Improve your smile and confidence in 12 - 24 months
Self-ligating braces are a type of braces that consist of two items – brackets and wire.
Modules present in traditional braces are not required in self-ligating braces as the self-ligating brackets have “sliding doors”.
These doors can open and close, allowing the arch wire to be kept in position with minimal tension. As such, previous problems associated with modules (e.g friction) are eliminated.
Additionally, treatment time is slightly faster and less painful as compared to the traditional braces. In most cases, you only need to visit the dentists every 4 – 8 weeks.
Instead of using modules to keep the wires in place, self-ligating braces uses a bracket with a ‘’sliding door’’ mechanism to support the wires and move the teeth.
Consequently, self-ligating braces typically cause less friction than traditional braces, significantly decreasing discomfort.
Without the use of modules, patients on self-ligating braces require fewer visits to the dentist; they are only required to come back for a review every 4 – 8 weeks instead of the usual 4 weeks for traditional braces.
The modules used in conventional braces trap food particles easily, making it difficult for you to clean them.
With self-ligating braces, there are no rubber bands, making it more hygienic.
Self-ligating braces use a clinically proven approach to straighten your teeth and treat your malocclusions.
Overbite is a dental condition where your upper front teeth cover your lower front teeth.
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 jaw extends beyond your upper jaw.
Patients with this dental condition may face problems chewing and eating properly.
Spacing refers to a dental condition where you have extra space between your teeth.
Food can get stuck between these gaps, causing plaque to build up more easily in your mouth.
Overcrowding occurs when there is not enough space in your jaw for your teeth to grow normally.
Crowded teeth can be hard to clean, making it easier for plaque and bacteria to build up. This may eventually lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Open bite refers to the condition where your upper and lower teeth do not touch when your mouth is closed.
Patients with an open bite may experience problems with eating or speaking.
A crossbite occurs when some of your upper teeth sit behind your lower teeth. This may result in issues with speaking or tooth decay.
Self-ligating metal braces are made of stainless steel brackets which are stuck onto the front of your teeth.
Self-ligating ceramic braces are made up of tooth-coloured brackets. They are suitable for those who prefer a more discreet and aesthetically pleasing option.
Since our inception in 1989, we accumulated over 30 years of experience working with many patients. This has provided us with the experience and knowledge needed to help you achieve a healthier, fuller smile.
i.Dental has 4 dental clinics that are located across the island. Our outlets are conveniently located in Tanjong Pagar, Yishun, and Ubi, allowing you to access them easily.
| Technology | Uses brackets with "sliding door" mechanism and wires to straighten your teeth. | Uses wires, brackets, and modules to straighten your teeth. |
| Comfort | More comfortable due to reduced friction and pressure needed to move the teeth. | More uncomfortable due to the larger amount of pressure used to move the teeth. |
| Look | Users do not get to customise the look of their braces since colour modules are usually not used. | The colour modules found on traditional braces can be changed, allowing users to customise the colour of their braces. |
| Maintenance | The brackets are less prone to plaque and food build-up as no modules are used, making cleaning and maintenance easier. | Traditional braces are harder to maintain as food gets trapped between the modules easily. It also requires proper brushing and flossing technique to keep them clean. |
| Frequency of dental visits | Once every 4 - 8 weeks | Once every 4 - 6 weeks |
| Treatment duration | 12 - 24 months depending on the complexity of the patient’s case. | 12 - 24 months depending on the complexity of the patient’s case. |
| Cost | $5,100 - $5,700 (Self-ligating metal braces) $5,800 - $6,500 (Self-ligating ceramic braces) | $3,900 - $4,400 (Traditional metal braces) $4,600 - $5,200 (Traditional ceramic braces) |
During the first consultation, your dentist will need to take records of your teeth in order to evaluate your oral health.
An oral examination, 4 X-ray images, 3D intraoral scans of the teeth using the iTero Element Scanner, and photos of your dental and facial profile will be taken as part of your diagnostics records.
The X-rays and iTero scans taken will then be analysed by your dentist using a computer software to make trackings that show anatomical points.
During your second consultation, your dentist will explain to you the results of the computer analysis.
He will also discuss your treatment plan while giving you an idea of how your teeth look like before and after your treatment.
Once the treatment plan has been decided, your dentist will proceed to put the self-ligating braces on your teeth.
Once your self-ligating braces have been put on, you will need to visit your dentist once every 4 – 8 weeks.
This allows your dentist to monitor your progress and make sure that your treatment is going smoothly.
Once your teeth have been straightened, your braces will be removed and a set of retainers will be issued.
To maintain your new smile, you will need to wear the retainers as per your dentist’s instructions.
At i.Dental, we provide a range of retainers for you to choose from – Hawley Retainers, clear retainers, permanent retainers, and Vivera Retainers.
Do speak to your dentist to find out which type of retainer is the most suitable for you.
Self-Ligating Metal Braces
Self-Ligating Ceramic Braces
Self-ligating braces are suitable for people with bite problems like underbite or open bite.
If you are interested in finding out whether you are a suitable candidate for self-ligating braces, schedule an appointment with us today.
You may be required to wear self-ligating braces for 12 – 24 months depending on the complexity of your case.
You may experience some soreness and discomfort at the start of treatment which may last for a few days.
To ease the pain, you can take some painkillers or apply dental wax to prevent your braces from rubbing against your mouth.
Alternatively, you may also choose to stick to a soft food diet and avoid hard, crunchy foods that may cause pain while chewing.
Unfortunately, Medisave cannot be used to pay for non-surgical dental procedures. Thus, you will not be able to use Medisave to pay for your self-ligating braces treatment.
For more information about braces treatment in Singapore, read this guide.
