Orthodontic (Teeth Straightening) Treatment

It is usually advisable to have your dental braces adjusted every month. However, we have many overseas patients who cannot see us each month. In this case, we can still proceed with the treatment but with adjustments at less frequent intervals.

After the treatment is complete, we will encourage 6-monthly visits to our dental clinic in Singapore. This will allow us to:

• Check that your teeth are not relapsing and that they are maintained in their new straightened positions
• Check your retainers and clean them if necessary
• Do a routine check-up and scale and polish to maintain your oral hygiene

In the first few weeks, the brackets and wire can rub against your lips and cheeks, causing irritation. We will provide you with a special “orthodontic pack” that contains specific ointments, gels and other effective methods of preventing such situations from arising and dealing with them when they do occur.

Rest assured, however, that this is only the initial phase. After a few weeks, your mouth and soft tissue will get used to the brackets and wire, and further irritation is unlikely to occur.

This will be dependent on your specific condition. Some orthodontic treatments can be completed within three months, while others can take up to 2 years. There are many different factors that can affect the treatment length, such as whether you need extractions and what specific conditions we are trying to correct.

Our doctors will always accurately advise you on the length of your teeth straightening treatment before proceeding. Rest assured that we will adhere to the discussed timeline.

Many factors determine whether you need extractions. Generally, teeth straightening treatments can be done without extractions. However, if our dentists feel that a better result can be obtained after tooth extraction, we will inform and explain the rationale in detail during your visit to our clinic.

However, if you are still not eager to have teeth removed for braces, we will accurately show you the expected results without extractions, and you are free to decide on your preferred option. At Ashford, we always give our patients options to choose from and guide them with the best advice.

Rest assured that if extractions are opted for, they are done carefully and gently and under local anaesthetic so you will not feel a thing.

Insurance offers different levels of coverage for dental insurance plans. These include routine dental care like cleaning, consultation, fillings and x-rays, as well as major dental procedures like medically prescribed braces, dentures and gingivitis treatment. Typically, insurance plans that cover major dental procedures come with a higher premium, but it is useful coverage for those who need medically prescribed braces.

There are currently no subsidies for braces in Singapore.

Braces cannot be paid for or claimed using MediSave. Only dental surgery for medical purposes can be claimed by MediSave.

Certain dental services and procedures like consultation, scaling and polishing, extraction, and root canal treatment are covered by CHAS dental subsidy. The claims and subsidy amounts for each dental service or procedure varies according to the CHAS tiers. Braces are not covered by the CHAS card.

MediSave can be used for certain dental services and procedures like wisdom tooth surgery, dental implant, and gum surgery. Your dentist will better be able to advise if your dental treatment is eligible for MediSave. In the event that you have insufficient MediSave, you’re also able to use your immediate family member’s MediSave to pay for your dental treatment.

Yes, you can still play sports and musical instruments while wearing braces. However, it’s essential to take some precautions to protect your braces and your mouth during these activities. For sports, it’s recommended to wear a mouthguard, especially for contact sports, to minimise the risk of injury to your teeth and braces. For musical instruments, it may take a little time to adjust to playing with braces, but most people adapt quickly. If you have any concerns, your orthodontist can provide specific guidance based on your individual needs.

Yes, adults can certainly get dental braces. Orthodontic treatment is not limited to children and teenagers; it is also suitable and effective for adults. As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, age is not a barrier to getting braces. In fact, an increasing number of adults are seeking orthodontic treatment to improve their smiles and correct dental issues. Whether you’re in your teens or well into adulthood, orthodontic treatment can be beneficial in achieving a straighter and healthier smile. Consult with an orthodontist to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs.