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If you notice that your child’s teeth are crooked or their bite is misaligned, braces can help to correct these problems.
Braces are orthodontic devices used to correct various issues with teeth and jaw alignment. They work by applying continuous pressure over a period of time to gradually move your teeth into the desired position.
When it comes to braces for kids, there are various treatment options available. A dentist skilled in paediatric dentistry can evaluate your child’s needs and provide personalised recommendations.
Crooked teeth in kids, also known as malocclusion, can result from a mix of genetic and environmental influences. Some of these factors include:
There are several signs that may suggest your child needs braces. Here are some key indicators to look out for:
Braces can correct misaligned bites, overcrowding and spacing problems. Below are some teeth alignment issues that braces can fix:
Overbite is a dental condition
that occurs when your upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth when your mouth is closed.
It is common for patients to have a slight overbite. However, treatment may be needed if you are suffering from a deep or severe overbite.
An underbite occurs when your lower teeth protrude beyond the upper teeth.
Individuals suffering from this dental issue might face challenges with eating and chewing properly. They may also face potential speech impairments.
Spacing refers to a dental condition where there are gaps between your teeth.
These crevices create a convenient trap for food particles, causing plaque to build up easily. This not only affects the visual appeal of your smile but also increases the risk of oral health issues.
Overcrowding occurs when there is insufficient space in your jaw to accommodate all your teeth properly.
Crowded teeth can lead to difficulties in maintaining good oral hygiene increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Open bite refers to the condition where your upper and lower teeth do not meet when your mouth is closed.
Speech problems and difficulties with chewing are some problems experienced by patients with an open bite.
Crossbite occurs when your upper teeth rests behind your lower teeth. This can lead to speech difficulties, jaw problems and an increased risk of tooth decay.
If you are unsure whether braces are the right treatment for your child, get in touch with us. Our experienced dentists will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the best course of treatment for your child’s dental needs.
There are several types of braces available for kids, depending on their specific dental needs and preferences. Your dentist will advise you on which is the most suitable type for your child.
| Traditional Braces | Self-ligating Braces | Invisalign (Invisible Braces) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Metal and ceramic options are available | Metal and ceramic options are available | Medical-grade polymer known as SmartTrack® |
| Mechanism | These are the most common type of braces that consist of metal brackets attached to the front of your teeth. These brackets are connected with wires and can be adjusted periodically to move your teeth into the desired position. | These braces use brackets that have a built-in mechanism to hold the archwire in place, eliminating the need for modules. The archwire exerts a gentle, constant pressure on your teeth, gradually guiding them into proper alignment. | A series of custom-made, clear aligners that gradually shift your teeth into position. Kids between the ages of 6 to 10 years old are suitable for Invisalign First. Older children in their teens can opt for Invisalign Teen. |
| Pros | |||
| Cons |
Our dentist will perform an initial examination of your child’s teeth where 4 X-ray images and a 3D intraoral iTero scan will be taken.
This allows us to assess the current state of your teeth and jaw and determine if and when treatment is needed.
Your dentist will go through your dental condition and explain the results of your analysis.
If braces are needed, we will discuss the best treatment plan for you.
When you are ready to start the treatment plan, our dentists will proceed to place the braces.
We will also advise you on types of food and drinks to avoid and how to keep your teeth and braces clean.
You will need to return to the dentist regularly (every 4-8 weeks) for follow-up appointments.
We will check the progress of your treatment and adjust your braces if necessary.
We will remove your braces when your treatment is complete. Your dentist will provide you with retainers and advise you on how to wear them. This helps to keep your teeth in their new position and prevents them from shifting back.
4 types of retainers are available i.Dental – Vivera, Hawley, clear and permanent retainers. We will advise which type is more suitable for you but ultimately it is up to you to decide which is your preferred retainer.
The cost of braces can vary based on the complexity of your dental condition. Here is the price range for each type of braces at i.Dental (prices are inclusive of GST):
| Traditional Braces | Self-ligating Braces | Invisalign (Invisible Braces) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Traditional Metal Braces: $3,996 to $4,752 Traditional Ceramic Braces: $4,968 - $5,616 | Self-ligating metal braces: $5,508 - $6,156 Self-ligating ceramic braces: $6,264 - $6,696 Damon Q (Metal) braces: $5,778 - $6,426 | Invisalign First: $4,320 - $5,940 Invisalign Teen: $,5,184 - $9,180 |
i.Dental also offers a braces plan for students for traditional metal braces (1st Generation) and self-ligating metal braces:
| Traditional Metal Braces (1st Generation) | $3,888 |
| Included | |
| 1st Deposit (Upon approval of dental treatment plan) | $864 (Split into 2 instalments) |
| Monthly Payment | Varies according to the estimated treatment time |
| Traditional Ceramic Braces (1st Generation) | $4,968 |
| $237.60 | |
| Included | |
| 1st deposit (Upon approval of dental treatment plan) | $864.00 (Split into 2 instalments) |
| Monthly payment | Varies according to the estimated treatment time |
| Self-ligating Metal Braces | $5,508 |
| $237.60 | |
| Included | |
| 1st deposit (Upon approval of dental treatment plan) | $1,080 |
| Monthly payment | Varies according to the estimated treatment time |
| Self-ligating Ceramic Braces | $6,264 |
| $237.60 | |
| Included | |
| 1st deposit (Upon approval of dental treatment plan) | $1,080 |
| Monthly payment | Varies according to the estimated treatment time |
In-house and credit card financing programmes* are available at i.Dental for patients who prefer to spread out their payments over time on a monthly basis. Contact us to find out more.
*Kindly note that credit card financing programmes under UOB are not available at i.Dental Invisalign Dedicated Clinic. Only credit card financing programmes under OCBC are available. For all other clinics, both UOB and OCBC credit card financing programmes are available.
Braces are not eligible for dental subsidies. You may wish to explore alternative financing options such as instalment plans, however, these are subject to certain terms and conditions.
Braces do not fall under the list of MediSave-claimable dental treatments as they are considered a type of cosmetic treatment which do not require surgery. As such, you cannot use MediSave to cover the cost.
With over 30 years of experience in providing dental care and orthodontic treatment, our team at i.Dental is equipped with the necessary knowledge and expertise to cater to your unique dental needs.
We understand that a visit to the dentist can sometimes be intimidating for young patients. Our team prioritises creating a stress-free experience for kids to ensure our little patients feel secure and informed.
The best age for braces is usually during the early teenage years, around 9 to 14 years old. During this period, kids still have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, and their jaws are still growing. This makes it easier for dentists to guide the teeth and jaw into the right positions using braces.
However, braces are not exclusive to young patients. Adults can also get braces to fix their teeth alignment and improve their smile.
Book a consultation with our team who can evaluate your specific needs and give you personalised advice on when to start braces treatment.
Wearing braces, when accompanied by proper care such as regular brushing, flossing and fluoride treatment, should not cause any issues or damage to the teeth.
Book an appointment with us for personalised advice and guidance. Your oral health is important and professional expertise can ensure the best outcome for your smile.
This largely depends on the type and severity of the orthodontic issue you are facing. The decision should be made in consultation with an orthodontist.
Contact us now to schedule an appointment and allow our team to assess the growth of your jaw and the pattern of tooth eruption.
If you are considering improving the alignment of teeth with braces, the best age to achieve optimal results is between 9 to 14 years old.
The most suitable types of braces for kids include self-ligating braces, traditional metal braces, ceramic braces and clear aligners such as Invisalign. Traditional metal braces are the most common and effective option. Those who prefer a less noticeable appearance can go for ceramic braces.
Self-ligating braces often require fewer manual adjustments and shorter treatment time. As for clear aligners, they are virtually invisible and can be removed.
If you are unsure about the most suitable braces for your child, it is best to consult with our experienced team.
Yes, your child can continue playing sports and musical instruments with braces. They may need to wear a mouthguard for sports and adjust their technique for wind instruments. Remember to encourage good oral hygiene habits.
If your child is wearing clear aligners, rest assured that they can also continue to perform the same activities with no issues.
When kids first get braces, they may experience some discomfort or pain as their teeth and gums adjust to the braces. Over time, as their mouth adjusts to the braces, the discomfort usually diminishes.
If your child experiences severe or persistent pain, book an appointment with us and let our dentists perform a thorough examination. We can evaluate the situation and ensure that the braces are properly adjusted to minimise discomfort.
While braces are generally beneficial for correcting dental misalignments, there can be some challenges for children.
Maintaining good oral hygiene can be more time-consuming as braces create small spaces where food particles and plaque can accumulate. Your child will need to take additional steps to ensure their teeth are thoroughly cleaned.
On the other hand, maintaining oral hygiene is less stressful if you wear invisible braces such as Invisalign. No brackets or wires are involved and you can remove them to brush and floss your teeth.
Wearing braces often requires some dietary modifications, which could mean avoiding some favourite foods. Children, in particular, may find this frustrating. However, these dietary adjustments are temporary. Once the braces are removed, these foods can be reintroduced into the diet.
Here are some tips to help your child alleviate pain from braces:
