Metal Braces with an Experienced Braces Dentist

Yes and no. 

It is possible to avoid extractions if you have one of the following: 

• Gaps between teeth that allows for teeth to shift during orthodontic treatment; 
• A narrow palate that allows for expansion between orthodontic treatment; 
• Sufficient space after Interproximal Reduction (IPR) or distalization; 
• Have had previous extractions done that allows for teeth movement. 

Not always.

You might not need wisdom teeth removal if they are not causing problems and your orthodontic plan does not rely on that space. Many people finish braces/clear aligners with wisdom teeth still present.

Removal is more likely needed when:

• A wisdom tooth is impacted (stuck) or damaging the tooth in front.

• There is existing infection, decay, gum disease, or recurring pain/swelling.

• It’s hard to keep clean and likely to cause future issues.

• Your braces dentist needs distalisation/space control at the back, or the wisdom teeth will interfere with moving molars.

The key point is that wisdom teeth do not automatically “ruin” braces results. Post-braces shifting is usually about natural drift and retainer wear, not wisdom teeth.

To make the best decision for you, you can refer to a panoramic X-ray (OPG) plus your bite plan to check for angulation, root formation, space, and hygiene access.

Most kids start braces around 10–14—that’s when most adult teeth (except wisdom teeth) are in and orthodontic movement is efficient.

That said, the right time to start the orthodontic process is often earlier rather than later.

• Age 7–9 (first ortho check): not usually “full braces,” but screening for jaw growth issues, crossbites, severe crowding, or habits (thumb sucking/mouth breathing).

• Age 8–10 (early/interceptive treatment, if needed): expanders, limited braces, or functional appliances to guide growth and prevent bigger problems later.

• Age 11–14 (full braces/clear aligners): most common window for comprehensive treatment.

• Age 15+ (teen braces/aligners): still very effective; sometimes more complex if growth issues were missed.

The best age for braces is from the age of 10 and above. 

This is because of the following reasons: 

• Most adult teeth have grown out; 
• Starting young can make orthodontic treatment faster and easier as the tooth roots are still in a more malleable, developing stage, and the surrounding bone is less dense.

However, this does not mean that a child below 10 years of age cannot start orthodontic treatment!

There are other early orthodontic intervention tools that can be used to help guide the teeth of your child into the desired positions earlier so that they do not have to take up orthodontic treatment in the future. 

You are never too young or old for braces! In fact, we see patients that are 55+ and above for braces treatment. 

If you are considering braces treatment as a mature adult and wondering whether it might be too late for you, here are some benefits to starting: 

• Improved bite and teeth alignment leading to improved oral health and hygiene; 
• Decreased risk of periodontal disease and thus, loss of teeth, post-orthodontic treatment as you are able to clean between and around your teeth properly.

Most patients are suitable for braces or other orthodontic treatments like clear aligners as long as they meet the following criterion: 

• Have most of their adult teeth; 
• Have optimal oral health or are willing to invest in improving their oral health; 
• Have an orthodontic concern that they wish to address; 
• Would like to align their bite and teeth for both aesthetic and functional purposes;
• Are ready to commit a certain budget towards their orthodontic treatment;
• Are ready to spend time to return to the clinic for regular reviews and adjustments; 
• Can be compliant during the entirety of treatment; 
• Maintain good oral hygiene during the course of orthodontic treatment. 

Suitability for braces does not simply take into account budgetary and anatomical concerns.

As a patient, it is necessary to consider whether you are willing to be compliant and consistent throughout the course of treatment.

It is not likely that you will be able to do the braces fitting on the same day of the consultation due to time limitations.

In some cases, you might require further dental work like dental fillings, dental cleaning, tooth extractions, surgical removal of buried teeth, or even gum disease treatment before placing on your braces. 

During the 1st visit (Consultation), we spend 30 – 45 minutes discussing your concerns and desired outcomes with you.

Should you wish to proceed with treatment, we also proceed with diagnostic documentation, 3D intraoral scans and photos. 

If your oral health is optimal and you do not require further dental work to be done, we then schedule you for your braces fitting. This can be done on the next day if there are slots available or whenever you are available. 

If you have the intention of placing your braces on the same visit as your consultation, please let us know when booking an appointment. We will contact you for an initial photo assessment of your teeth before informing you whether you are suitable for same-day braces fitting. 

Unfortunately, it is not currently possible to use your Medisave CPF or CHAS to pay for braces treatment. 

Medisave can only cover surgical treatments pre-orthodontic treatment like tooth or wisdom tooth surgeries, while CHAS can only be used for general dentistry procedures such as scaling and polishing, dental fillings, or simple tooth extractions. 

If your child is 12 and below, you might be able to use their CDA Baby Bonus to partially/fully pay for their braces treatment. It is also possible to use the CDA Baby Bonus of your child to pay for the treatments of their sibling(s). 

If you are an adult with certain expat dental insurances, you might be pay for part or the full amount of your braces treatment with your insurer. 

If you are intending to use CDA Baby Bonus to pay for braces treatment for your child or their siblings, you will be glad to know that it is a relatively simple process! 

Simply inform our team when booking your braces appointment about your intention to use CDA Baby Bonus for payment. 

On the day of your appointment, bring along a copy of their birth certificate as well as the CDA Baby Bonus NETs card to make payment. 

You will need to return for your braces dental visits at least once every 4-5 weeks for braces reviews and adjustments. 

If you are a working adult with a busy schedule, you will be glad to hear that we have extended hours on weekdays till 8pm and are open on weekends till the evenings.

For students with an equally hectic schedule, we are available on the weekends and can accommodate to your schedule.