How to get nice straight teeth?

Straight teeth can improve not just your smile, but your jaw alignment and overall health too. If you’re weighing up getting your teeth straightened for you or your child, read on! We speak to dentists in Singapore about different teeth straightening options, from Invisalign to braces in Singapore.

Invisalign or braces – which is right for you?

When it comes to straightening teeth, braces and clear aligners such as Invisalign are two options we often hear about in Singapore. The answer as to which one is right for you isn’t one-size-fits-all though. DR SHARON KWEK of Elements Dental, who has over a decade of experience across both public and private practice, walks us through their key differences.

The pros and cons of each

“Clear aligners like Invisalign are discreet, can be removed during meal time and make it easier to keep your teeth clean. They also tend to result in fewer emergency visits for things like broken wires, and they carry less risk of ulcers,” notes Dr Sharon. The trade-off? They require real self-discipline. “Wearing them less than 20 to 22 hours a day delays progress. They must be removed and cleaned every time you eat or drink non-water liquids. They are also easy to misplace, and are generally more expensive.”

On the other hand, fixed braces require zero daily effort and are more effective for complex cases, including severe bite issues or significantly rotated teeth. They also tend to be more cost-effective. Dr Sharon notes, however, that they are more noticeable and can cause mouth sores from brackets. They come with food restrictions, too, and can make flossing and teeth brushing a bit trickier.

Which one does this dentist recommend?

According to Dr Sharon, clear aligners tend to suit aesthetically-minded patients who work in professional settings or prefer an unnoticeable treatment, are reluctant to compromise on diet and can reliably wear their trays 20 to 22 hours a day. They are also a safer choice for those who play contact sports since there is less risk of traumatic lacerations. Cases that are mild to moderate, such as simple crowding, gap closure or minor bite adjustments, are also suited to clear aligners.

Dr Sharon usually recommends braces for more complex cases. These include severe bite issues such as overbites, underbites and crossbites, rotated teeth or severe crowding. They also work better for those who already know they will struggle with compliance – such as remembering to put trays back in after eating! Budget can be a factor as well. Traditional metal braces are often the more cost-effective option overall in Singapore.

What to expect from orthodontic treatment

“The duration of orthodontic treatment can vary depending on the complexity of the case. It typically lasts from one to three years. After treatment, patients are often required to wear retainers to help maintain the new alignment and prevent the straight teeth from shifting back to their original positions.”

The duration of retainer wear also varies from person to person. Dr Sharon explains that some only need to wear them at night. Others may need to wear them full-time for a period of time. “Retainers are an essential part of orthodontic treatment. They help to ensure long-term results and the stability of the teeth’s new position.”

At Elements Dental, the approach to orthodontics is rooted in providing straightforward, comfortable and family-focused care tailored to your needs. The dentists here use modern digital dental technology to design personalised treatment plans rooted in evidence-based dentistry, offering both fixed braces and clear aligners to address crowded, spaced or misaligned teeth with a focus on long-term oral health, natural function and clear communication.

Invisalign, braces and teeth straightening options for children

For parents in Singapore, it’s never too early to start thinking about your child’s teeth. According to DR TERRY TEO, Specialist Paediatric Dentist and Director of Child Smile, many parents are becoming more aware that orthodontic assessments are an important part of their child’s health journey, long before braces or aligners are typically considered.

When should your child be assessed?

“The ideal age for a child’s first orthodontic assessment is around seven years old,” says Dr Teo. “At this stage, children have a mixture of baby and adult teeth, allowing specialists to identify developing problems while the jaws are still growing. Early orthodontic treatment focuses on guiding healthy facial and jaw development, often making future treatment simpler and less invasive.”

According to Dr Teo, common concerns to look out for in children aged seven to 11 include crowded teeth, crossbites, underbites, protruding front teeth, narrow upper jaws and teeth erupting in unfavourable positions. Left untreated, these issues can become more difficult to correct as growth slows.

Invisalign, braces and beyond for straight teeth

Modern interceptive orthodontics offers a range of gentle, child-friendly solutions to achieve nice, straight teeth. These include removable functional appliances, palatal expanders, space maintainers and Invisalign First clear aligners, designed specifically for children with a mix of baby and permanent teeth. By working with a child’s natural growth, these can create space for incoming adult teeth, correct bite discrepancies and, in some cases, reduce the likelihood of extractions or complex jaw surgery later in life.

“Of course, not every child needs early treatment,” says Dr Teo. “For many, a specialist assessment simply provides reassurance and allows development to be monitored until the timing is right.”

Continuity of care for expat families

For expats and families who may relocate during their child’s formative years, clear communication and comprehensive records are invaluable. At Child Smile, specialist paediatric dentists have cared for generations of local and international families, with many children continuing their orthodontic journey seamlessly after moving overseas. With over 60 years of combined specialist experience, the clinic is also an Invisalign Platinum Elite Provider, offering a full spectrum of early orthodontic options tailored to each child’s stage of growth.

More about these dentists for Invisalign and braces in Singapore

Dr Sharon Kwek graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Adelaide and provides a wide range of dental services such as implants, veneers, clear aligners and fixed braces, with particular interest in restoring and designing smiles. She has undertaken advanced training at the Kois Centre in the United States, and is fluent in English and Mandarin.

Dr Terry Teo is a specialist paediatric dentist with 20 years of experience, and has treated children and teenagers from all nationalities and walks of life, including those with special support needs. Along the way, he has helped hundreds of children improve the alignment of their teeth. His main focus is on minimal intervention dentistry and early orthodontic intervention.

Elements Dental
#03-28/29 Dunearn Village, 896 Dunearn Road
6463 2830 | elementsdental.com.sg | FB @ElementsDentalSG | IG @elementsdentalsg

Child Smile
#07-04 Palais Renaissance, 390 Orchard Road | 6913 9001
#05-04 Parkway East Hospital, 319 Joo Chiat Place | 6298 4390
[email protected] | childsmile.sg

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