- Clear Aligners at TEETH @ Tiong Bahru
Invisalign® in Singapore
treatment & costs
- The appliance
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a dentist-directed clear aligner system. Unlike braces, Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners instead of the metal brackets and wires found in fixed braces and traditional metal braces. The term “Invisalign braces” is commonly used, but Invisalign aligners are removable aligners rather than braces.
Each Invisalign aligner fits closely over your teeth and applies controlled pressure to selected teeth as part of a staged, personalised treatment plan. Tooth-coloured attachments may be bonded to some teeth to help the aligners grip and gradually shift teeth. Attachments and elastics can make treatment more noticeable than the clear trays alone.
| Treatment detail | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Appliance | A series of custom, removable clear aligners |
| Daily wear | 20 to 22 hours |
| Aligner changes | Usually every 1 to 2 weeks, as prescribed |
| Review visits | Often every 6 to 8 weeks, depending on your plan |
| Typical duration | About 12 to 18 months for many adults, but shorter or longer treatment may be needed |
| TEETH price | $3,270 to $9,285 |
| After treatment | Retainers are needed to limit unwanted tooth movement |
- About the system
How Does Invisalign Work?
Your dentist, the Invisalign provider, examines your teeth, gums, bite and jaws. You may need photographs, X-rays, and a digital scan. The scan creates a three-dimensional model, while planning software helps the dentist stage the proposed tooth movements and gradually shift teeth.
The Invisalign simulation is a planning tool, not a guarantee of the final result. Teeth do not always move exactly as predicted. Your dentist reviews and approves the plan, checks how Invisalign aligners fit during treatment and may prescribe refinements if further movement is needed.
You wear each set of aligners for the prescribed period, usually 1 to 2 weeks, before moving to the next set. Consistent daily wear matters. If you don’t wear Invisalign trays for 20 to 22 hours a day, they may stop fitting properly, and treatment may take longer.
What Can Invisalign Treat?
Invisalign may straighten teeth, including crooked teeth, and treat:
Crooked teeth that are crowded or rotated.
Gaps between teeth.
Misaligned teeth, including protruding teeth.
Selected overbites, underbites, crossbites and open bites.
Relapse after previous orthodontic treatment.
Suitability depends on the cause and severity of the problem. Invisalign can be used for some complex orthodontic cases, often with attachments, elastics or other auxiliaries. It may be less suitable when treatment requires difficult root movements, substantial extraction-space closure or correction of a marked jaw discrepancy. Some people may need traditional braces, specialist assessment or oral surgery, such as jaw surgery.
Who May Be Suitable for Invisalign?
Children, teenagers and adults may be suitable for Invisalign. Age alone does not determine suitability. Your oral health, tooth development, permanent teeth, bite, required movements and ability to care for Invisalign aligners all matter.
Active tooth decay or gum disease usually needs treatment first. Maintain good oral hygiene during Invisalign treatment. Tell your dentist about crowns, bridges and dental implants. A crowned natural tooth may sometimes be moved. A dental implant is fixed to the bone and does not move, so you must plan surrounding tooth movement around it. Some complex cases may need traditional braces.
Age-specific guidance is available for:
- The process
What Happens during Invisalign Treatment?
Assessment. Your dentist examines your teeth, gums, bite and jaws. You discuss your concerns, health history and treatment options.
Records. Photographs, X-rays and a digital scan or impressions provide the information needed for diagnosis and planning.
Treatment planning. Your dentist plans the Invisalign sequence and explains the expected duration, limitations, risks and fee.
Aligner fitting. You receive your first set of aligners and instructions for wearing, removing, cleaning, and storing them. We may add tooth-coloured attachments or Invisalign elastics if needed.
Home wear. Wearing Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day matters. Change sets as scheduled. Remove them for meals, drinks other than plain water, and to brush and floss.
Reviews and refinements. Reviews are often scheduled every 6 to 8 weeks. Your dentist checks Invisalign fit and tooth movement throughout treatment. You may need a new scan and extra aligners if you haven’t reached the planned result.
Retention. When active treatment ends, retainers help limit relapse.
Attachments, Elastics and Other Procedures
Some Invisalign treatment plans include small tooth-coloured attachments bonded to the teeth. Their shape and position help Invisalign align teeth and control particular movements. Invisalign elastics may connect the upper and lower teeth to help change the bite.
Your dentist may also recommend slenderising selected contact points between teeth to create a small amount of space. This is called interproximal reduction. Some Invisalign treatment plans require a tooth extraction, but many do not.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
The average Invisalign treatment time for adults is often about 12 to 18 months. Invisalign treatment duration depends on the complexity of the required movements. Minor corrections may take less time. Treatment time varies based on complex movements, missed wear, lost aligners, poor fit, oral health problems, biological response and refinements.
The Invisalign estimate provided after your assessment is not a guaranteed completion date. Biological response and patient wear affect progress.
- Transparent pricing
How Much Does Invisalign Cost in Singapore?
TEETH @ Tiong Bahru’s published Invisalign price in Singapore is $3,270 to $9,285 (inclusive of GST). The cost of Invisalign depends on the complexity of your case, treatment duration and the number of aligners required.
Your Invisalign provider should state:
Whether the fee includes GST.
Whether the assessment, X-rays and digital scan are included.
How many review visits and refinement aligners are included.
Whether the final retainers are included.
Whether attachments, elastics and replacement aligners carry separate fees.
Whether dental treatment needed before aligners is charged separately.
- More details
Benefits and Limitations
Potential advantages of Invisalign include clear, removable aligners. Unlike braces, you can remove them to eat, brush and floss, so there are no bracket-related food restrictions. Their smooth surfaces also avoid brackets and wires against the cheeks and lips.
Invisalign aligners require consistent wear. Attachments may be visible, trays can be lost or damaged, and some movements are less predictable. Unlike removable aligners, traditional braces work continuously.
Traditional metal braces use metal brackets and wires, while ceramic braces use ceramic brackets. Both options can straighten teeth, but the appropriate treatment depends on the movements required and your ability to follow the treatment plan. For a focused comparison, see clear aligners versus braces.
Does Invisalign Hurt?
You may feel pressure or tenderness when you start treatment or change to a new aligner. The tray edges or attachments may irritate the cheeks, lips or tongue. These effects are usually temporary. Temporary discomfort can occur with any orthodontic appliance because tooth movement requires controlled force.
Contact the clinic or dentist promptly if pain is severe, persistent or associated with swelling, trauma, a loose tooth or an aligner edge that is injuring the mouth.
Risks and Possible Complications
Orthodontic treatment has risks. These may include:
- Tooth decay, enamel marks or gum inflammation if plaque or sugary liquids are trapped under the trays.
- Gum recession or loss of gum and bone support in susceptible teeth.
- Shortening of tooth roots.
- Temporary changes in speech or saliva.
- Tooth movement that differs from the digital plan.
- A need for attachments, refinements, additional procedures or a change of appliance.
- Loss of tooth vitality, especially in a tooth with previous injury or extensive treatment.
- Unwanted movement after treatment if retainers are not worn.
Your risks depend on your teeth, gums, roots, bite and treatment plan. Your dentist should discuss material risks before treatment begins.
Eating, Cleaning and Storing your Aligners
- Remove Invisalign aligners to eat and drink anything other than plain water.
- Brush and floss regularly.
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and floss daily.
- Clean your teeth before replacing the trays when practical. Rinse with water if you cannot brush immediately.
- Clean Invisalign aligners as your dentist instructs. Do not use hot water, which may distort the material.
- Keep the aligners in their case when they are out of your mouth.
- Do not wrap them in tissue, where they can be discarded accidentally.
- Contact the clinic if an aligner is lost, cracked or no longer fits. Do not change the wear schedule without advice.
Maintain good oral hygiene to reduce tooth decay. Oral hygiene remains important during Invisalign treatment.
- After orthodontic treatment
What Happens after Invisalign?
- Making the choice
Invisalign Assessment at TEETH @ Tiong Bahru
An assessment determines whether Invisalign or another orthodontic appliance suits your needs. Your dentist will examine your oral health, bite, and, when needed, jaw joints; review the required movements; and explain the expected treatment time, limitations, material risks, fees, and review schedule.
The choice between Invisalign and a fixed appliance depends on the movements required, the condition of your teeth and gums, and whether you can wear removable aligners consistently. TEETH @ Tiong Bahru may recommend referral to an orthodontic specialist or another dental specialist when the diagnosis or treatment required falls outside the clinic’s scope.
- Good to know
Common Frequently Asked Questions
Every Invisalign experience is different. These answers are general. Your assessment at TEETH @ Tiong Bahru covers what applies to you.
Does Invisalign actually work?
Yes, for suitable orthodontic problems and when worn as directed. Results depend on the planned movements, biological response and consistent wear.
When might a dentist not recommend Invisalign?
Is Invisalign better than braces?
What are the disadvantages of Invisalign?
What is the best age for Invisalign?
There is no single best age. Children and teenagers need suitable dental development and responsible aligner wear. Adults may be suitable if their teeth, gums and supporting bone are healthy enough for orthodontic treatment.