What is
Teeth Alignment?
Teeth straightening refers to the process of aligning and moving teeth to their correct position using external force and pressure over time. This process corrects dental health problems such as crooked teeth, underbites, overbites, deep bites, open bites, crossbites, teeth gaps, and other flaws of the teeth and jaw. The benefits of straight teeth include improved gum health, better digestion, and an improved facial appearance.
Orthodontics (Braces and Invisalign) is a field of dentistry that treats various dental issues such as:
- Crooked or Crowded teeth
- Protruded Teeth
- Midline Discrepancy
- Deep Bite
- Reverse Bite
- Anterior Open Bite
- Cross Bite
meiplus dentalcare
Orthodontics for
Adults & Children
No matter what your age, from conventional braces or partial braces through to virtually invisible alternatives such as Invisalign or clear aligners, we can offer you solutions to fit your lifestyle. Orthodontic treatment is required to straighten teeth, and the two main types of treatments are braces and aligners. Dental braces are strategically placed devices that apply pressure on teeth and move them into the correct position. Braces can be metal, ceramic. Aligners are clear, custom-made mouthguard-like braces that can be removed when eating. Invisalign and Clear aligners are two types of aligners available.
Importance of Teeth Alignment
Some adults are comfortable with crooked teeth and may even like the unique look they give their smile. But what seems charming can become a problem if misaligned teeth cause headaches or make it hard to speak or chew. Choosing whether to treat crooked teeth is a personal decision—but before you decide not to, it’s worth learning more about the problems you might face if you leave your teeth unaligned.
Hard to Clean
When teeth overlap, it’s harder to clean them properly because a toothbrush can’t reach all areas. This can lead to tooth decay and gum diseases like gingivitis or periodontitis. Dental treatments may also become more difficult, and over time, these problems can even cause tooth loss.
Jaw Joint Problems
Misshapen or misaligned teeth can cause jaw joint problems, such as clicking, popping, pain, or tenderness. More serious symptoms include earaches, headaches, and pain while chewing. In severe cases, the jaw can even lock and become hard to move, sometimes requiring surgery to restore normal function.
Speech & Chewing Difficulties
Misshapen teeth not only interfere with your speech, giving you a lisp, but also make chewing difficult and painful. Well-aligned teeth fit cleanly upon each other and do not cause such complications.
Chipped Teeth & Restorations
It might surprise you to know that misaligned teeth can cause the opposite teeth to chip or crack. This is a particular issue when the misaligned teeth come into contact with dental restorations, especially veneers, which they can chip and dislodge.
Mouth Breathing
If you have difficulty in closing your mouth, most probably your teeth are interfering with it. An orthodontic treatment is required to align your teeth and ensure you can close your mouth. Otherwise, mouth breathing can cause a host of dental problems, including long face syndrome in children.
Aesthetics
Last but not least, everyone loves a great smile. If your misaligned teeth are stopping you from living your life to the fullest, visit us at Meiplus Dentalcare to get the dazzling smile you have always wanted.
Treatment Options
01
Braces
(Self-ligating)
A metal or ceramic dental base is affixed to each tooth, and a dental wire is inserted through each base. A dentist is able to gradually train the teeth into proper alignment by regularly adjusting the wire. When the desired results are achieved, the fixed dental braces are completely removed.
Duration: 1-2 Years
Budget: Very Visible
02
Invisalign
(Clear Aligners)
Clear and custom-made, aligners are mouthguard-like braces that gradually shift your teeth into the correct position through repeated use. Unlike other types of braces, they are not easily visible and can be conveniently removed during meals and slipped back on afterwards.
Duration: Average 12 Months
Visible: Hardly Noticeable
03
Partial Braces
Partial braces work by using a combination of metal brackets and wires. They gradually straighten and align the misaligned teeth. The process begins with a consultation with a dentist, who can examine the patient’s teeth and create a personalized treatment plan.
Duration: Average of 6-8 Months
Budget: $2,400
FAQs on Braces & Invisalign
Traditional braces utilize metal or ceramic brackets affixed to the teeth, connected by wires and rubber bands to gradually shift teeth into their correct positions. They are highly effective for complex orthodontic adjustments.
Invisalign utilizes a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners that fit snugly over the teeth. These aligners are virtually invisible and can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing. While both treatments aim to achieve proper dental alignment, the choice depends on the patient’s lifestyle preferences and the clinical complexity of the malocclusion.
Digital Dentistry significantly enhance the precision of clear aligner treatments. Instead of traditional physical molds, dentists use 3D digital intraoral scanners to capture highly accurate, high-resolution impressions of the teeth. This digital mapping allows internationally trained dentists to meticulously plan the precise movements of the teeth at every stage of the treatment and provide a visual projection of the expected clinical outcome before treatment even begins.
The duration of orthodontic treatment varies significantly depending on the severity of the initial crowding, spacing, or bite issues. On average, comprehensive treatment with traditional braces or Invisalign can range from 12 to 24 months. Minor cosmetic adjustments may take as little as 6 months. Consistent compliance—such as wearing Invisalign aligners for the recommended 20 to 22 hours a day—is critical to staying on schedule.
While the aligners are manufactured by Invisalign, the actual treatment plan is entirely engineered by the attending dentist. The doctor dictates the exact sequence, force, and timing of every tooth movement. Seeking treatment from a recognized clinic indicates a high level of clinical experience and case volume with the Invisalign system, contributing to more predictable and efficient treatment outcomes.
The total cost of orthodontic treatment depends on the specific system chosen, the clinical complexity of the dental correction, and the estimated duration of the treatment. In Singapore, general estimated price ranges are as follows:
Traditional Metal Braces: SGD $3,500 to SGD $6,500
Ceramic Braces: SGD $4,000 to SGD $8,000
Self-Ligating Braces (e.g., Damon): SGD $5,500 to SGD $9,000
Lingual Braces (affixed behind teeth): SGD $10,000 to SGD $15,000
Invisalign (Clear Aligners): SGD $3,000 to SGD $10,500+ (Costs vary significantly based on the required treatment tier, ranging from Express plans for minor aesthetic adjustments to Comprehensive plans for complex bite corrections).
Because orthodontic treatments are generally classified as aesthetic or non-surgical procedures, they are typically not claimable under Medisave. Similarly, CHAS subsidies do not cover the direct cost of braces or aligners. However, eligible patients may utilize CHAS for preparatory clinical requirements, such as basic extractions or pre-orthodontic dental scaling.
An in-person consultation, available at our Tanjong Pagar and Marine Parade locations, is required to provide a complete clinical assessment, determine the most appropriate system for your dental anatomy, and generate a finalized, customized cost breakdown.
Meet Our Doctors
Our passionate and dedicated team brings together a diverse range of skills and expertise to deliver exceptional results. From creative visionaries to meticulous strategists, we work seamlessly together to meet and exceed our patients’ expectations.
Subsidy Schemes
We are an accredited dental group for Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS), Merdeka Generation Scheme,
Pioneer Generation Scheme, and the Medisave Scheme
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.
Address
1 Tanjong Pagar Plaza #02-04, S082001
Tanjong Pagar
(Flagship Clinic)
Address
141 East Coast Road, Katong, S428831
Marine Parade Branch
Meiplus Dentalcare:
Your Smile, Our Priority
From routine checkups to advanced treatments, we’re here to support your oral health every step of the way.
