Braces Singapore — Specialist Orthodontic Treatment at Alfred Cheng Orthodontic Clinic
Specialist orthodontic care at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Orchard — accessible from Orchard MRT, just minutes from Paragon and Ngee Ann City.
Dental braces are orthodontic devices that apply consistent, controlled pressure to teeth over time to move them into correct alignment and improve bite function.
Teeth braces work by attaching brackets to each tooth and connecting them with a wire. The wire is periodically adjusted by the orthodontist, applying gentle, continuous pressure that causes the bone surrounding the teeth to remodel — allowing teeth to move gradually into their target positions.
The process is gradual and predictable. Most patients begin to notice visible changes within the first few months. Full treatment takes between 18 and 36 months depending on the complexity of the case, the type of braces used, and how closely the patient follows care instructions.
According to the Singapore Dental Association, orthodontic treatment with braces is one of the most evidence-supported interventions in dentistry for improving both dental function and long-term oral health outcomes.
Types of Braces Available in Singapore
Alfred Cheng Orthodontic Clinic offers all major types of braces used in specialist orthodontic practice. Each option has different aesthetic properties, mechanics, and suitability depending on the case. Your orthodontist will recommend the most appropriate type after assessing your teeth, jaw, and treatment goals.
1. Metal Braces
The most widely used form of dental braces. Metal brackets are bonded to each tooth and connected by a stainless-steel wire. They are highly effective across a wide range of cases — from simple crowding to complex bite corrections. The ability to add coloured elastic ties makes them a popular choice among teenagers and younger patients seeking a personalised look.
2. Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces use tooth-coloured or clear brackets, making them significantly less visible than metal. They function in the same way as metal braces and are suitable for most of the same cases. Ceramic braces are a practical middle ground for patients who want effective treatment with a more discreet appearance.
3. Damon Braces
Damon braces use a self-ligating bracket system that clips the wire into place rather than using elastic ties. This reduces friction between the wire and bracket. Damon braces are available in both metal and clear versions.
4. Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are a series of removable, custom-made transparent trays that progressively move teeth without brackets or wires. They are removable for eating and cleaning, making oral hygiene easier during treatment. Clear aligners are best suited for mild to moderate alignment cases and are a widely chosen option among adults.
Explore Our Braces Options
Metal | Ceramic | Damon | Clear Aligners
How Do Braces Work?
Type | Visibility | Removable | Case Suitability | Best For |
Metal Braces | Visible | No | All cases | Kids, teens, complex cases |
Ceramic Braces | Low visibility | No | Most cases | Teens, adults wanting discretion |
Damon Braces | Low (clear version) | No | Most cases | Patients seeking reduced friction |
Clear Aligners | Near-invisible | Yes | Mild to moderate | Adults, mild crowding or spacing |
How Do Braces Work?
Braces work through a continuous application of pressure on the teeth over an extended period, gradually moving them into their desired positions. This process begins with the orthodontist attaching brackets to the teeth, connected by a wire. These components work together as the wire applies tension, and the brackets serve as anchors for this force. Over time, the teeth respond to this pressure by slowly moving within the jawbone.
The duration of treatment varies among individuals, depending on the complexity of the dental issues being corrected and the body’s response to treatment.
The Braces Treatment Process at Alfred Cheng Orthodontic Clinic
Getting braces in Singapore at Alfred Cheng Orthodontic Clinic follows a structured, clearly communicated process from your first consultation through to retention.
1.
Initial consultation
Initial consultation at our Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre clinic — a 5-minute walk from Orchard MRT (Exit A) and accessible by car with valet parking at the building entrance. A full clinical examination including digital panoramic and cephalometric x-rays. Dr Alfred Cheng reviews the findings with you in detail before any treatment is recommended.
2.
Treatment planning
A personalised treatment plan covering the recommended braces type, estimated duration, and any preparatory steps required.
3.
Braces placement
Brackets are bonded to each tooth and the archwire is inserted. For clear aligners, a series of custom-made trays are fabricated from digital impressions.
4.
Regular adjustment appointments
Typically every four to eight weeks. The wire is adjusted or new aligner trays issued. Progress is reviewed at each appointment.
5.
Debonding
When treatment goals are achieved, brackets are removed and teeth are polished. Retainers are fitted immediately to maintain the result.
6.
Retention
Retainers are worn as instructed — typically full-time initially, transitioning to night-time wear. This phase is essential to prevent teeth shifting back.
How Long Do Braces Take in Singapore
Treatment duration for braces Singapore patients varies depending on the type of case, the braces type chosen, and individual patient factors such as age and compliance.
Case Type | Typical Duration |
Minor crowding or spacing | 12 to 18 months |
Moderate crowding or bite issues | 18 to 24 months |
Complex malocclusion | 24 to 36 months |
Cases requiring jaw surgery | 24 to 48 months (combined treatment) |
Age plays a role. Younger patients often see faster tooth movement than adults. However, adults can achieve excellent results with dental braces; treatment simply requires more time in some cases. Compliance with appointment schedules and brace care instructions directly impacts treatment progress.
Braces Cost in Singapore: What to Expect
Braces cost in Singapore varies significantly depending on the type of treatment, the complexity of the case, the orthodontist’s experience, and the clinic location. At a specialist orthodontic clinic, fees reflect the depth of assessment, precision of treatment planning, and level of clinical care throughout.
As a general guide:
- Metal braces are typically the most accessible price point among fixed dental braces Singapore options.
- Ceramic and Damon braces typically carry a higher fee due to the materials and bracket system used.
- Clear aligners vary based on the number of trays required and the complexity of tooth movements programmed.
- Cases requiring jaw surgery involve separate surgical fees in addition to the orthodontic treatment fee.
📌Under the Medisave scheme in Singapore, standard orthodontic treatment costs are generally not claimable. However, treatment involving jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) may qualify for Medisave and MediShield Life coverage for the surgical component. Confirm with the clinic and your insurer before committing.
Alfred Cheng Orthodontic Clinic provides a full cost breakdown at your consultation, after the assessment is complete. Fees are not quoted before clinical examination as they depend on your specific case requirements.
“An accurate braces cost in Singapore can only be determined after a full clinical assessment — case complexity is the primary variable.” — Alfred Cheng Orthodontic Clinic
Who is a Candidate for Braces in Singapore
Patients across Singapore visit the clinic for braces consultations — many from nearby neighbourhoods including Orchard, Tanglin, River Valley, Holland Village, Bukit Timah, and the central business district. Dental braces are suitable for a wide range of patients and can address most types of dental misalignment. You may benefit from braces Singapore treatment if you have:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth that are difficult to clean properly
- Gaps or spacing between teeth
- An overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite
- A deep bite where the upper front teeth overlap excessively over the lower
- Teeth that do not meet correctly when you close your mouth
- Jaw pain or TMJ issues related to bite misalignment
- Aesthetic concerns about the appearance of the smile
There is no upper age limit for braces. Adult orthodontics is increasingly common in Singapore, and many patients in their 30s, 40s, and beyond achieve strong results with the right treatment plan. The key prerequisite for adult patients is healthy gums and adequate bone support — an assessment will confirm this before treatment begins.
Related Guides from Alfred Cheng Orthodontic Clinic
Read more on braces types, treatment stages, care tips, and what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces in Singapore
1. How much do braces cost in Singapore?
Braces cost Singapore varies by type and case complexity. Metal braces are typically the most accessible option, while ceramic, Damon, and clear aligners carry higher fees. An accurate quote is only possible after a full clinical assessment. Alfred Cheng Orthodontic Clinic provides a detailed cost breakdown at your consultation appointment.
2. How long do braces take in Singapore?
Most braces Singapore treatment takes between 18 and 24 months. Simple cases can be completed in 12 to 18 months, while complex cases or those combined with jaw surgery may take up to 36 to 48 months. Duration depends on case complexity, braces type, patient age, and adherence to care and appointment schedules.
3. What is the best type of braces in Singapore?
There is no single best type — the right dental braces depend on your specific case, aesthetic preferences, lifestyle, and budget. Metal braces suit the widest range of cases. Ceramic and Damon offer lower visibility. Clear aligners work well for mild to moderate cases in adults. Your orthodontist will recommend the most appropriate option after assessing your teeth and bite.
4. Are braces painful?
Most patients experience some soreness for one to three days after each adjustment appointment — this is normal and indicates the teeth braces are working. The discomfort is manageable with over-the-counter pain relief and typically settles quickly. Brackets may cause initial irritation to the inside of the cheeks, which reduces as the mouth adapts over the first few weeks.
5. Can adults get braces in Singapore?
Yes. Adult orthodontics is common in Singapore and there is no upper age limit for braces treatment. Adults require healthy gums and sufficient bone support, which is confirmed at the initial assessment. Treatment timelines may be slightly longer for adults compared to teenagers, but results are equally achievable with the right treatment plan.
6. Do braces require tooth extraction?
Not always. Whether extraction is needed depends on the degree of crowding and available jaw space. Many cases can be treated without extraction using expansion or other space-management techniques. Your orthodontist will determine this after reviewing your clinical examination and x-rays, and will explain the rationale for any recommended extractions clearly.
7. What is the difference between braces and clear aligners?
Fixed dental braces use brackets bonded to teeth and connected by a wire — they are non-removable and active 24 hours a day. Clear aligners are removable trays worn for at least 20 to 22 hours per day. Braces are generally more effective for complex cases and bite corrections; clear aligners suit mild to moderate alignment issues and offer the advantage of being nearly invisible and removable for eating.
8. Are braces covered by insurance or Medisave in Singapore?
Standard braces Singapore orthodontic treatment is generally not covered by Medisave. However, the surgical component of orthognathic jaw surgery performed alongside braces may qualify for Medisave and MediShield Life coverage. Many private insurance plans offer partial coverage for orthodontic treatment — confirm the specifics of your plan directly with your insurer before beginning treatment.
9. How do I care for my teeth while wearing braces?
Brace care requires consistent brushing after every meal using a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily using a floss threader or interdental brush, avoiding hard and sticky foods that can damage brackets or wires, and attending all scheduled adjustment appointments. Alfred Cheng Orthodontic Clinic provides a detailed brace care guide at the start of treatment.
10. What happens after braces are removed?
When teeth braces are removed, retainers are fitted immediately to maintain the achieved alignment. Without retainers, teeth naturally tend to drift back towards their original positions. Retainers are typically worn full-time initially, then transitioned to night-time wear as directed by the orthodontist. Retention is an essential and permanent phase of orthodontic treatment.
11. What age should a child start braces in Singapore?
Most children are assessed for orthodontic treatment between ages 10 and 14, when most permanent teeth have erupted. However, an initial orthodontic assessment is recommended from age seven — not necessarily to begin treatment, but to identify any developing issues that benefit from early intervention. Alfred Cheng Orthodontic Clinic provides orthodontic assessments for children from age seven onwards.
12. Where is Alfred Cheng Orthodontic Clinic located in Singapore?
Alfred Cheng Orthodontic Clinic is located at 3 Mount Elizabeth #03-03, Singapore 228510 — within Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Orchard. The clinic is accessible from Orchard MRT. Appointments can be booked online at orthodontics.com.sg/contact/ or via WhatsApp at +65 8061 1965.
Book Your Braces Consultation in Singapore at Alfred Cheng Orthodontic Clinic
Finding the right specialist for braces in Singapore is the most important step in your orthodontic journey. Dental braces work — and with the right diagnosis, treatment plan, and ongoing clinical care, the results are reliable and lasting.
Alfred Cheng Orthodontic Clinic at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre offers the full spectrum of braces Singapore treatment — metal, ceramic, Damon, and clear aligners — alongside jaw surgery for cases that require skeletal correction. Every patient receives a detailed assessment, a clear treatment plan, and a transparent cost breakdown before any commitment is made
Alfred Cheng Orthodontic Clinic
3 Mount Elizabeth #03-03, Singapore 228510
Book online: orthodontics.com.sg/contact/
WhatsApp: +65 8061 1965