Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that we receive from our patients. Click on the questions to find out more.

More enquiries? Please WhatsApp Us or Contact Us to find out more.

+ What are braces?

Braces are dental appliances used in teeth alignment. They can be made of metal or ceramic, and they can be secured with elastic rings or self-ligated (self securing or self clipping).

They can even be made of invisible, clear plastic aligners.

+ Do I need braces?

Braces help improve the alignment of your teeth. The reason for undergoing orthodontic treatment is to improve your facial appearance and your smile. This also helps you bite and chew better.

If you are dissatisfied with the aesthetics of your smile or your teeth, and wish to correct them, do arrange for a consultation appointment with our dentists.

During the consultation visit, our friendly dentists will examine and analyse the condition of your teeth and biting position. They will then explain in detail everything you need to know about your dental situation and discuss possible solutions.

+ What should I expect when getting braces?

Your first consultation appointment will consist of a thorough examination and a discussion of the possible treatment options. This important visit will give us insight into your orthodontic needs. We know your time is valuable, so to expedite the process, we will also take diagnostic records on your consultation visit. The records consist of X-rays, photographs and alginate impressions for study models and these are necessary for developing your customized treatment plan.

Our dentists will then carry out detailed analysis of the diagnostic records. We feel it is important to analyse each patient’s specific needs, because in-depth planning leads to superior results and higher patient satisfaction.

During the initial examination, we will address any questions you have on your orthodontic treatment. We will also discuss treatment options, time frames and other issues. We insist that our patients leave the office with a clear understanding of their specific needs, what the treatment will consist of and how long it will take.

If you have any previous records (X-rays, models, photographs) taken, do bring them along during your consultation visit.

Watch a short clip on a typical first consultation visit.

+ How is the whole procedure of getting braces like?

Once you have decided to embark on your braces journey, you will first do a consultation with our dentist. X-rays, study models and photographs will then be taken.

Once the treatment plan is decided, appointments will be made for dental extractions, teeth cleaning (scaling and polishing) or dental fillings, if required. These are usually done before your braces are placed on.

On the day your braces are installed, our friendly staff will teach you everything you need to know about your braces – daily cleaning and hygiene, handling common problems and issues. From this visit onwards, your braces adjustment appointments will usually be 4–6 weeks apart.

The average case takes around 1.5–2 years to complete. Some simple cases can even complete within a year!

+ What is the best age to get braces?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age 7. For most children, a good time to start braces is age 11-12 onwards. The exact age depends on your child’s growth, teeth eruption and dental development.

For some kids, however, it would be advantageous to start treatment at an earlier age to target growth issues.

Parents, you can look out for:

  1. Protruding front teeth
  2. Reverse bite
    (the lower front teeth biting in front of the upper front teeth)
  3. Deep overbite
    (upper front teeth completely covering the lower front teeth)
  4. Missing / unerupted teeth, especially if this occurs only in one side
  5. Early loss of baby teeth
  6. Thumb sucking habit after age 5-6
  7. Lower jaw biting to one side (slanted)
  8. Crooked teeth
  9. Extra teeth
  10. Cross bite
    (one or more teeth in reverse bite, causing pain &
    mobile teeth on biting)

Early detection of these problems may avoid further complication, preventing future complex treatment or even surgical treatment.

Click here to see actual pictures of the different bites.

+ Can orthodontic correction occur if my child still has baby teeth?

Yes.

Some orthodontic problems are significant enough to require early intervention. However, if your child is not ready for treatment, we will follow up with your child’s growth and development until the time is right for treatment to begin.

+ Can I place on braces if I’m no longer a teenager?

Definitely!

You are never too old for braces to help you achieve a straight set of teeth and a beautiful smile. This can be done as long as the teeth, gum and supporting bone are healthy.

We have aesthetic options such as Invisalign, ceramic braces and ceramic self-ligating (Damon Clear) braces.

+ Do I have to extract teeth?

Not all the time.

The need for teeth extraction is dependent on a few factors. These include the degree of crookedness of your teeth, your biting position, and the degree of overlap between the upper and lower teeth.

Straight teeth and a good facial profile are the goal of orthodontics. Within reasonable limits, our dentists will try their best to formulate a non-extraction plan for you.

+ Are extractions painful?

Extractions are not painful at all!

You will be given anesthetics before extractions, so you will be totally numb. You will be referred to a skillful general dentist for the painless extractions.

+ Does your clinic do general dental works too?

Yes!

Our clinic is a full-service dental clinic and we provide a wide range of general dental services.

+ How long is braces treatment?

Each individual has varying degrees of complexity. An average treatment duration is 1.5 to 2 years.

+ Is placing braces painful?

The procedure of placing braces is painless. Watch how it’s done.

It is a non-invasive procedure which does not involve any local anesthesia. It takes between 45 minutes to 1 hour for the placement.

The teeth will start shifting within a few hours to a few days after the braces are placed. You may experience varying degrees of discomfort initially when the teeth start to shift but it will subside within 1 week.

+ How often are the appointments after I put on my braces?

After you place on braces, the adjustment appointments are usually 4– 6weeks apart.

+ Will I be able to eat and talk normally with braces?

Yes you will be able to speak normally!

We would strongly encourage you to stay away from hard, crunchy, chunky and sticky foods. Examples are nuts, ice cubes, hard cookies etc.

You will be able to enjoy regular foods such as meat, vegetables, rice and noodles.

+ Can I still play sports?

Yes, of course!

However, we highly recommend using a sports mouthguard during contact sports.

+ What is an emergency appointment? How are those handled?

If your braces are causing extreme pain or if something breaks, we are always contactable via:

Holland Village:
WhatsApp: +65 9737 6784
Phone call: +65 6463 2306

Bedok:
WhatsApp: +65 8022 2879
Phone call: +65 6282 2788

+ Are there any risks involved? Can braces damage my teeth?

The main risks are related to the state of health of your gums and supporting structures. Maintaining a good oral hygiene is important for successful orthodontic treatment.

Poor oral hygiene will result in plaque and bacteria build up around your teeth and braces. As a result, dental decay, gum bleeding and diseases may occur.

There may also be white spots on your teeth, which may only be apparent to you after the braces are removed. These issues can be avoided by brushing well and going for regular dental cleaning (scaling and polishing) sessions.

+ Are the results permanent?

Teeth have a tendency to shift toward their original position after braces treatment. Wearing retainers will help to prevent the relapse and also allow stability to be achieved. It is recommended you wear retainers full time for at least 6 months. This is followed by maintaining it at night during your sleep in the long run.

It is of utmost importance to have a new set of retainers remade if your old set has gone missing or is damaged. Returning to the clinic within the shortest possible time will minimize any unwanted shifting of your teeth.

+ How is the payment like? Can I pay by installment?

Yes, there is an interest-free installment plan for all our braces services. The down payment is paid on the visit your braces are placed on, and this is followed by a monthly installment amount.

For full details on the installment plans for our braces service, please Contact Us or Whatsapp Us.

+ Can Medisave funds be used for braces treatment?

Medisave funds cannot be used to pay for braces services.

However it can be used for selected minor dental surgical procedures such as wisdom teeth removal.

+ Is the clinic CHAS, Baby Bonus and CHAS for Pioneer Generation accredited?
Yes. The Braces Practice is an accredited dental clinic for Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS), Baby Bonus, Pioneer Generation, Merdeka Generation benefits.
FAQ

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How do I schedule my next checkup?
Simply call our practice! Our front desk staff will be happy to help schedule your next dental checkup at your convenience. If you are a new patient, please let us know and we will provide you with all the information you need for your first dental visit.
When should I change my toothbrush?

Your toothbrush will eventually wear out, especially if you are brushing your teeth twice a day for two to three minutes each time. Your dentist recommends that adults and children change their toothbrush every three months. If you are using an electric toothbrush, be sure to read the directions because you may not need to change toothbrush heads as frequently. Patients with gum disease are encouraged to change their toothbrush every four to six weeks to keep any bacteria from spreading. After brushing, rinse your toothbrush with hot water to kill germs and keep the bristles clean. If you’ve been sick, be sure to change your toothbrush as soon as possible.

How often should I brush my teeth?

According to your dentist and the American Dental Association, you should brush your teeth at least two times a day. Brushing keeps your teeth, gums, and mouth clean and healthy by removing bacteria-causing plaque. It is also recommended that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride when you brush your teeth. You should spend at least a minute on the top teeth and a minute on the bottom teeth, and remember to brush your tongue; it will help keep your breath smelling fresh!

What is gum disease?

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is mostly caused by plaque and bacteria buildup that is not treated in its early stage. Other causes of periodontal disease include tobacco use, teeth grinding, some medications, and genetics. Gingivitis is the beginning stage of gum disease, and, if detected, is treatable. Gingivitis left untreated may turn into gum disease. Advanced gum disease will lead to tooth and bone loss, and is a permanent condition. Brushing your teeth regularly and visiting the dentist every six months will help prevent gingivitis and more severe cases of periodontal disease.

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