Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Cheng Eng Wah
Key Takeaways
- Braces at i.Dental start from $3,815*, with fixed braces and clear aligner (invisible braces) options available.
- Traditional metal braces are generally the most affordable, while ceramic, self-ligating and clear aligner options typically cost more.
- Your total braces cost may also be affected by treatment duration, additional dental procedures and retainers after treatment.
- MediSave and CHAS subsidies do not cover braces, but instalment plans are available to help spread out treatment costs.
Braces can be a significant financial commitment, so understanding what you are paying for is important before treatment begins. In Singapore, braces and clear aligner treatment generally cost between $3,500 and $10,000, depending on various factors such as the severity of your dental issues, the choice of braces, and the treating dentist's expertise.
Clinics like i.Dental offer plans for students and National Service Full-time (NSF) personnel to make braces treatment more affordable. For a detailed understanding of these packages and other financing methods, a consultation with your dentist is highly recommended.
How Much Do Braces Cost in Singapore?
Fixed braces range from $3,815* to $6,758, while clear aligner treatment ranges from $3,815 to $9,265 at i.Dental. Before beginning treatment, you will attend an initial consultation so your dentist can assess your teeth and discuss the available options.
Initial Consultation Fee: $239.80 (inclusive of GST). This fee covers:
- Oral examination and detailed consultations with our dentists
- Diagnostic records (4 X-rays, iTero scans, study models, and photos)
Based on the assessment, your dentist will recommend a suitable treatment option. The corresponding price ranges are shown below:
*Eligibility requirements:
• Local or foreign students aged 25 years old and below with a valid student pass, or
• NSFs with 11B
Traditional Metal Braces
$3,815* - $4,796
1st Downpayment
$872
Monthly instalment
Varies according to balance amount after downpayment and treatment duration
Traditional Ceramic Braces
$5,014 - $5,668
1st Downpayment
$872
Monthly instalment
Varies according to balance amount after downpayment and treatment duration
Self-Ligating Metal Braces
$5,559 - $6,213
1st Downpayment
$1,090
Monthly instalment
Varies according to balance amount after downpayment and treatment duration
Self-Ligating Ceramic Braces
$6,104 - $6,758
1st Downpayment
$1,090
Monthly instalment
Varies according to balance after downpayment and treatment duration
Invisalign
Price (Includes 9% GST)
$4,360 - $9,265
1st Downpayment
$872
2nd downpayment
$1,635
Monthly instalment
$300 - $400
Angel Aligner
Price
$3,815 – $8,066
1st Downpayment
$872
2nd downpayment
$1,635
Monthly instalment
$300 - $400
How Much Do Braces Cost for Students and NSFs?
Our braces plan for students and NSFs is designed to help make braces treatment more accessible for students and national servicemen in Singapore. Eligible plans range from $3,815 to $7,085, inclusive of GST.
The plan includes:
- All consultations
- Diagnostic records (4 X-rays, iTero scans, study models, and photos)
- 1 set of clear retainers
Eligibility requirements:
- Local or foreign students below 25 years old with a valid student pass, or
- NSFs with 11B
Price for braces
$3,815 - $7,085
Traditional Metal Braces
$3,815 nett
Conventional Ceramic Braces
$5,014 - $5,668
Self-Ligating Metal/Ceramic Braces
$5,559 - $6,213
Invisible Braces
$5,450 - $7,085
What Factors Affect the Cost of Braces?
Malocclusions such as spacing, excessive overjet, underbite, crowding, crossbites, and open bites all factor into the complexity of dental misalignment. The more severe these teeth conditions are, the longer and more complex the treatment. This, in turn, potentially leads to higher costs.
The materials and mechanisms used differ between braces systems, which contributes to their varying prices:
- Traditional metal braces: Generally the most affordable option.
- Traditional ceramic braces: A mid-range cost for those seeking a less noticeable option.
- Self-ligating metal braces: Pricier due to its advanced mechanism and less frequent maintenance.
- Self-ligating ceramic braces: On the higher end, combining aesthetics with self-ligating technology.
- Invisible braces: Usually the most expensive, offering the advantage of discretion.
Treatment duration varies according to the complexity of your case and how your teeth respond to movement.1 More complex cases may involve additional adjustments and a longer treatment period.
Following your dentist’s care instructions, attending scheduled appointments and maintaining good oral hygiene can help keep your treatment on track. Delayed appointments or oral health concerns may extend the overall treatment duration.
Before braces are fitted, your dentist will assess the condition of your teeth, gums and jaw. If tooth decay or gum concerns are identified, treatments such as fillings or scaling and polishing may be recommended beforehand. Some patients may also require tooth extractions to create sufficient space for tooth movement.
For more complex jaw conditions that cannot be corrected with braces alone, referral for jaw surgery may be required, which would involve separate treatment costs.
After your braces treatment is complete, retainers are essential to ensure your teeth remain in their corrected positions.2 As retainers may not always be included in your braces package, it is important to account for their cost when planning your overall treatment budget.
i.Dental offers various types of retainers:
- Permanent retainers: $381.50 per arch
- Clear plastic retainers: $490 – $599.50 for one set
- Vivera retainers (by Invisalign): $981 for three sets
- Hawley retainers: $599.50 for one set
Braces Treatment Process
Financing Your Braces Treatment in Singapore
Managing the cost of braces is made easier at i.Dental with flexible financing options.
Instalment Plans
We provide both in-house and credit card instalment plans so you can spread the cost of your treatment over time. Our dedicated Invisalign Clinic at Tanjong Pagar accepts OCBC credit card financing, while our other clinics accept both UOB and OCBC.
Dental Insurance
Dental insurance may cover certain treatments and surgeries but typically doesn’t extend to braces, which are often categorised as cosmetic procedures.
For detailed information, visit our dental insurance information page.
Subsidies and MediSave
MediSave cannot be used for non-surgical dental services, including orthodontic braces. Certain surgical dental procedures may be claimable separately if they meet the applicable requirements.
CHAS subsidies apply to selected basic dental services, but orthodontic braces are not among the covered procedures. However, CHAS subsidies can be used for most dental X-rays and selected dental treatments that may be required before or during your braces treatment, subject to eligibility.
FAQs About the Cost of Braces in Singapore
Traditional metal braces are generally more affordable than ceramic or self-ligating braces. The overall cost will depend on your dental condition, treatment complexity and what is included in the package.
Your dentist will assess your bite condition before recommending a suitable treatment option. Contact us to arrange an assessment and receive a personalised quotation.
Braces can be costly as treatment requires detailed planning, specialised materials and regular adjustment appointments to monitor tooth movement.
Deciding if braces are worth the investment depends on your personal dental goals and needs. Straighter teeth not only enhance your smile but also contribute to better oral health.
Teeth that are aligned are easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. They also help evenly distribute bite pressure, which can protect against tooth wear and jaw problems. Ultimately, while braces come with a cost, the long-term health benefits and confidence gained can be substantial.
MediSave is not available for non-surgical and cosmetic dental treatments, including braces and invisible aligners.
At i.Dental, braces for kids start from $3,815. The recommended option and cost will depend on your child’s dental development and bite.
References:
- Mavreas, D., and Athanasiou, A.E. “Factors affecting the duration of orthodontic treatment: a systematic review.” European Journal of Orthodontics, Vol. 30, No. 4, Aug. 2008, pp. 386–395. [PubMed: 18678758]
- Littlewood, S.J., et al. “Retention and relapse in clinical practice.” Australian Dental Journal, Vol. 62, Suppl. 1, Mar. 2017, pp. 51–57. [PubMed: 28297088]
