Metal braces are a fixed orthodontic appliance consisting of stainless steel brackets bonded to the teeth and connected by a metal archwire. They are used to correct a range of alignment concerns, including overcrowding, gaps, and malocclusion (bite issues), and are suitable for mild to complex cases across a wide age range.
At Tetra Dental, treatment is planned around your specific clinical needs, with each stage guided by your dentist from the initial assessment through to the retention phase.
Metal braces work by applying continuous, controlled pressure to the teeth over time, triggering a biological remodelling process in which bone is gradually resorbed on the pressure side and reformed on the tension side, allowing teeth to shift into new positions.
Stainless steel brackets are bonded to the front surface of each tooth and linked by an archwire, which is periodically adjusted to guide teeth into their intended positions. The process is gradual and clinically predictable, with most cases progressing through distinct stages of alignment, correction, and retention.
Conditions commonly treated with metal braces include overcrowding, spacing and gaps, and malocclusion, a term covering overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites where the upper and lower jaws do not meet correctly.
The cost of metal braces in Singapore varies depending on the complexity of your case, the duration of treatment, and whether additional procedures such as extractions or X-rays are required.
Service Item | Estimated Price Range (S$)* |
Metal Braces (full treatment) | $3,500 – $6,500 |
Diagnostic Package (X-rays and scans) | $150 – $350 |
Retainers (post-treatment) | $400 – $900 |
Extractions (if required, per tooth) | $150 – $400 |
Costs are indicative and exclusive of GST. Exact pricing will be provided at your consultation, where your dentist will assess your clinical needs and treatment duration.
Your dentist will examine your teeth, gums, and bite, and discuss your alignment concerns and goals. This visit determines whether metal braces are the appropriate treatment for your case.
X-rays, digital scans, and photographs map your dental and jaw structure in detail. These form the basis of your personalised treatment plan.
Brackets are bonded to each tooth and the archwire is threaded through. The appointment typically takes one to two hours, and some mild discomfort in the days following is normal.
You will return to the clinic typically every four to six weeks for archwire adjustments, as advised by your dentist. Each visit is typically brief.
Once treatment is complete, brackets are removed and retainers are fitted to hold your teeth in their new positions. Your dentist will advise on how long they need to be worn.
Metal braces are a practical choice for patients with mild to complex alignment concerns who want a reliable, fixed treatment system. They are particularly well suited to cases where precise control over tooth movement is important, or where other systems such as clear aligners may not achieve the same clinical outcome.
If you are considering alternatives, here are a few options that might be helpful for your situation:
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Metal braces generally range from S$3,500 to S$6,500 for a full treatment course at private clinics. There are no student-specific subsidies for elective orthodontic treatment, though some practices offer installment payment arrangements. Your dentist will confirm exact costs after assessing your case.
In most cases, no. Braces are considered a non-surgical, elective procedure and are not claimable under MediSave. If your case involves a functional concern affecting chewing or speech, your dentist can assess whether any part of your treatment may qualify under specific clinical criteria.
Treatment duration varies depending on the complexity of your case. Mild cases may complete in around a year, while more involved cases typically take 18 to 24 months or longer. Your dentist will give you a more specific estimate after assessing your teeth at the initial consultation.
Metal braces remain one of the most clinically reliable approaches to orthodontic correction, suitable for a broad range of alignment concerns and well matched to patients who want a predictable, supervised treatment journey.
A consultation at Tetra Dental is an opportunity to understand your options without any obligation. Your dentist will take the time to assess your teeth and explain clearly what treatment would involve before any decisions are made.
Schedule a consultation with Tetra Dental and we will guide you through the process at your own pace.