Braces in Singapore
Metal & Ceramic
Orthodontic treatment for crooked teeth and teeth alignment — for adults, teens and children — at our Tanjong Pagar and Marine Parade clinics.
Book a ConsultationBraces are a fixed orthodontic appliance — brackets bonded to each tooth and connected by an archwire — used to correct crooked or crowded teeth and misaligned bites. At Meiplus Dentalcare, metal braces start from $4,800 and ceramic (tooth-coloured) braces start from $7,000. Treatment typically takes 18–24 months and is suitable for both adults and children.
What Is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the field of dentistry concerned with diagnosing and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws — what dentists call malocclusion.
Braces and Invisalign clear aligners are the two most common orthodontic treatments used in Singapore. Both work the same way in principle: applying continuous, controlled pressure to gradually move teeth into their correct position over time.
- Orthodontics
- The branch of dentistry that treats misaligned teeth and jaws using appliances such as braces or clear aligners.
- Malocclusion
- The clinical term for a “bad bite” — when the upper and lower teeth don’t align correctly when the jaw is closed.
- Crooked / crowded teeth
- Teeth that overlap, twist, or don’t have enough space in the jaw to sit in a straight line.
- Braces
- A fixed orthodontic appliance made of brackets bonded to each tooth and connected by an archwire, which applies steady pressure to move teeth into alignment.
- Teeth alignment
- The general term for the process and result of straightening teeth, whether by braces or clear aligners.
Conditions We Treat
Orthodontic treatment at Meiplus Dentalcare addresses a range of conditions, including:
Why Teeth Alignment Matters
Misaligned or crooked teeth affect more than the appearance of a smile. Left untreated, they can lead to a range of dental and health issues over time.
Hard to Clean
Overlapping or crowded teeth create areas that toothbrushes and floss cannot reach effectively, increasing the risk of plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease.
Jaw Joint Problems
Misaligned teeth affect how the bite closes, which can strain the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) — leading to jaw clicking, popping, or headaches.
Speech & Chewing Difficulties
Crooked teeth can interfere with speech patterns and make chewing less efficient.
Chipped Teeth & Restorations
Uneven bite contact from misaligned teeth can cause chips, cracks, or damage to existing restorations such as veneers and crowns.
Mouth Breathing (Children)
Children with significant misalignment may find it difficult to close their mouth fully, leading to habitual mouth breathing that can affect facial development.
Confidence & Aesthetics
A straighter smile is often simply the goal patients care about most — and that’s a valid reason on its own to consider treatment.
What Causes Crooked Teeth?
Crooked or crowded teeth are usually the result of a mismatch between the size of the jaw and the size of the teeth, though genetics, early loss of baby teeth, prolonged thumb-sucking, and mouth breathing can all contribute.
Both metal braces and ceramic braces are effective at correcting crooked and crowded teeth. Which is more suitable depends on the severity of the crowding and your priorities around visibility, budget, and treatment experience — our dentists will advise on the most appropriate option at your consultation.
Metal Braces
Metal braces use stainless steel brackets bonded to each tooth, connected by an archwire that applies controlled pressure to gradually move teeth into alignment. They’re among the most clinically effective and versatile orthodontic appliances available.
Suitable for both adults and children, they remain the most commonly used appliance for younger patients — largely because of their reliability across a broad range of cases.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces work the same way as metal braces — brackets and archwire, moving teeth gradually — but use tooth-coloured or clear ceramic brackets that blend more naturally with the teeth.
They’re a popular choice for adults and teens who want effective fixed orthodontic treatment with a less visible appliance. Ceramic braces suit the same range of conditions as metal braces, though the brackets need more careful care to avoid staining.
Metal Braces vs Ceramic BracesWhich Should You Choose?
Both are clinically effective across the same range of cases. The practical differences come down to visibility, price, and how much care the brackets need.
Prices stated are estimates and subject to prevailing GST. Final treatment cost will be determined according to individual patient needs — including case complexity, X-rays, and retainers — and finalised after consultation with our dentists.
Braces for Kids in Singapore
Many dental associations recommend a child’s first orthodontic assessment by around age 7 — even if treatment doesn’t begin until later.
Early assessment lets a dentist monitor jaw growth and intercept developing issues at the right stage, rather than waiting until all problems are fully formed.
Prefer a removable option?
For children who may be candidates for clear aligners instead of fixed braces, see our page on Invisalign for kids — including Invisalign First and the Invisalign Palatal Expander.
Not sure if it’s time yet?
If your child has crooked or crowded teeth, protruding teeth, or a visibly uneven bite, it’s worth booking an assessment even if you’re unsure treatment is needed.
Book an AssessmentWhat to Expect: The Braces
Process at Meiplus Dentalcare
From your first consultation to the day your braces come off, here’s how treatment runs.
Consultation & Assessment
Your dentist examines your teeth and bite and discusses your treatment goals.
Diagnostic Records
X-rays and dental impressions or scans are taken to plan your treatment.
Bonding
Brackets are bonded to your teeth and connected with an archwire.
Adjustment Visits
Regular appointments — typically every 4 to 6 weeks — to tighten and adjust the archwire as your teeth move.
Debonding & Retention
Once treatment is complete, brackets are removed and a retainer is fitted to keep your teeth in their new position.
Braces vs InvisalignWhich Is Right for You?
Both are clinically effective ways to straighten teeth — the right choice depends on your case complexity, budget, and lifestyle.
- Fixed to your teeth throughout treatment
- Tend to suit more complex corrections
- No compliance required — always working
- From $4,800 (metal) / $7,000 (ceramic)
- Removable clear aligners
- Generally best for mild-to-moderate cases
- Less visible during treatment
- Requires consistent daily wear
For a full breakdown of Invisalign pricing, the process, and options for both adults and kids, see our dedicated page.
Invisalign in Singapore →FAQs on Braces
What’s the difference between metal braces and ceramic braces?
Metal and ceramic braces work identically — brackets bonded to each tooth, connected by an archwire that gradually moves teeth into alignment. The difference is visibility and price: metal braces use stainless steel brackets and start from $4,800, while ceramic braces use tooth-coloured brackets that are less visible and start from $7,000. Both are equally effective for most orthodontic cases.
How much do braces cost in Singapore?
At Meiplus Dentalcare, metal braces start from $4,800 and ceramic braces start from $7,000. Final cost depends on case complexity and may not include X-rays, diagnostic records, or retainers. Prices are estimates and subject to prevailing GST — your dentist will confirm exact costs at your consultation.
At what age should my child get braces?
Many dental associations recommend a child’s first orthodontic assessment by around age 7, even if active treatment doesn’t begin until later. Early evaluation allows dentists to monitor jaw growth and identify developing issues, such as crowding or bite problems, before they become more difficult to correct. Metal braces remain the most common choice for children once treatment is needed.
Can crooked teeth cause other health problems?
Yes. Crooked or crowded teeth are harder to clean thoroughly, which raises the risk of cavities and gum disease. They can also strain the jaw joint (TMJ), affect speech and chewing, and cause uneven wear or chipping on teeth and existing dental work over time.
How long does braces treatment take?
Most braces treatment at Meiplus Dentalcare takes 18 to 24 months, depending on case complexity. More complex corrections involving significant crowding or bite issues may take longer.
Can I use MediSave or CHAS for braces?
Braces are generally considered an elective treatment and are not typically claimable under MediSave or CHAS, which are reserved for medically necessary dental procedures. Check directly with MOH or your dentist for guidance specific to your case.
Is Invisalign better than braces?
Neither is universally better — both are clinically effective at straightening teeth. Braces are fixed and tend to suit more complex cases; Invisalign is removable, less visible, and generally best for mild-to-moderate cases. See our Invisalign in Singapore page for a full comparison and pricing.
Dental Clinics Near You
With a friendly team, internationally trained dentists, and advanced digital dentistry, we deliver comprehensive dental care in full compliance with MOH standards.
