Having metal braces can be a daunting prospect – not only for the potential embarrassment (being called ‘metal mouth’) but also from the pinch in your wallet.
Yes, there’s no denying it; braces cost in Singapore is pretty steep.
Especially since most braces are done for aesthetic-enhancement purposes. That means you can’t use your Medisave funds to offset the braces costs!
Thankfully, your search for braces in Singapore is chock-full of options for you to choose from.
We’re going to go over the cost of almost every available option in Singapore, including:
- Metal braces cost
- Ceramic braces cost
- Lingual braces cost
- Invisible braces cost
Ready to figure out how much of a hit your piggy bank is going to take? Keep reading and we’ll get into the details of pros, cons, and all the information you’ll need on braces prices in Singapore.
Metal braces cost: S$3,500 – S$4,200
Traditional braces are what comes to mind when the term “brace face” is thrown around. Also known as metal braces, they involve metal wires and individual brackets cemented to the front of each tooth. The metal archwire is then held in place by elastic bands, which you can usually get in fun colours.
It’s not all fun though – your dentist adjusts the tension (ouch!) on each bracket (and, thus, each tooth) to shape the perfect smile for you. It’s usually a longer and more uncomfortable experience. If you need more information, let’s take a look at the pros and cons associated with metal braces:
Metal Braces | |
|---|---|
Pros | Cons |
One of the cheapest kinds of braces in Singapore | Aesthetically unappealing |
Tried and tested | Can be seriously uncomfortable, requires a longer adjustment period |
Can safely straighten teeth quickly (24 months on average) | Have to avoid consuming certain foods in order to not damage the braces |
Sometimes the only option for complicated cases (e.g. severe overcrowding, rotated tooth, etc.) | Typically requires special dental tools to clean the teeth (i.e. get in-between the wires) |
Ceramic braces cost: S$5,000 – S$6000
Ceramic braces work in pretty much the same way as metal braces.
Except, of course, that the brackets are made of ceramic, which can be clear or made to match the colour of your teeth. Basically, traditional metal braces in incognito mode.
The arch-wires used in ceramic braces are thinner, and typically, instead of metal, they’re made of polymer – a transparent material. Now, what about the pros and cons of ceramic braces?
Ceramic Braces | |
|---|---|
Pros | Cons |
Less visible because of the ceramic brackets and transparent archwire – looks better than metal braces | Costly |
Roughly the same treatment time as traditional/ceramic braces (24 months on average) | Ceramic brackets are more brittle (as if the pain of avoiding your favourite hard candies were not enough, you also have to pay extra for broken brackets) |
Prone to staining; which means you can say goodbye to that glorious morning cup of coffee | |
Also not the most comfortable thing to have inside the mouth; expect irritation and ulcers to the inner cheek or lip | |
Difficult to clean (as with metal braces) |
Lingual braces cost: S$8,000 – S$11,000
Talk about stealth mode – lingual braces consist of the same system of arch-wires and brackets as metal and ceramic braces, but they’re fixed to the back of your teeth, on the tongue (or lingual) side of the teeth.
You can think of them as something like ‘internal braces’. If you thought that metal or ceramic braces were difficult to clean, imagine trying to reach behind your teeth! Still tempted? Here’s the pros and cons of lingual braces:
Lingual Braces | |
|---|---|
Pros | Cons |
Because they’re behind your teeth, nobody will know you’re wearing braces | Incredibly expensive just because of how difficult they are to install and adjust |
Roughly the same treatment time as traditional/ceramic braces (24 months on average) | Reduces the space in your mouth, which equates to a whole lot of discomfort and ulcers (ouch) |
Can cause speech impediment | |
Certain foods must be avoided to prevent breakage (e.g. popcorn) | |
Tricky to clean (requires special dental tools) |
Invisible braces cost: S$2,400 – S$8,000
Don’t want to be called ‘metal mouth’, and don’t have a ton of cash to spare? This is where invisible braces come in.
They’re hands-down the most affordable braces in Singapore.
Invisible braces, also known as clear aligners, eliminate metal brackets in favour of plastic moulds that fit over the teeth. Your treatment is broken up into phases, and in each phase you gradually wear a straighter mould as your teeth get more aligned, giving you that Hollywood smile over time.
Invisible aligners are also usually the least painful option of almost every braces option. Take a look at the pros and cons of invisible braces below!
Invisible Braces | |
|---|---|
Pros | Cons |
Invisible braces are priced more affordably than other modes of straightening | May not be suitable for severe conditions |
More aesthetically pleasing as they’re less visible | |
Shorter treatment time (3 to 18 months) | |
Least irritation to the cheeks, gums, and lips |
Safe vs unsafe invisible braces
Not all invisible braces are created equal though.
There are the ‘safe’ kinds, and the ‘unsafe’ kinds. How do you tell if the invisible braces you’re eyeing falls into the ‘safe’ category? Here are 4 tell-tale signs:
- X-rays – Licensed invisible braces providers always perform X-rays to help the dentist identify any problems under the gums before straightening your teeth.
- In-person dentist visits – Safe invisible braces providers work closely with local dentists and orthodontists throughout the screening and treatment process.
- Interproximal reduction (IPR) – Legit invisible braces providers will always offer IPR, which is crucial in preventing a protrusive jaw profile (aka ‘duckface’), particularly common in Asians.
- Professional screening process – Safe invisible braces providers will always require a professional 3D scan and X-ray at a local, licensed dentist’s office. You should NEVER get your teeth imprints done in, say, a co-working space. Or worse, at home, by yourself.
It must be pretty clear by now, but for good measure, here’s a reminder: better safe than sorry. Your health isn’t something to gamble in a bid to save a few bucks.
Cheap braces in Singapore - AKA DIY braces
There are indeed many options available for braces in Singapore, each with their pros and cons – you’ll have to weigh your needs and budget to select one most suitable to you.
We know how tempting it can be to go for the absolute cheapest option.
But, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. And do you really want the absolute cheapest treatment for your teeth? After all, these are adult teeth we’re talking about. For the rest of your life, these are the teeth that will stay with you.
Cheapest possible teeth straightening treatment usually means do-it-yourself kits, and you should never go for DIY braces (e.g. DIY 3D-printing or the ones you find on e-commerce sites – those are definite no-nos.
You wouldn’t give yourself stitches for a cut, or conduct your own surgery. So let’s leave your orthodontic treatment to the pros!
FAQ
We know you guys must be pretty excited to get started on your Zenyum Invisible Braces journey, so here’s a handy list of answers to your most burning questions to get you started!
How do I take pictures for my pre-assessment?
What happens after I submit my free pre-assessment?
How does Zenyum actually work?
Do I need to wear retainers after my Zenyum Invisible Braces Treatment?
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