the type of braces you’ll be using, the complexity of your case and the required intensity of your treatment in order to effectively address your case.
Moreover, patients will also have to strive for good oral health maintenance throughout their braces journey regardless or which system they choose to proceed with. Bad oral health will not only delay the progress of your orthodontic treatment, it can also cause a myriad of other dental issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. In some cases where patients on braces are unable to maintain their oral health, the dentist will remove the braces altogether in order to prevent further deterioration of their oral health, only continuing braces once oral health has been stabilized.
While there isn’t much that patients can do to physically speed up the process of teeth movements, they can actively ensure that their braces and teeth are well taken cared-of in order to ensure a smooth and hassle-free treatment.
Instalment Plans For Braces in Singapore
Dental clinics in Singapore typically offer some variation of an in-house instalment plan for braces patients that are looking to get started on their orthodontic treatment.
These in-house instalment plans can typically be broken down into 2 or 3 stages:
Initial Consultation
During the initial consultation, your dentist will conduct an assessment of your teeth where they’ll determine the complexity of your case the recommend the right treatment option for your case based on your needs, budget and requirements. X-rays will usually be taken during this visit as well, in order to better assess the situation with your teeth before starting any treatment.
The cost of an initial consultation typically ranges between $50 – $250, depending on what was done during the consultation. Do make sure to check the consultation fees before booking an appointment with any dental clinic.
Treatment Deposit
After the initial consultation, patients are free to think over the price quoted to them by the dental clinic for the braces treatment. For most clinics, a down payment of about 30% – 50% of what was quoted, will need to be made before braces treatment can begin.
Monthly Instalment Payments
Subsequent payments will then be collected every dental visit throughout your braces journey which can take anywhere from 18 – 24 months or longer.
Most braces patients can typically expect to pay around $150 – $350 per month depending on the overall complexity of their case and treatment duration.
*payment plans for Invisalign are different – you can read more about it here.
Credit Card Rebates & Instalments
Patients who are clients of certain banks may utilise their respective credit cards to enjoy benefits such as cash backs or rebates and instalment plans.
Some clinics in Singapore do offer 0% interest free instalment plans with certain partnered banks so be sure to check with your dental clinic to see if they do.
Dental Insurance For Braces
Patients who have dental coverage under their medical insurance can claim certain dental treatments depending on the plan that they have. Having said this, orthodontic treatment is generally considered as an non-essential & elective cosmetic procedure, as such, not many dental insurance plans cover braces or ‘premium’ treatments such as Invisalign.
In certain select cases, where the misalignment of teeth is severe enough to the point where it is causing severe oral health issues such as tooth grinding, tooth decay, gum disease or jaw pain, medical insurance plans may cover the use of braces as a medically necessary procedure to address and treat those adformention oral health issues. Additionally, patients who have suffered from an accident which causes them to require braces, may also be eligible for coverage as well.
In any case, patients will need a dentist to medically endorse their claims as most insurance plans only cover medically necessary dental procedures.
Can I Use Medisave For Braces or Invisalign?
No, you cannot use Medisave to claim for braces or Invisalign. As a rule of thumb, Medisave can only be used for surgical procedures such as dental implant surgery or wisdom tooth surgery based on the guidelines set out by the Ministry of Health (MOH).
Finishing Your Braces Treatment & Retainers
After finishing your braces treatment, it’s important to wear a set of retainers everyday for 6 months to a year to hold newly shifted teeth in their final position. This practice helps to expedite the process of permanently locking teeth in their final position and prevent a relapse from occurring. Even after teeth have been permanently locked in their final position, the daily effect of chewing, growing and everyday use can slowly lead to a relapse. As such, it is essential for patients to closely follow the instructions of their dentist when it comes to retainer use.
Depending on your needs and requirements, your dentists will recommend the right retainer to best address your lifestyle and dental needs.
Patients who neglect wearing their retainers, especially if they’re just had their braces freshly removed can expect their teeth to relapse back to their former positions. Which will result in all the time, effort and money being wasted as a relapse case will usually require braces treatment to realign teeth once more.
In Summary
There are different kinds of braces that address the different needs, budgets, lifestyle and requirements of patients from all walks of life. Understanding which braces is right for you will determine the success of your treatment.
Braces are NOT CHEAP but that doesn’t mean they can’t be affordable with the average cost of braces in Singapore ranging between $3,500 – $6,500. Various dental payment plans are available, at the discretion of the dentist and dental clinic.
Generally, insurance plans can’t be used to cover braces treatments, unless it’s been deemed medically necessary by a dentist. Additionally, Medisave cannot be used to offset the cost of braces treatment either.
References
- Sadowsky, C. and Sakols, E. I.
Sadowsky, Cyril, and Eliot I. Sakols. “Long-Term Assessment Of Orthodontic Relapse”. American Journal Of Orthodontics, vol 82, no. 6, 1982, pp. 456-463. Elsevier BV, doi:10.1016/0002-9416(82)90312-8. Accessed 22 Oct 2020. - Francisconi, M. F., Janson, G., Freitas, K. M. S., Oliveira, R. C. G. D., Oliveira, R. C. G. D., Freitas, M. R. D. and Henriques, J. F. C.
Francisconi, Manoela Fávaro et al. “Overjet, Overbite, And Anterior Crowding Relapses In Extraction And Nonextraction Patients, And Their Correlations”. American Journal Of Orthodontics And Dentofacial Orthopedics, vol 146, no. 1, 2014, pp. 67-72. Elsevier BV, - Littlewood, S., Kandasamy, S. and Huang, G.
Littlewood, SJ et al. “Retention And Relapse In Clinical Practice”. Australian Dental Journal, vol 62, 2017, pp. 51-57. Wiley, doi:10.1111/adj.12475. Accessed 22 Oct 2020.
So, What’s Next?
If you’ve got more questions about getting braces treatment. You can read up more on our dedicated page on Invisalign Treatment in Singapore, and Braces in Singapore, you could contact us directly to speak to one of our dentists.
We would suggest for you to speak to one of our dentists. Our dental professionals providers are experienced, ready to answer all your queries, and will discuss all the possible treatment options available for you.
At the end of the day, we believe that the right dentist for you is the one who will lay out all your treatment options on the table, allowing you to make informed decisions, while ensuring that your entire treatment process is as enjoyable, comfortable and hassle-free as possible. Good communication between you and your dentist is the best way to ensure a smooth and successful treatment.
In addition, please only proceed with the treatment if you are fully comfortable with the treatment plan proposed by your provider.
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