Braces Singapore

In Singapore, general dentists are qualified to provide braces treatment for most cases. Specialist orthodontists handle more complex cases involving significant skeletal issues or jaw surgery. At Casa Dental, our dentists assess your case at the first consultation and will refer you to a specialist if your situation requires one.

Getting braces in Singapore through public institutions such as NUH and SGH is possible at lower costs, but waiting times can be significantly longer and priority is given to functional or medical cases. These services are usually prioritised for cases with functional or medical necessity rather than aesthetic concerns. Private dental clinics offer faster access and more flexible appointment scheduling.

Not always. Extraction depends entirely on your individual case. Some patients have sufficient space for teeth to be moved into position without removing any. Others with significant crowding may require one or more extractions to create room. At Casa Dental, we follow a non-extraction approach wherever clinically appropriate. Your dentist will assess this at your consultation and explain the reasoning clearly before any decision is made.

Traditional metal and ceramic braces have minimal impact on speech for most patients. Lingual braces — fitted behind the teeth — may cause a temporary lisp for the first one to two weeks as your tongue adjusts to the new bracket positions. Clear aligners can also cause a brief adjustment period when first worn. In both cases, speech typically returns to normal on its own within a short time.

In most professional settings in Singapore, braces are widely accepted and rarely commented on. If you are concerned about appearance, ceramic braces blend with your tooth colour, lingual braces are completely hidden from view, and clear aligners are near-invisible. All three options allow you to attend interviews and client meetings with confidence throughout your treatment.

Yes. You can continue playing sports with braces, though a mouthguard is strongly recommended for contact sports to protect both your braces and your teeth. For wind instrument players, there may be a brief adjustment period as you adapt to the feel of the brackets — most patients find they get used to it within a few weeks. Let your dentist know about your activities so they can advise accordingly.

Braces use fixed metal or ceramic brackets bonded to your teeth and connected by a wire that applies continuous pressure throughout the day and night. Invisalign uses a series of removable clear plastic trays that must be worn 20 to 22 hours per day. Fixed braces are generally better suited to complex cases involving severe crowding, rotations, or significant bite correction. Invisalign works well for mild to moderate alignment issues and offers more flexibility around meals and hygiene. Visit our Invisalign page for a detailed comparison.

Once treatment is complete, the brackets and wire are removed and your teeth are polished. You will then be fitted with a retainer — either a removable clear tray or a fixed wire bonded behind your front teeth — to hold your new alignment while the surrounding bone settles. Retainer wear is essential; without it, teeth can begin shifting back within days. Your dentist will give you clear instructions on how long and how often to wear it.

Yes. When food and plaque accumulate around brackets without being properly cleaned, a process called demineralization can occur. Where acid produced by bacteria strips minerals from the tooth surface. This leaves permanent white or chalky marks on the enamel, even after the braces are removed. Brushing after every meal and flossing daily are the most effective preventative measures.