Metal Braces in Singapore

Metal braces are fixed orthodontic appliances that use metal brackets, an archwire, and small ties to gradually move teeth into place. These dental braces can straighten teeth and treat many tooth-position and bite problems in children, teenagers and adults.

Unlike removable clear aligners, fixed metal braces stay on the teeth throughout the active dental treatment. This lets the dentist guide planned movements without the patient having to insert removable orthodontic appliances daily. Suitability depends on the patient’s teeth, gums, bite, jaws and the required tooth movements.

What Are Traditional Metal Braces?

Traditional metal braces usually consist of stainless steel brackets bonded to the front of the patient’s teeth and connected by an archwire. Back teeth may have metal bands for support.

Part	Purpose
Brackets	Small attachments bonded to individual teeth. They provide a point through which force can be applied.
Archwire	A thin metal wire that passes through the brackets and guides the planned tooth movement.
Ligatures	Tiny elastic bands or fine metal ties that secure the archwire in the slot of each conventional bracket.
Elastics	Removable rubber bands that may connect the upper and lower braces to help change the patient’s bite. These differ from ligatures and aren't always necessary.

How Metal Braces Work

Metal braces work by applying consistent, light, controlled forces to move misaligned teeth toward planned positions and improve the tooth alignment. Pressure on the tissues around a tooth triggers bone remodelling. This removes bone on one side of the tooth and forms it on the other, allowing a gradual tooth movement through the jawbone.

During orthodontic treatment, the archwire guides movement, while the brackets control each tooth’s position and angle. At review visits, the dentist checks progress and may change the archwire, replace ligatures or adjust prescribed elastics. The dentist must monitor force and timing carefully because moving teeth too quickly can increase risk.

What Can Metal Braces Treat?

Fixed metal braces may be more useful when the treatment plan involves complex movements or when consistent clear aligner wear would be difficult. They can manage a wide range of tooth movements, including selected cases of crowded, gapped, rotated, protruding and other misaligned teeth.

Metal braces cannot correct every jaw difference on their own. A marked skeletal problem may need assessment by an orthodontic specialist and, in some cases, treatment involving growth guidance or dental surgery, including jaw surgery. See the conditions braces can treat for a fuller explanation.

Adult metal braces differ from children’s metal braces because adult teeth have adequate gum and bone support and are less likely to change. Active decay and gum disease usually need to be managed before starting orthodontic treatment.

Traditional Metal Braces And Damon Metal Braces

Conventional metal braces use elastic bands or metal ligatures to hold the archwire inside each bracket. Damon metal braces are self-ligating metal braces. They use a built-in clip or door to hold the archwire, so they don’t need elastic ligatures to hold the wire in place.

Self-ligating brackets may allow faster wire changes during an appointment. Damon braces also do not eliminate the need for careful cleaning. Some patients still need separate elastics to help correct their dental bite.

How Long Do Metal Braces Take?

Treatment with metal braces often takes about 12 to 24 months, but the timing varies for every patient. A simpler orthodontic treatment plan may finish sooner. Complex crowding, bite correction, impacted teeth, or a need for substantial space closure can take longer than 24 months.

The estimated treatment duration and outcomes can also change because of the patient’s growth, individual biological responses, broken brackets, missed reviews, poor oral hygiene, or an inconsistent use of prescribed elastics. The treatment duration discussed at the initial consultation is an estimate, not a guaranteed completion date.

What Happens When Metal Braces Are Fitted?

Metal braces treatment begins with an initial consultation, assessment and a personalised treatment plan.

Assessment and records: At the initial consultation, the dentist examines the teeth, gums, bite and jaws. Photographs, X-rays and a digital scan or impressions may be needed.

Preparation: The dentist first manages decay and active gum disease. Some patients may need tooth extractions for braces to create space, but many do not.

Fitting: The dentist cleans the teeth and keeps them dry. The dentist bonds the metal brackets, places the archwire, and secures it with ligatures.

Adjustments: Most patients have review visits during braces treatment every 4-8 weeks. The dentist checks tooth movement, the appliance and oral health, then makes the next planned adjustment.

Removal and retention: After active orthodontic treatment ends, the dentist removes the brackets and cleans the teeth. A retainer helps limit unwanted movement afterwards.

Do Metal Braces Hurt?

Fitting metal braces and making adjustments during dental brace treatment can cause temporary tenderness or pressure. The teeth may feel sore when biting for a few days, and brackets may initially rub the cheeks or lips. Those wearing braces may find soft foods and orthodontic wax helpful while the mouth adjusts, as they help prevent the braces from rubbing against the inside of the lip.

Contact the dental clinic if the pain is severe, persistent or associated with swelling, trauma, a loose tooth, a broken bracket or a wire that is injuring the mouth. Most discomfort should subside within a few days of your last dental appointment.

Advantages And Limitations Of Metal Braces

There are multiple pros and cons of metal braces, though ultimately, the pros usually outweigh the cons.

Different types of braces include ceramic braces, lingual braces and clear aligners. Ceramic braces use tooth-coloured ceramic brackets. Lingual braces are fixed braces behind the teeth during braces treatment. Clear aligners, sometimes called invisible braces, are removable. Each option offers different aesthetic benefits, but your treatment plan will ultimately identify suitable brace types based on the required tooth movements.

Traditional metal braces let the dentist control several aspects of tooth position and manage a wide range of movements. As these traditional metal braces are fixed, they work continuously and don’t depend on daily appliance wear. The stainless steel components are durable, and conventional metal braces are often among the lower-priced comprehensive orthodontic options.

There are also practical limitations. Brackets and wires create areas where food and plaque can collect, so oral hygiene takes more time. Hard and sticky foods can damage metal braces. Temporary discomfort can occur after fitting and adjustments.

Possible complications include white enamel marks, tooth decay, gum inflammation or recession, shortened tooth roots, and movement after orthodontic treatment. Good oral hygiene, regular checkups, and following the instructions reduce some risks but cannot eliminate all risks.

How To Clean And Protect Metal Braces

Good oral hygiene protects oral health and supports successful braces treatment. Patients who wear metal braces need to clean carefully around the brackets and wires.

Brush for at least two minutes twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Clean above, below and around every bracket and along the gumline.
Floss daily between the teeth and around metal braces. A floss threader or interdental brush may make access easier while you have traditional metal braces.
Clean after meals when advised, or rinse your mouth with water if you can’t brush after each meal.
Avoid chewing gum and hard, sticky or very chewy foods that can loosen brackets or bend wires. Cut firm foods into smaller pieces instead of biting into them.
If you wear metal braces, attend adjustment visits and routine dental check-ups. Report a loose bracket or displaced wire rather than waiting for the next appointment.

How Much Do Metal Braces Cost In Singapore?

TEETH @ Tiong Bahru lists the following starting fees for metal braces:

Treatment

Fee including 9% GST

Separate procedures, such as extractions or care for decay or gum disease, may have their own fees, as needed. Ask our dental clinic to explain the payment schedule, the total expected charges, and whether flexible payment arrangements are available before your dental brace treatment begins.

Routine orthodontic treatment and the metal braces fees are generally not claimable under MediSave in Singapore. A separate surgical procedure may have different claim rules, but this does not make the braces themselves claimable under MediSave.

What Happens After Metal Braces?

Teeth can move after active orthodontic treatment, so most patients need retainers after metal braces are removed. Depending on the treatment plan, the retainer may be removable, fixed behind the teeth, or a combination of both. Long-term wear is often advised to support your teeth alignment.

Metal-Braces Assessment

A dental assessment at TEETH @ Tiong Bahru determines whether conventional metal braces, Damon metal braces, other dental braces, or another orthodontic option suits your dental needs. Our dentist will examine your oral health and bite, review the required movements, and explain the suitable brace types, the expected treatment time, material risks, fees, and the review schedule.

Common Frequently Asked Questions

How much are metal braces in Singapore?

The cost of metal braces in Singapore varies by treatment complexity, duration, and what the fee includes. TEETH @ Tiong Bahru lists metal braces from $3,815. Your written estimate should explain whether GST, records, adjustments, repairs, extractions and retainers are included in your metal braces cost.

How painful are metal braces?

Metal braces commonly cause temporary pressure or soreness after a fitting or adjustment. The discomfort usually improves within a few days. Soft foods, orthodontic wax, and appropriate pain relief may help, but the discomfort should subside over time. Contact your dentist if the pain is severe, lasts more than a few days or occurs with swelling, injury or a broken appliance.

How long do I have to wear metal braces?

Metal braces often remain on the teeth for 18 to 24 months, although treatment can take up to 36 months. The duration depends on the required tooth movements, bite, oral health, and your response to treatment. Broken brackets, missed reviews, or inconsistent use of prescribed elastics can extend your treatment. You must continue wearing a retainer after your braces are removed.

What is the best age to get metal braces?

There is no single best age for metal braces. Many young people begin comprehensive treatment between the ages of 10 and 13, often after most permanent teeth have emerged. An orthodontic assessment by age 7 may identify developing problems, but treatment may not begin immediately. Adults can also have metal braces if their teeth and gums are healthy.