Braces Treatment Explained | Types of Braces | Braces Treatment Benefits | Braces Treatment at Kong Dental Surgery | Braces Treatment Duration | Braces Treatment Cost in Singapore | Braces Treatment FAQs
Braces are a type of orthodontic treatment that uses modules, metal brackets and metal (nickel titanium ) wires to straighten and align your teeth. It is a common and popular treatment choice amongst adults and children.
Braces are able to effectively correct a wide range of conditions that you might be facing such as crooked teeth, teeth with gaps, rotated teeth or overcrowded teeth. Besides the aesthetic benefits of having a straighter smile, braces to correct your misaligned teeth can improve your oral and systemic health.
Parents who visit Kong Dental Surgery for the orthodontic care of their children also find that braces are able to eliminate problems like trouble brushing and cleaning teeth properly, speaking clearly ( which involves releasing tongue tie ) or eating.
If you are considering braces treatment for you or your child, you will be happy to know that with recent advancements in dental technology, braces are now more comfortable and less conspicuous.
One important take home message is to consult the dentists at Kong Dental start even when your kids are very young .
Some cases, especially those involving the jaw discrepancies, need to start at a young age . After puberty, dentists can correct crowding and misalignment but difficult to correct jaw position and asymmetry.
Dental braces effectively align teeth and rectify various orthodontic concerns, including:
An excessive overjet or protrusion is when your upper front teeth are extended too far over your lower front teeth. Dentists and orthodontists measure this using the horizontal distance between the upper and lower front teeth.
An underbite is when your lower teeth and jaw extend in front of the upper teeth. If you suffer from a severe case of underbite, it is possible that you might be encountering challenges speaking, biting or chewing food properly.
A crossbite is when some of your upper teeth sit behind your lower teeth. Over time, this could lead to premature tooth wear and chipping.
An open bite is when your upper and lower teeth are not able to touch even when your mouth is closed. Patients with an open bite usually have speech problems. An open bite can also affect your appearance and leave a visible gap between your top and bottom teeth.
Overcrowded teeth is when your teeth appear to be pushed to the front, back or side because of insufficient room in your jaw. In this instance, your teeth can look as if it is being twisted, overlapped or have high “fang” teeth.
Having spaces or gaps between teeth is when your teeth have extra space between two or more of your teeth. This might result in speech problems or dental hygiene issues as food can get stuck between your teeth easily.
At Kong Dental Surgery, we offer the following options for our patients:
Traditional metal braces are popular for both their general affordability and efficiency at straightening teeth. This option consists of brackets attached to the front of teeth or bands encircling each tooth.Flexible wires or archwires secure these brackets or bands, often coupled with rubber bands or metal ties to enhance alignment pressure.
Ceramic braces feature tooth-coloured brackets, offering a less conspicuous appearance. It is a popular choice for patients who want to straighten their teeth discreetly but are not suitable for Invisalign treatment. They can also be fashioned from materials like stainless steel, clear substances, or gold.
Self-ligating braces are a newer iteration of traditional metal braces. Whilst traditional metal and ceramic braces use ligatures or “elastic bands” to hold the orthodontic archwire within each bracket, self-ligating braces eliminate the need for conventional elastic band ligatures. This offers you with a few benefits such as fewer dental visits, enhanced comfort and shorter treatment durations per
Clear aligners are also known as invisible braces. These teeth straightening tools are snug, transparent plastic trays that are attached to your teeth and that can be removed. They exert gentle pressure to guide your teeth into alignment. Clear aligners are popular for their discreet appearance.
When comparing the different types of braces, self-litigating braces are often considered to work the fastest. These braces utilise specialised brackets with built-in clips or doors that adjust archwires. The absence of elastic ties reduces friction, allowing teeth to move more efficiently.
If you simply require minor adjustments to your teeth, clear aligners like Invisalign can help you achieve fast results discreetly.
While the above is largely true, it is also important to note that treatment duration varies based on other factors such as:
Consulting with a dentist or orthodontist will provide tailored insights into the most suitable and efficient braces option for your specific needs.
Braces can offer the following benefits:
Orthodontic treatment addresses issues like misaligned, crooked, or improperly positioned teeth. This process helps you achieve an aesthetically pleasing smile through proper alignment. Many patients that Kong Dental Surgery sees choose braces because they want to improve their appearance.
When teeth are not aligned as they should be, it can affect the way we talk. Teeth aids in the precise pronunciation of words. Braces treatment shifts teeth into the right spots, which helps lead to clearer speech. Realigning your teeth and jaw also creates more room for the tongue, minimising any hints of slurring during conversations.
Chewing starts the digestion process. When you have misaligned teeth, it is harder to break food down into smaller pieces. This can extend the time food spends in the stomach during digestion. Braces treatment aligns your teeth and jaw to improve your bite. Doing so improves your ability to bite and chew properly for better digestion.
Misaligned teeth have been associated with potential bone loss in the jaw due to compromised oral health. A large part of why your oral health can be compromised is due to the inability to clean your teeth properly. Areas that cannot be reached effectively from brushing or flossing creates breeding grounds of bacteria to gather around the misaligned teeth, which can lead to gum disease if unaddressed. Untreated gum disease can contribute to irreversible damage such as bone and teeth loss.
When teeth are crooked or misaligned, they might overlap. Overlaps form cramped gaps that pose a challenge for cleaning, brushing, and flossing properly. Braces can align teeth for a more manageable cleaning routine which improves your overall oral health
Patients that have seen us for braces treatment at Kong Dental Surgery often find themselves smiling more after they have completed their orthodontic treatment. They no longer feel self-conscious about their teeth and are able to speak and smile with confidence. The braces treatment also improves their jaw and lips shape, contributing to a more balanced and proportionate facial appearance.
Our dentist will perform a comprehensive examination of your teeth, supported by X-rays, to assess your eligibility for orthodontic treatment. During the first visit, the dentist will also take an impression of your teeth. This is a vital step in initiating the treatment planning process.
After your initial consultation with the dentist, our dentist will create a treatment plan for you based on your preferences and dental needs. At Kong Dental Surgery, we recognise that every smile is distinctly different and aim to customise your dental treatment to match your teeth and mouth.
Once your personalised treatment plan is finalised, we will arrange for you to visit us for a scaling and polishing session. This professional dental cleaning session helps us prep your teeth for the braces treatment. Following that, brackets will be placed onto your teeth and secured based on the positions that have been mapped out in your treatment plan.
After your brackets have been placed on, our dentist will walk you through the essentials of bracket care and how to maintain good oral hygiene with braces on. The session will also include techniques on how to brush and floss your teeth during treatment. Spindle brushes will also be provided to you to help you remove food particles that might get lodged between your braces and teeth.
Approximately 4 weeks after placing your brackets, you will have to return to the dentist for your first follow up check-up. You will be required to return once a month to adjust your brackets and check in on your alignment progress. During these adjustments, our dentist will swap out the archwire and guide your teeth based on the treatment plan that has been mapped out.
As you wrap up your treatment journey, our dentist will capture a final mould of your teeth. This mould becomes the blueprint for crafting your orthodontic retainer – a tool that helps you maintain your newly aligned teeth.
The response to this query varies for each individual. Typically, orthodontic treatment with braces spans around two years. However, the duration hinges on the extent of misalignment. Certain individuals wrap up treatment within a year, while others might require up to three years for optimal results.
At Kong Dental Surgery, we price our braces fairly so that you or your child are able to seek the dental care you require without breaking the bank. The cost of braces treatment at Kong Dental Surgery starts from $3,800 (without GST).
The cost of braces at Kong Dental Surgery is based on the following factors:
Traditional metal braces are usually cheaper than other alternatives like ceramic braces or lingual braces.
From $3,800
1st down payment: $500 – $1,200 depending on the quantity and type of brackets placed
Monthly instalment:
From $4,200
1st down payment:
Monthly instalment:
From $5,200
1st down payment:
Monthly instalment:
To obtain an accurate cost estimate tailored to your specific needs, you can schedule a consultation with our dental professionals at Kong Dental Surgery to evaluate your current dental condition for a more precise dental cost breakdown.
If you have any one of the following conditions, it is highly recommended that you take up orthodontic treatment.
You can never be too old for braces! Braces are effective for patients of all ages. Orthodontic treatment is not limited by age. In fact, we often see a wide pool of patients from different age groups – from children who have just grown out all their permanent teeth, to young adults who have recently entered the workforce and even retirees!
Braces might cause you some discomfort initially but this is usually manageable and temporary.
When braces are first placed or adjusted, you might experience mild soreness as your teeth start shifting. This sensation is completely normal and is a sign that the braces are actively working. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help ease any discomfort.
It is also common for your cheeks, lips, and tongue to need a little time to adjust to the presence of braces. Any minor irritation fades once you have gotten used to your braces.
Yes, as with most dental treatments, there can be some temporary side effects with braces. Here are a quick summary of some of them:
Should you experience any of the above, your dentist or orthodontist can provide relief solutions.
It is possible to be allergic to braces but allergic reactions to braces are extremely rare. Braces are typically made from materials like stainless steel, titanium, or ceramic, which are biocompatible with most people.
In very rare cases, some individuals might have sensitivities to certain metals. If you experience unusual discomfort, irritation, or any allergic-like symptoms after getting braces, it is critical that you inform your dentist or orthodontist immediately. They will be able to determine if there is any other underlying issue and make the adjustments accordingly.
While true allergies to braces are exceedingly uncommon, your dentist or orthodontist will take every precaution to ensure your comfort and well-being throughout your orthodontic treatment.
You can definitely eat with braces. There are a few things to keep in mind so that you are able to enjoy your favourite foods and keep your braces in place.
Opt for gentle foods: While you can enjoy a diverse range of foods with braces, it is best to focus on options that are gentle to your orthodontic appliance. Foods that are hard, sticky or chewy should be avoided during your orthodontic treatment as they can damage your brackets or get stuck between them. You should also avoid chewing on ice or using your teeth to open packages.
Bite-sized pieces: As braces can restrict the movement of your mouth, you can cut your food up into bite-sized pieces to aid with chewing.
While there might be a short adjustment period to eating with braces, you will quickly adapt and find creative ways to enjoy foods that you love.
Maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding problematic foods will help ensure your braces journey is smooth and successful. If you are unsure about whether you can consume certain foods, your dentist or orthodontist can provide specific guidance tailored to your needs.
The ideal age for braces can vary based on individual needs. However, an ideal age for orthodontic treatment is during the teenage years when most of the permanent teeth have been formed. In some cases, early intervention for children as young as 7 may be recommended to address specific concerns.
Saying that, orthodontic treatment is not limited by age. Patients of all ages can benefit from braces as long as their teeth and gums are healthy and strong.
The best way to determine the right age for braces is through consultation with a dental professional. They will be able to assess your dental situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment and treatment timing for your orthodontic treatment.
Whether you need braces depends on your specific dental situation. If you have misaligned teeth, crowded teeth, gaps, or bite issues, braces could be beneficial.
An orthodontic consultation will help determine if braces are the right choice for you. During this visit, a dental professional will thoroughly examine your teeth, jaw, and bite, and discuss your concerns and goals. They will create a personalised treatment plan if braces are recommended. This treatment plan will outline the expected outcomes of your treatment as well as the steps needed to reach those outcomes.
The choice between Invisalign and traditional braces depends on your current dental conditions, your preferences, and lifestyle.
Invisalign uses clear, removable aligners that are nearly invisible and can be removed for eating and oral hygiene. It is a great choice if you want a more discreet option and are committed to wearing the aligners for at least 22 hours a day.
Traditional braces, on the other hand, have visible hardware but require minimal daily maintenance. They are also usually cheaper than Invisalign.
Your dentist or orthodontist can guide you after evaluating your dental condition, preferences, and long-term goals. Whether you choose Invisalign or braces, both options are designed to give you a beautifully aligned smile and improved oral health.
The choice of brace colours is a fun and personal decision. Traditional metal braces offer a range of colour options for the elastic bands that hold the archwire in place. Many people choose colours that reflect their personality or even coordinate with holidays or special occasions.
If you are looking for a more subtle look, you can opt for clear or tooth-coloured bands that blend in with your teeth.
You can change the colours of your bands at each adjustment appointment, so you have the opportunity to switch up your look. Your orthodontist can provide guidance and show you different colour options to help you choose the braces colours that make you feel confident and comfortable during your orthodontic journey.
Yes, braces can have an impact on your face shape, but these changes are usually subtle. The changes brought about by orthodontic treatment are typically in line with enhancing your natural features.
Orthodontic treatment aims to improve not only the alignment of your teeth but also the harmony of your facial features. Misaligned teeth or bite issues can affect your jaw positioning and overall facial profile. By correcting these issues with braces, your jaw alignment can improve, leading to a more balanced and proportional face shape.
If you are concerned about how braces might affect your face shape, discussing your expectations and concerns with an experienced dentist or orthodontist can provide you with a clearer understanding of the potential changes that orthodontic treatment will do.
Yes, you should and need to continue visiting your dentist for regular check ups and professional dental cleaning even after getting braces. This is a critical part of your braces treatment process and can help ensure that your braces treatment is on the right track while maintaining optimal oral health.
Choosing braces treatment at Kong Dental Surgery means receiving treatment from experienced dental professionals who care about your needs, requirements and outcomes. Our affordable price range caters to the heartland community, making quality dental care accessible to everyone.
Our experienced dentists and orthodontists will guide you through every step of the treatment journey, from the initial consultation to post-treatment care. We take a lot of pride in our patient-centred approach, addressing any concerns you may have and tailoring the treatment plan to achieve your dream smile.
By choosing braces treatment at Kong Dental Surgery, you're investing in a beautiful smile, improved oral health, and a supportive dental partner dedicated to your well-being.
Braces treatments are not typically eligible for Medisave coverage as they are viewed primarily as a cosmetic and elective procedure rather than a medically necessary procedure. Should you like to clarify what Medisave can cover, please feel free to reach out to us. We might be able to suggest other payment alternatives that might better fit your needs.
We believe that a visit to the dentist should be stress-free and anxiety-free. Book your appointment with our friendly clinic staff for your dental needs!
We know that the cost of dental care can be confusing. We are a Medisave and CHAS accredited clinic, and you will be given up-front costs of your procedure when you visit our clinic. No hidden costs involved.
At Kong Dental, we strive to provide holistic and comprehensive dental care to you in our fully equipped clinics. We have same day appointments available, book your appointment with our friendly clinic staff now!
Kong Dental Surgery has been providing full-range and affordable dental care services since its establishment in 2010. Our team of dental specialists and dentists across our 5 dental clinics in Singapore provides a full range of dental care services from wisdom teeth extraction to orthodontics.
Visit us at our clinics in one of our locations:
Yew Tee Point, Choa Chu Kang (Limbang), Jurong East, Teck Whye Lane, and Sunshine Place.
Let us know your concerns and our clinic staff will get back to you in 1-2 hours.
Prefer to talk to our clinic staff directly? Call our clinic to chat with our friendly nurses at +65 6767 9502
21 Choa Chu Kang North 6 #01-27 Singapore 689578
Tel: +65 6767 9502
(Please Enter The Clinic From Outside The Mall)
Mon to Fri: 9AM to 9PM
Sat: 9AM to 6PM
Sun and PH: Closed
