Getting braces in Singapore is quite a common thing here.Braces are dental tools that help correct problems with your teeth, like crowding, crooked teeth, or teeth that are out of alignment. Many people get braces when they’re teenagers, but adults get them too. After wearing braces for a period of time, the teeth will start to straighten and align into a normal bite. Here are some of the frequently asked questions about getting braces in Singapore.
1. Which is faster Invisalign or braces?
Invisalign tends to be faster than the traditional braces. The average treatment length for regular braces spans between 18 to 24 months while Invisalign’s average treatment length is around 12 months. However, that is only an average estimate and the time needed to deliver the results depends on the complexity of the treatment.
2. How long am I supposed to wear dental braces?
The average time it takes to complete orthodontic treatment is around 24 months. Some may take less than 12 months, but some require up to 3 years of treatment. This is due to the severity of the teeth alignment and also the complexity of the treatment plan. Younger patients also tend to get the results faster than adults as their jaw is still growing making it easier to manipulate the teeth. To ensure that the process is efficient and quick, you would have to follow all instructions provided by the orthodontist.
3. Should I go to a specialist dentist for braces?
General dentists are proficient in general dental work like scaling, filling, extraction, etcetera, whereas an orthodontist is completely specialised in the braces field. An orthodontist has an additional 3 years of training that is completely focused on correcting misaligned teeth, occlusion, jaw alignment, etcetera. Since braces is a long term investment for a good smile, going to a specialist dentist would ensure that you are placed in the best care of a professional with the necessary knowledge and expertise.
4. Can I pay for my braces with an instalment plan?
This depends on the individual clinic for the type of instalment plans that they offer. Certain clinics do offer 0% instalment plans in conjunction with some of the banks in Singapore. It would be better to take the time to consider your payment plans as getting braces is a big decision and also a treatment plan spans over a period of time.
5. What can’t you eat with braces?
Life with braces means food restrictions to protect your braces. There is a list of foods to avoid when wearing braces, namely, chewy foods, crunchy foods, sticky foods, hard foods, and foods that require you to bite into. The braces are sensitive to damage so you will need to avoid eating certain foods. Eating those foods might cause damage to the wire or bands, or even cause one of the brackets to separate from the tooth.
6. How do I find a good dentist to get my braces?
The first step would ask friends and family members who have gotten braces to refer you to an orthodontist that they trust and have successful treatments. The next step would be to research for an orthodontist who has specialized training with years of experience. There are criteria for choosing a good dentist and the most important would be their knowledge and professional qualifications. You would need to find a dentist who is able to give you detailed and honest advice on the bracing process.
