Braces cost in Singapore: metal, ceramic, lingual prices

Orthodontic treatment is not covered by Medisave. This is a firm policy set by CPF Board because Medisave is reserved for essential dental procedures — tooth restoration, root canals, extractions, and scaling. Orthodontics is classified as an elective cosmetic or preventive procedure, not a medical necessity, so Medisave does not apply regardless of your age, income, or clinical need.

• CHAS subsidies: If you hold a CHAS card (blue or orange), some CHAS-participating clinics offer reduced rates for orthodontics. Reduction typically ranges from 10–20% off the standard price. You'll need to contact the clinic directly to confirm they offer ortho services and what your subsidy covers. Not all CHAS clinics provide orthodontics.

• PapaMom subsidy: This scheme is available to selected families with young children, but it covers only preventive and basic restorative care — not orthodontics.

• Private insurance: Most local health insurance policies do not cover orthodontics. Check your policy document or call your insurer to confirm.

• Interest-free payment plans: Many private clinics offer 6–12 month interest-free payment plans through third-party financing (like Credible or similar). This lets you spread the cost without claiming against Medisave.

Each brace type has a different price, appearance, speed, and maintenance profile. Here's what to expect:

1. 1Metal braces (traditional stainless steel): Cost $2,500–$6,000 SGD. Treatment time is typically 18–30 months. These are the fastest option because they apply maximum force efficiently. You'll have visible metal brackets on your teeth. Adjustment appointments are shorter (30–45 minutes) and happen every 4–6 weeks. Breakage is rare, and repairs are cheap. Food restrictions include hard, sticky, and crunchy items. This is the most affordable option and the gold standard for severe crowding or bite problems.

1. 2Ceramic braces (tooth-coloured brackets, metal wire): Cost $3,500–$7,000 SGD. Treatment time is 18–36 months, sometimes slightly longer than metal because ceramic is more fragile and orthodontists apply gentler force. The brackets are less visible than metal (they're white or cream-coloured), but the wire remains visible. Breakage is more common than with metal, and replacement brackets cost $80–$150 per tooth. Food restrictions are the same. Appointments take slightly longer because the dentist must handle ceramic more carefully.

1. 3Lingual braces (bonded to the back of teeth): Cost $5,000–$10,000 SGD. Treatment time is 20–36 months. These are completely hidden — no one sees them from the front. However, they're harder to keep clean, affect your speech initially (lisp for 2–4 weeks), and are uncomfortable at first as your tongue adjusts. Appointments are longer (45–60 minutes) because access is awkward. Not all orthodontists offer them — you'll need a specialist trained in lingual technique. Adjustments are more complex, and if a bracket breaks, repair is harder and more expensive ($200–$300). Lingual braces are worth the cost if you're a public figure, work in customer-facing roles, or have severe anxiety about visible braces. For most people seeking function and reasonable aesthetics, ceramic braces are the better middle ground.

• Comparison table summary: Metal is fastest and cheapest; ceramic is mid-range and subtle; lingual is most discreet but most expensive and complex.

Removing the braces is only halfway through your orthodontic journey. Your teeth naturally want to drift back to their original position — a process called relapse. To prevent this, you'll need retainers.

• Fixed (bonded) retainer: A thin wire bonded to the back of your lower front teeth, usually for 5–10 years or permanently. It's invisible and doesn't require removal. Cost is typically included in your initial ortho fee, but replacement if it breaks costs $200–$400. You must floss carefully around it.

• Removable retainer (Hawley or clear plastic): You wear this nightly or for several nights per week indefinitely. Hawley retainers (metal and plastic) cost $150–$300 per upper/lower arch and last 5–7 years. Clear plastic retainers (like Essix or Vivera) cost $100–$200 per arch and last 2–3 years before discolouring. Most orthodontists recommend combining fixed and removable retainers for best results.

• Retention phases: For the first 6 months post-braces, you'll wear retainers 24/7 except when eating. For months 6–12, nightly wear. After 12 months, several nights per week or indefinitely. Some people relax and stop wearing them — this often results in crowding returning within 2–5 years, requiring retreatment (which costs 30–50% of the original fee).

• Aftercare appointments: Plan on check-ups every 6–12 months for the first 2 years post-treatment to confirm everything is stable. Some orthodontists charge for these; others include them in the retention plan.

The archwire is the metal wire that connects all the brackets. Your orthodontist changes it periodically — each new wire applies slightly more pressure to move your teeth closer to the final position.

Before starting braces, your orthodontist checks your bite — how your upper and lower teeth fit together. Correcting a bad bite often matters as much as straightening the teeth themselves.

Debonding is when your orthodontist removes the brackets and adhesive at the end of treatment. It takes about 30–60 minutes and involves polishing away any leftover glue.

Overcrowding happens when there isn't enough space for all your teeth to fit comfortably. It's one of the most common reasons people get braces — and sometimes a tooth needs to be removed to create space.

Before starting braces, your orthodontist checks your bite — how your upper and lower teeth fit together. Correcting a bad bite often matters as much as straightening the teeth themselves.

Before starting braces, your orthodontist checks your bite — how your upper and lower teeth fit together. Correcting a bad bite often matters as much as straightening the teeth themselves.