Are you considering braces for your child? Braces for kids are common, as many start young to straighten their teeth and improve overall oral health. This prevents severe dental complications that can be more costly and complex in the future. While it is common, how do you know if it’s the right choice for your child?
Many children in Singapore need braces to correct issues from crooked teeth to spacing problems. If left untreated, this could affect their ability to chew, speak, and maintain proper dental hygiene. Want to learn more? Keep reading as we guide you through what parents need to know about kids’ braces, from types and costs to the treatment process.
Kids need braces for a variety of reasons, including:
These issues can make it difficult to chew properly, speak clearly, or maintain good oral hygiene. Early orthodontic intervention helps guide teeth into the right position, promote jaw development, and prevent more serious dental problems later in life.
A kids’ dentist will assess their teeth and recommend the best time to start treatment. However, it is important to note that most children get full braces between the ages of 11 and 14.
Not all kids need braces, but for those who do, they play a vital role in ensuring long-term dental health. Braces help correct misaligned teeth, overcrowding, and bite issues, which can lead to difficulties in chewing, speaking, and even breathing. Straight teeth are also easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Beyond oral health, braces can boost a child’s confidence by giving them a straighter smile. Addressing dental issues early prevents more serious complications in adulthood, such as jaw pain or excessive tooth wear. Investing in braces at a young age leads to a healthier, happier smile for life.
Timing is key when it comes to kids’ braces to achieve the best results in a short amount of time. When children’s teeth and jaw are still developing, braces treatment is more effective and less painful than in adulthood.
Before deciding on braces, an early orthodontic screening helps identify potential dental issues. It is recommended for your child to get their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This will allow us to detect problems early and determine the best time for treatment for prevention and correction if needed.
Braces treatment is often divided into two phases, tailored to your child’s needs. Phase 1 focuses on jaw development, while Phase 2 aligns permanent teeth for a straighter, healthier smile. Orthodontic treatment timing varies: some children benefit from limited Phase I treatments, like expanders or space maintainers, around ages 7–10.
Years ago, the only braces options for kids were the traditional metal braces with large metal brackets and painful wires. Many children fear this, but fortunately, times have changed, and several braces options available now can make the experience more fun for children.
When you think of braces, traditional metal braces are probably the ones that pop into your mind. These braces are common because they’re the most affordable yet effective option for complex dental issues. Using metal brackets and wires, these braces gradually shift teeth into proper alignment.
Ceramic braces are a great option for children who want a more discreet look. These use clear or tooth-coloured brackets, which are slightly more fragile, as they are more prone to breakage or friction. Ceramic braces are often pricier too.
Invisalign are clear, removable aligners designed to straighten teeth without metal braces. Ideal for mild to moderate cases in teens, aligners work best if worn diligently.
Getting braces can be scary for kids, but we’re here to help you understand the process to make it easier. Each step on the journey towards a healthier and happier smile is carefully personalised so your child can experience a smooth and effective treatment.
Starting with a consultation, we’ve outlined each step of the process of getting braces for kids.
Before getting braces, an initial consultation with our paediatric dentist is essential. During this visit, X-rays and digital scans are taken to assess teeth alignment, jaw growth, and bite issues. We then create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs. This step ensures the best approach for straightening teeth and achieving a healthy, confident smile.
Once your child goes through the braces fitting, treatment typically lasts between 1.5 to 3 years, depending on your child’s age and needs. Throughout the treatment, orthodontic visits are expected every 4-8 weeks to adjust wires and ensure steady progress.
Parents should expect mild discomfort after adjustments, but it fades quickly. Maintaining good oral hygiene and following dietary guidelines help ensure a smooth treatment process.
When kids get braces, proper care is essential to prevent issues like cavities or broken brackets. Good oral hygiene ensures a smoother, more effective treatment process. If you want to help your child throughout their braces treatment journey, here are things to keep in mind:
To keep braces clean and teeth healthy, kids should brush using an orthodontic toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, especially after a meal. Flossing daily with a floss threader also helps remove food particles between brackets. Additionally, using mouthwash adds extra protection against cavities and gum issues, ensuring effective oral hygiene throughout treatment.
It can be a hassle adjusting to food restrictions with braces, but avoiding certain foods helps prevent damage, ensuring a smoother treatment process. It’s best to avoid sticky, hard, and chewy foods like:
Instead, opt for braces-friendly options that won’t harm brackets or wires, such as:
Once your child gets their braces fitted, they may experience mild discomfort as their teeth adjust. Soreness, slight pressure, and difficulty eating certain foods are common in the first few days. With regular orthodontic visits and proper care, we will help ensure a smooth transition and effective treatment.
Braces are a significant investment in your child’s dental health, and costs in Singapore vary based on the type of braces and treatment complexity.
The pricing for comprehensive braces treatment generally ranges from around $4,000 to $9,000, depending on case difficulty and the type of braces.
Cost factors also vary based on treatment duration, orthodontist expertise, and clinic location. Additional costs may include consultations, X-rays, and retainers after braces removal. An orthodontic screening is crucial for us to provide a detailed quote, so you know exactly what to expect.
Braces can be costly, but various financing options help make treatment more affordable. However, it’s important to note that dental braces cannot be claimed under MediSave, as it is only applicable for surgical dental procedures like wisdom tooth surgery or medically necessary treatments.
While dental insurance may partially cover kids’ braces, this largely depends on the policy and specific terms. Most dental insurance plans in Singapore do not cover orthodontics unless it’s due to an accident or part of a very high-end plan, which is rare. It’s best to check with your provider about orthodontic benefits to avoid setting false expectations. We do offer instalment plans, allowing payments to be spread out over several months, making treatment more manageable.
Are you looking for paediatric orthodontists specialising in kids’ braces? Newlife Dental Practice offers personalised braces treatment in a child-friendly environment. Our experienced orthodontists use the latest technology to ensure safe, effective, and comfortable care.
We provide a range of braces options, flexible payment plans, and a supportive team to guide you through every step.
Book a consultation with Newlife Dental today and give your child the confidence of a healthy, beautiful smile!
We’re happy to answer any questions you might have, or to help schedule a visit to our dental clinic. For urgent matters or appointment, please call or WhatsApp us.
Most children get braces between ages 11 and 14, once most of their adult teeth are in. Schedule an early orthodontic screening to evaluate by age 7, to determine the best timing for treatment.
Signs include crooked teeth, bite misalignment, crowding, gaps, or difficulty chewing. Our paediatric dentist can assess and confirm if braces are needed.
Common options include traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, and Invisalign. Each has different benefits based on visibility, comfort, and cost.
Braces typically cost between $4,000 to $9,000, depending on the type and complexity of treatment. There are payment plans to help manage costs over several months’ payments. As for insurance plans, we encourage you to speak with your provider for information.
There is no government subsidy for comprehensive treatment of kids’ braces in Singapore. Parents should check with CHAS, MediSave, or insurance providers for potential coverage options.
Braces may cause mild discomfort after adjustments, but the soreness is temporary. Check with our team for over-the-counter medications if necessary. Soft foods also help to ease soreness.
Avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods like caramel, popcorn, and tough meats. Opt for soft foods like yoghurt, pasta, and mashed potatoes.
Encourage brushing after meals, flossing with orthodontic tools, and using mouthwash to prevent plaque buildup and keep their teeth healthy.
After braces, your child will need to wear a retainer to maintain their new smile. Regular dental check-ups ensure long-term results.
