Braces for Students in Singapore: What You Need to Know About the Benefits, Costs and Packages
By Dr. Cheng Eng Wah on 28 April 2023
If you’re looking to improve the appearance of your teeth and smile during your teenage years, you may have thought about getting braces. Braces are an orthodontic treatment used to correct alignment issues of your teeth and jaw. They can fix a variety of conditions including crooked teeth, bite issues and gaps between teeth.
Read on as we discuss the different types of braces for students, their costs, benefits and potential risks. We also share the different ways to finance the cost of braces and the alternative treatments you can consider.
Types of Braces
There are 2 main types of braces – traditional braces and self-ligating braces. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks.
| Traditional Metal Braces | Traditional Ceramic Braces | Self-Ligating Metal Braces | Self-Ligating Ceramic Braces | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost (inclusive of GST) | $3,888 - $4,752 | $4,968 - $5,616 | $5,508 - $6,156 | $6,048 - $6,696 |
| Pros | ||||
| Cons |
Need help deciding which type of braces to go for? Our dentists will assess your teeth to determine the most suitable one for you. Book an appointment with us today.
Advantages of Wearing Braces
While the process of undergoing braces treatment can be lengthy and costly, it can positively impact your life.
Fix Bite Issues
Bite issues, such as open bite, crossbite or underbite, occur when your upper and lower jaws don’t align properly. Braces can correct these bite issues by gradually shifting the position of your teeth and jaws over time.
Improve Oral Health
Misaligned teeth can lead to various issues, such as difficulty brushing and flossing and an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Braces can improve your oral health by gradually shifting your teeth to the correct position. This can help you to floss or brush properly, decreasing the risk of oral health issues.
Better Speech
Bite problems like diastema, anterior open bite and crooked teeth can lead to difficulties pronouncing certain sounds or words. Braces help to align and eliminate gaps in your teeth, leading to clearer speech, better articulation and better communication with others.
Increase Confidence
Misaligned teeth can cause you to feel self-conscious or embarrassed at times. With braces, you can boost your self-esteem by improving the appearance of your teeth.
Potential Risks of Wearing Braces
Braces are a common orthodontic treatment for correcting various dental issues. However, they do come with some potential risks.
Mouth Sores
Braces can cause irritation and mouth sores during the first few weeks of treatment. This is often the result of the brackets and wires rubbing against the soft tissues in your mouth.
Here are some ways to alleviate the discomfort experienced and reduce the risk of irritation:
- Doing a saltwater rinse 2 to 3 times a day
- Eating soft foods
- Staying hydrated
- Applying orthodontic wax to the areas where you experience abrasion
Allergic Reactions
Though braces are generally safe, some people may develop an allergic reaction to the metals used such as nickel, stainless steel and titanium. If you have any known allergies, inform your dentist before starting the treatment so that the appropriate measures can be taken to minimise the risk of allergic reactions.
Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
The spaces between the brackets and wires can trap food particles, making it harder to clean your teeth thoroughly. This can lead to a buildup of plaque and increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
These are some steps you can take to minimise the risk of tooth decay and gum disease:
- Avoiding food that can get stuck in your braces, such as popcorn and crackers
- Paying extra attention to the areas around the brackets and wires when brushing your teeth
- Going for regular dental checkups
- Using a fluoride mouthwash
Cost of Braces for Students in Singapore
The price of braces at i.Dental starts from $3,996 (inclusive of GST). However, students can get them at a more affordable rate with our braces plan for students. This is applicable for students (with a valid student pass) or NSFs (with valid 11B) below the age of 25.
The type of braces which are available for this plan are traditional metal braces and self-ligating metal braces. Here’s a breakdown of the costs:
Cost of Traditional Metal Braces: $3,888 (inclusive of GST)
| Included | |
| 1st deposit (Upon approval of dental treatment plan) | $864 |
| Monthly payment | Varies according to the estimated treatment time |
*Prices above don’t include other services such as scaling and polishing, extractions, retainers and/or fillings if required.
Cost of Self-ligating Metal Braces: $5,508 (inclusive of GST)
| Included | |
| 1st deposit (Upon approval of dental treatment plan) | $1,080 |
| Monthly payment | Varies according to the estimated treatment time |
*Prices above don’t include other services such as scaling and polishing, extractions, retainers and/or fillings if required.
Cost of Alternative Treatment to Braces
Aside from braces, there are some alternative treatment options that can help you fulfil your dream of having a gorgeous smile. It’s best to consult a qualified dental professional who can help you determine the best treatment for your needs.
Invisalign
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth. The aligners are custom-made for each patient and are generally more comfortable to wear as they don’t contain brackets and wires. They’re also virtually invisible, making them an attractive alternative to braces.
At i.Dental, the cost of Invisalign treatment ranges from $3,499 to $9,180, depending on the complexity of the case. We also offer a package designed specifically for students and NSFs that ranges from $4,200 to $8,800.
Veneers
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are placed on the front surface of your teeth to improve their appearance. They can correct minor cosmetic issues such as discoloured, chipped, or misshapen teeth.
Depending on the dental issues you want to fix, veneers may be a suitable option for you. Your dentist will be able to advise if this is the right treatment you need.
At i.Dental, the cost of veneers ranges from $162 to $1,944 (inclusive of GST) per tooth. There are no student packages available for this treatment.
Unsure about which treatment is suitable for you? Schedule a consultation with our dentists to understand more about your options.
Financing the Cost of Braces
Whether you choose to pay upfront or use dental insurance, there are several ways to finance the cost of braces.
Instalment Plans
Many dental clinics offer payment plans that allow you to pay for braces over a certain period of time. i.Dental offers in-house and credit card financing programmes to make braces more affordable and accessible for you. Contact our clinic to find out more.
Dental Insurance
Not all types of dental insurance cover braces. You’re recommended to go through your policy details and speak with your insurance provider to fully understand the kinds of treatments that are covered. Some insurance plans may include braces for teens and children but a 50% co-payment may be required.
Dental Loans
Some third-party lenders may offer dental loans that come with interest. However, they usually impose strict requirements for loan approval, such as a minimum income level, which can make it difficult for students to qualify for a loan.
FAQs About the Cost of Braces for Students
FAQs
No, braces aren’t eligible for dental subsidies. You may wish to consider other financing options to pay for your treatment such as instalment plans or dental loans.
MediSave-claimable dental treatments only include procedures that require surgery due to medical reasons. As braces are considered a form of cosmetic treatment and don’t require surgery, MediSave cannot be used to cover the cost.
While there isn’t a ‘best age’ to get braces, most people choose to get braces between 10 to 14 years old, after their baby teeth have fallen out.
Braces are usually recommended on both the upper and lower teeth to achieve the best results. However, if you have well-aligned teeth on one arch and wish to correct minor crowding or spacing issues on the other, you may be a suitable candidate for single-arch treatment.
If you’re looking to fix minor cosmetic issues, you may also consider Invisalign Anterior. This treatment is designed to address mild to moderate spacing or crowding issues on the front teeth of the upper and lower arches.
Your dentist can advise you on the most suitable treatment based on the condition of your teeth and the goals you wish to achieve.