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Braces are a great way to boost your esteem, improve your speech, reduce the risk of tooth injury, and strengthen your jaw bones. In Singapore, braces are a popular option for students and working adults due to their convenience, affordability and ease of use. As an essential part of orthodontic treatment, braces can correct a wide range of dental problems, including:
In order to maximise the benefits of your braces treatment in Singapore, it is important you know your options – this includes an experienced dentist, the right type of braces, and price comparisons.
Here is a guide on the types of braces in Singapore and their respective costs, why braces cost the way they do, and how to make braces more affordable for yourself.
There are several types of braces that you can opt for in Singapore depending on your oral health, budget, preferences, and availability
Traditional metal braces are the most common and lowest-cost orthodontic treatment in Singapore. They are made of nickel-titanium (NiTi) steel, a material which is strong, durable and highly corrosion and abrasion-resistant. The traditional metal teeth braces cost Singapore ranges from $2,500 to $4,200.
Ceramic braces are made of a strong ceramic material bonded to your teeth by your dentist. This ceramic is the same as dental crowns and bridges, so you can expect your braces to last for years without maintenance – sans the regular dental checkups.
Further, because ceramic braces involve the use of heat and pressure to hold the brace on your teeth, there is no need for wires or brackets.
Ceramic braces are also much lighter than traditional metal ones, as such they’re a lot more comfortable.
Ceramic braces can cost anywhere between $5,000 and $6,000, depending on the complexity of your condition and duration of treatment plan.
Invisible braces are transparent and removable aligners that use self-ligating technology to straighten teeth.
Otherwise known as clear aligners, invisible braces completely eradicate the need for wires or bands. For this reason, they are ideal for working adults who wish to undergo orthodontic treatment without feeling self conscious.
Some common clear aligner brands in Singapore include Invisalign, Zenyum, and ClearCorrect. A full treatment plan costs about $4,200 to $9,000, depending on the number of aligner sets you need.
Compared to traditional metal braces, self-ligating metal braces use built-in brackets to hold archwires in place – meaning like invisible braces, elastic bands and metal ties are not required.
This built-in bracket mechanism eliminates module-related problems like friction and provides a slightly shorter treatment time. In Singapore, self-ligating metal braces cost around $5,100 to $5,700.
These orthodontic braces use 2nd generation braces technology. Self-ligating ceramic braces boast better results and eliminate hygiene problems and friction issues. Their prices in Singapore cost about $4,500 to $6,000.
| Type of Braces | Cost |
|---|---|
| Traditional Metal Braces | $2,500 to $4,200 |
| Ceramic Braces | $5,000 to $6,000 |
| Invisible Braces | $4,200 to $9,000 |
| Self-Ligating Metal Braces | $5,100 to $5,700 |
| Self-Ligating Ceramic Braces | $4,500 to $6,000 |
The cost of braces depends on many factors, including:
Simply put – materials aside, the more complex your condition is, the more you might have to fork out.
There are several ways to make braces more affordable.
A low-effort, almost-guaranteed way of earning savings is to pay using a credit card that offers attractive cash-back rewards.
If you want to reduce your costs further, consider getting an adult dental plan through a group dental insurance provider. Such plans offer flexible coverage options that allow you to access dental care at a low cost with no deductible or waiting period.
With that said, many of these plans come at a high premium – if the annual cost adds up to almost the same or higher than actually paying for the braces, it might be better to consider other alternatives.
Next, don’t be afraid to ask your dental clinic if they are having promotions for braces – some offer special discounts for students, NSF personnel or might even give you a special rate if you pay for your plan in full.
Unfortunately, there are no orthodontists in polyclinics, as braces is a specialised dental treatment. Polyclinic dental clinics in Singapore only offer primary dental care like fillings, extractions, and polishing. You will have to visit a hospital or tertiary dental clinic for braces treatment.
At these centres, you will be provided a detailed treatment plan with a dedicated orthodontist and fill out the necessary forms for your treatment.
Before your braces are fitted, you will have to take X-rays and possibly put on temporary appliances.
Yes, students in Singapore can get orthodontic treatment at a lower cost depending on the clinic and package(s) they offer.
Some clinics in Singapore offer braces to students at prices as low as $4000. You can get student promos from big chains in Singapore like Advanced Dental, iDental, or Q&M.
There are no subsidies for braces in Singapore as braces are considered cosmetic surgery and not covered under social assistance schemes.
However, you can get subsidized treatment if you get a referral from your regular polyclinic dentist to public institutions like Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) or National Dental Centre (NDC).
You can visit the CHAS website for more information to explore your financing options. Alternatively, your best bet is to look for a healthcare provider that offers affordable prices.
Unfortunately, braces aren’t Medisave-claimable unless your treatment involves surgery and is deemed medically necessary.
Yes. Some reputable clinics and group chains like iDental or BigSmile offer installment plans. This can help you save on costs and spread the payments over an extended period. Depending on your needs, you will also have the option of paying monthly or quarterly.
You can also get the benefits of a pre-paid plan with free lab fees and disposable braces.
Healthy, straight teeth go a long way in improving your appearance, self esteem and oral health.
We understand that even with discounts and subsidies, braces might not be affordable for every Singaporean. If you find yourself held back from getting orthodontic treatment due to financial reasons, consider getting a personal loan.
Here at Money Kinetics, let us help you look for a personal loan with flexible repayment terms you’re comfortable with.
