Traditional metal braces
The metal version is frequently known as metal braces or conventional braces, where the modules come in many different colours.
Traditional Braces
Using effective conventional technology to achieve your desired smile
What are Traditional Braces?
Traditional braces is a type of braces that consists of metal brackets which are stuck on your teeth, metal wires and modules.
There are 2 variations of traditional braces: metal and ceramic.
This orthodontic treatment requires regular tightening of the archwires to ensure that pressure is applied gradually on your teeth to move it into the desired position.
Tightening is done during each follow-up appointment with your dentist.
Types of Traditional Braces
Traditional ceramic braces
The ceramic version comes with tooth-coloured modules, making them less visible.
Parts of Traditional Braces
Archwire
The archwire is a metal wire that is tied to all of the brackets. During follow-up appointments, the archwire is tightened to exert pressure to move your teeth.
Brackets
Brackets are metal parts that are adhered to the front of your teeth. These help to hold the archwire in place.
Modules
Modules are a type of ligature, which is used to hold the archwire to each bracket securely. These are colourful or tooth-coloured elastics that go around the brackets.
Advantages of Traditional Braces
More affordable option
Traditional braces is one of the more affordable options compared to other orthodontic treatments such as self-ligating braces and Invisalign.
Thus, it is a great option to consider if you have a budget constraint.
Able to treat complex cases
Traditional braces is one of the first orthodontic appliances introduced to align crooked teeth.
It is able to treat all types of malocclusion which include overbite, overjet, crowding, underbite, crossbite, spacing, and open bite.
Choice of coloured modules
For metal braces, you will be able to select new colours for your modules during each appointment.
This appeals especially to teens as they can rock a different look every 4 – 6 weeks.
Disadvantages of Traditional Braces
Visibility
Given that traditional braces consist of metal brackets, wires and modules, it is more visible as compared to alternatives like self-ligating braces and Invisalign.
Require regular in-person appointments
Traditional braces require regular tightening and adjustments to ensure that your treatment is going according to plan. Thus, appointments are scheduled every 4 – 6 weeks.
Food restrictions
Patients with braces are advised to avoid foods that are sticky, hard and crunchy as they may potentially bend or break your wires.
More effort to clean
Braces have small nooks and crannies that can cause food to deposit. Thus, you have to ensure that you brush and floss your teeth with the right technique to prevent cavities.
How Does Traditional Braces Straighten Teeth?
Throughout your treatment, your dentist will tighten and adjust your braces which will apply a gentle, steady pressure.
Over time, as constant pressure gets exerted, the shape of your jaw gradually adapts to the pressure which shifts your teeth into the desired alignment.
What Dental Problems Can Traditional Braces Fix?
Overbite
An overbite refers to a condition where your upper teeth overlap your lower teeth vertically. While it is normal to have some overlap, you are advised to seek orthodontic treatment if it is severe.
Underbite
An underbite is when your lower jaw extends horizontally beyond your upper jaw. This causes your lower teeth to overlap the front of your upper teeth, causing chewing problems.
Spacing
Spacing refers to a noticeable gap or space between your teeth. These gaps may cause food to get stuck, which will lead to a buildup of plaque.
Overcrowding
Overcrowding is when there is insufficient space for your teeth to grow normally, leading to crowded teeth. If not treated, this will easily cause plaque buildup and gum diseases.
Open bite
An open bite means that your upper and lower teeth do not meet when your mouth is closed. This causes difficulty in speaking and eating.
Crossbite
A crossbite refers to a condition in which some of your upper teeth are behind your lower teeth. This may result in speech problems and tooth decay.
Differences Between Traditional Braces and Self-ligating Braces
Traditional braces uses the oldest technology and is the most popular type of braces treatment, especially for kids.
It consists of metal brackets which are stuck on your teeth, metal wires and modules.
Pros
- Affordable
- Choice of coloured modules for metal version
Cons
- More visible than self-ligating braces
- Less hygienic as food gets stuck easily
Self-ligating braces consist of metal brackets and wires.
Unlike traditional braces, these brackets use a “sliding door” technique that can open and close to keep the archwire in position. Thus, there is no need for modules to hold them in place.
Pros
- Fewer follow up appointments
- Shorter treatment time
- More hygienic
Cons
- More expensive than traditional braces
Traditional braces uses the oldest technology and is the most popular type of braces treatment, especially for kids.
It consists of metal brackets which are stuck on your teeth, metal wires and modules.
Pros
- Affordable
- Choice of coloured modules for metal version
Cons
- More visible than self-ligating braces
- Less hygienic as food gets stuck easily
Self-ligating braces consist of metal brackets and wires.
Unlike traditional braces, these brackets use a “sliding door” technique that can open and close to keep the archwire in position. Thus, there is no need for modules to hold them in place.
Pros
- Fewer follow up appointments
- Shorter treatment time
- More hygienic
Cons
- More expensive than traditional braces
Traditional Braces Treatment Process
Step 1: Consultation
During your orthodontic consultation, diagnostic records will be taken. This includes 4 X-rays, 3D iTero scan, intraoral photos and oral examination.The diagnostic records will be analysed by your dentist to design a treatment plan for you.Step 2: Putting on braces
During this session, your dentist will stick the brackets and tie the archwires on your teeth. You will be taught how to keep the braces clean and given tips on the types of food which you should avoid.
It is a painless procedure and will take about 1 hour for the full procedure.
Step 3: Follow-up appointments
Follow-up appointments will be scheduled every 4 weeks. During the appointment, your dentist will tighten or adjust your braces.
This may include changing your modules and arch wires if necessary.
Step 4: Treatment completed
Upon completion of your treatment, your dentist will remove your braces and issue you a set of retainers. You are expected to wear them based on your dentist’s instructions.
i.Dental offers 4 types of retainers – Hawley, Vivera, clear and permanent retainers. Your dentist will advise the most suitable option for you.
Price of Traditional Braces in Singapore
Traditional Metal Braces
$4,212 - $4,752
Monthly instalment$150 - $200Traditional Ceramic Braces
$4,968 - $5,616
Monthly instalment$200 - $250
Why Do Traditional Braces at i.Dental?
Qualified dentists
Established in 1989, our i.Dental team has gained over 3 decades of experience treating patients. This has equipped us with the expertise and knowledge to tailor treatment plans to your unique needs.
Easily accessible
Currently, we have a total of 4 dental clinics in Singapore including an Invisalign Dedicated Clinic appointed by Align Technology. Each outlet is easily accessible in Tanjong Pagar, Yishun, and Ubi.
FAQs
Medisave can only be claimed for surgical dental procedures, such as dental implants and wisdom tooth surgery.
As traditional braces does not include any surgical procedures, you will not be able to use Medisave to pay for your treatment.
The treatment time is dependent on how serious your malocclusion is. Typically, traditional braces treatment will take between 12 – 24 months to complete.
During your first consultation, your dentist will evaluate your case and let you know an estimated period.
- Ceramic braces
Generally, traditional braces is able to straighten teeth slightly faster than ceramic braces. However, the treatment period is dependent on the complexity of your teeth misalignment and varies for each individual.
- Invisalign
According to Dr. Tong, braces and Invisalign generally have the same treatment period. Also, depending on your dental problem, Invisalign may be faster in some cases but this is highly dependent on your compliance.
Read more: Invisalign vs Braces
It is normal to feel soreness and discomfort, especially when your dentist first puts on your braces and after tightening. To cope with this, you are advised to adopt a soft food diet as limiting chewing will minimise your pain.
As you go for more appointments, the level of discomfort will decrease. Do note that you should call your dentist immediately if you experience these braces emergencies.
When you have braces, it is important to clean your teeth after every meal and before going to bed. In this step-by-step guide, Dr. Wong demonstrates how to brush and floss your teeth with braces.
After your treatment is completed, your braces will be removed and a set of retainers will be prepared for you. You are required to wear them based on your dentist’s instructions.
Read more: A guide to braces treatment in Singapore