Common Questions About Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontics is a specialised area of dentistry concerned with the supervision, guidance, and correction of the growing and mature dental and facial structures, particularly in Singapore where the demand for such treatments is notable.

Orthodontic treatment in Singapore typically involves the use of dental braces, including metal braces and braces of various colours, to straighten teeth. However, it extends beyond just braces alone. It also includes treatment with appliances to correct jaw problems by modifying jaw growth in young patients. In adults, orthodontics may require jaw surgery in Singapore to correct a jaw problem, showcasing the comprehensive nature of orthodontic care from teeth braces to surgical interventions.

Great smiles speak a thousand words! A great smile is an essential asset, especially in a world where first impressions count. Orthodontics in Singapore will also improve one’s self-image, giving newfound confidence to patients after their teeth are straightened and they see their braces before and after results.

A straight set of teeth is easier to clean and therefore makes it easier to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Orthodontics can sometimes improve speech and chewing, prevent dental injuries as well, and is a critical consideration when evaluating braces cost in Singapore.

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has undergone post-graduate training in orthodontics, equipped to provide a range of treatments from dental braces in Singapore to complex jaw surgery. They are the experts in determining the types of braces suitable for each patient and guiding them through the treatment process, considering factors like braces cost and the desired outcome.

Most orthodontic patients in Singapore experience some discomfort while on braces, including metal braces or those with various braces colours. Some may feel pain, while the lucky ones say it’s painless. The discomfort usually starts a few hours after the braces are put on and after the braces are “tightened” during subsequent reviews. The discomfort usually lasts only a few days. Common painkillers can be taken to control the pain.

Many patients develop ulcers after the braces are put on. This will be less common when the cheeks and lips become “seasoned” to the braces.

There will be a “break-in” period before you feel you can eat normally. This is usually a few days but varies with different patients in Singapore. But everyone gets used to it eventually. Initially, though, you may want to eat softer food and chew slower. Most patients experience only minimal difficulties in speaking and usually overcome them very quickly, making the journey from considering braces cost in Singapore to achieving a perfect smile a worthwhile endeavour.

Orthodontic treatment, including the application of dental braces in Singapore, can usually start as soon as all the “milk” teeth have exfoliated and the adult teeth have sufficiently erupted.

Growth modification treatment, which might involve early interventions to avoid the need for jaw surgery in Singapore, is sometimes started earlier while the jaws are rapidly growing to correct a jaw problem. This may avoid the need for more invasive treatments in the future. It is therefore beneficial to bring your child to an orthodontist in Singapore early for routine checkups.

Orthodontic treatment is also sometimes delayed until jaw growth has stopped for certain conditions, ensuring the most effective application of types of braces suited to the individual’s needs.

Children and adults alike can benefit from orthodontics, as healthy teeth can be moved at any age. The health of the teeth, gums, and supporting bones will determine the prospects for treatment, including the suitability for various braces colours and metal braces.

The process of getting braces, whether it’s traditional metal braces or other types of braces available in Singapore, is spread over 3 appointments, a week apart (this sequence may vary depending on the case).

Call us to arrange for a consultation appointment. Once you’ve decided to proceed with treatment, a set of records, including photos, x-rays, and impressions of your teeth, will be taken. Small rubber spacers will be placed to create a small space around the molars.

When you return to the clinic for the second appointment a week later, these spacers will be removed and metal rings, essential components of back braces, are fitted onto the molars.

A week later, the brackets (front braces) will be put on, and the wires are tied in, marking a significant step towards achieving your braces before and after transformation.

The review appointments for monitoring the progress of your dental braces in Singapore are usually about once every month. These reviews are typically of short duration. During this time, your orthodontist might change your modules (small rubber bands that hold the wire in the braces), the wires, or some of the braces depending on the stage of treatment.

Most risks relate to the health of your gums and bones before treatment and your oral hygiene during treatment. Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for successful orthodontic treatment with braces in Singapore.

Rubber bands or elastics contribute a lot to straighter teeth when using dental braces. Attached to your braces, elastics exert the force that creates the right amount of pressure to move teeth in directions that the braces alone can’t. As your orthodontist in Singapore, we stress the importance of wearing your elastics as prescribed and changing them every day so the force is constant, which is beneficial for the teeth. A lack of consistency in wearing rubber bands can bring orthodontic treatment to a standstill.

Colourful modules, representing a variety of braces colours, are used to tie the wire to the brackets which are attached to your teeth. These colours can be changed with each visit when adjustments are done, allowing for a personalised touch to your orthodontic treatment.

In patients with severe crowding or protrusion of teeth, extractions of permanent teeth may be required to achieve optimal results. The need for extractions depends on the type of malocclusion being addressed. It is not uncommon for patients, under the guidance of their orthodontist, to remove as many as four teeth for treatment. At the end of treatment, all spaces will be closed, showcasing the effectiveness of dental braces in Singapore.

In general, active treatment time with dental braces ranges from one and half to two years. The actual time depends a lot on the cooperation of the patient and the severity of the problem. Keeping to appointments, taking good care of the braces, and using rubber bands or bite plates, if prescribed, all contribute to completing treatment early.

Orthodontic treatment fees, including braces cost in Singapore, vary widely, depending on the severity of the problem, complexity of treatment, and length of treatment time. Fees for braces in Singapore may be paid over extended periods during the course of treatment. While Alfred Cheng Orthodontic Clinic might not be the cheapest for orthodontics in Singapore, we ensure our dental pricing is reasonable and affordable.

Our teeth move throughout life, although at a very slow rate. Teeth that have been moved orthodontically with braces have a tendency to move back to their earlier position. To prevent this relapse tendency, teeth are held in retainers until the relapse tendency has diminished. After the braces are removed, everyone is given individually prescribed retainers. The retainer is designed to prevent your teeth from moving while the bone around your teeth hardens and stabilises. We encourage our patients to wear retainers nightly for a minimum of one year to maintain their beautiful smile, showcasing successful braces before and after transformation.

Before orthodontic treatment begins, it will be necessary to visit your family dentist for a checkup and any necessary dental work. Once orthodontic therapy with braces begins, you will be expected to continue to see your family dentist for regular 3- to 6-month checkups and routine care. Routine dental care will help ensure the best possible results from your orthodontic therapy.