9 Scotts Road #12-02 Pacific Plaza
Singapore 228210
| Tel | : | +65 6836 9808 |
| : | services@pkwydental.com.sg |
Dr Lawrence Yong
Dental Specialist in Orthodontics (Specialist in Braces)
Many people are concerned about crooked teeth, gaps between teeth or an uneven bite. Beyond affecting the appearance of a smile, these orthodontic issues can sometimes make teeth harder to clean and affect how the upper and lower teeth come together when biting and chewing.
Dental braces are able to address these concerns by gradually improving tooth alignment and bite function. As a result, braces remain one of the most common orthodontic treatments in Singapore for children, teenagers and adults seeking a straighter smile and better long-term oral health.
Dental braces are a proven orthodontic treatment used to gradually move teeth into better alignment and improve how the upper and lower teeth fit together. By applying controlled pressure over time, braces can address a wide range of orthodontic concerns, including crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites and crossbites.
Every treatment plan is tailored to the patient's unique orthodontic needs, helping to achieve long-term improvements in bite function, oral health and smile aesthetics.
While all dental braces work on the same principle of gradually moving teeth into their desired positions, they differ in their materials, appearance and how the arch wire is secured.
Metal braces are the traditional and most widely recognised type of orthodontic braces. They consist of stainless-steel brackets bonded to the teeth and connected by a metal archwire. Small coloured or clear elastic ligatures are used to hold the wire in place.
Self-ligating braces use specialised brackets with built-in clips or sliding doors that secure the archwire without the need for elastic ligatures. This design reduces friction between the wire and brackets, allowing teeth to move more efficiently during certain stages of treatment.
Ceramic braces function similarly to traditional metal braces but use tooth-coloured or clear brackets that blend more naturally with the teeth. Their less noticeable appearance makes them a popular choice among patients who want a more discreet look.
Dental braces in Singapore are designed to straighten your teeth and correct your bite, leaving you with a beautiful and healthy smile.
Regardless of differences in type and mechanics, all dental braces work by applying constant pressure to the teeth and jaw to realign them into their proper positions. Beyond the cosmetic benefits, braces can also correct one's bite, treat jaw misalignment, fix speech impediments and improve overall oral health.
At PKWY Dental Specialist Practice, our orthodontists are dedicated to improving your smile with our wide range of orthodontic braces treatments, each tailored specifically to suit our patients' needs. We offer traditional teeth alignment braces such as metal, clear ceramic and Invisalign braces.
Dental braces offer long-term benefits, such as:
Orthodontic braces are designed to address spacing and crowding issues, giving you straighter teeth that are easier to clean.
Braces also correct misalignment in the jaw, also known as malocclusion, which can cause speech impediments and biting or chewing difficulties.
Misaligned teeth can cause certain sections of our jawbone to experience higher-than-normal pressures, eventually leading to bone erosion. Aligning the teeth properly can prevent this from happening.
By aligning the teeth and jaw, dental braces in Singapore may be used to treat symptoms of TMJ, such as jaw pain and teeth grinding.
Dental braces can help give you a beautiful smile, which improves your appearance and self-esteem.
The conditions that dental braces can fix are those that involve tooth and jaw misalignment. These include:
This occurs when one's jaw is too small to accommodate all of one's teeth, or when one's teeth are too big for one's jaw; resulting in overcrowded and misaligned teeth.
This refers to spaces between teeth as a result of missing teeth. When left unaddressed, these gaps can be a hotbed for plaque and bacteria and an increased risk of tooth decay.
An open bite occurs when one's upper and lower teeth do not bite together correctly (no overlap of the upper teeth over the lower teeth). This leaves a visible space between the upper and lower teeth.
A crossbite is when the upper and lower teeth are not properly aligned in a way whereby one or more of the upper teeth sit behind the lower teeth; rather than in front of it.
An underbite refers to a vertical overlap of the teeth, in which the lower jaw protrudes forward, resulting in the lower front teeth and jaw also protruding over the upper front teeth.
The opposite of the underbite, an overbite refers to a vertical overlap of the teeth in which the upper front teeth protrude significantly over the lower front teeth.
An overjet refers to the horizontal protrusion of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth. It is different from an overbite in the sense that with an overjet, the teeth are noticeably angled outward.
This refers to a problem in the growth and development of a tooth, in which a tooth may erupt prematurely. In some cases, a tooth may grow in the wrong position.
Getting dental braces involves several stages, which allow your orthodontist to understand your unique needs before moving forward with fitting and installation of your braces. This planning process is vital for producing effective results.
Getting dental braces in Singapore begins with a visit to the orthodontist who will assess your teeth and jaw to determine whether you are suitable for orthodontic treatment. X-rays and pictures will also be taken to better diagnose the problem.
To create customised orthodontic braces just for you, your dental specialist will need to take a mould impression of your teeth. This is traditionally done using a playdough-like material, which will be spread onto a special tray that you will be instructed to bite on. In some cases, digital scans are done instead. Your dentist will also guide you through your treatment plan, from the cost and timeline to your braces options.
The process of installing one's braces will depend on the type of braces selected. Generally, the teeth will first be cleaned. It is also recommended for cavities and other dental issues to be treated first before getting orthodontic treatment. For traditional and ceramic braces, metal brackets are glued onto the teeth, and archwires are fixed in place over them using elastic bands. For Invisalign treatment, the patient will instead wear aligners that fit precisely over their teeth, which would need to be replaced every appointment.
These are metal or ceramic attachments that are usually glued to the front of the teeth. They have slots and hooks where the archwires and elastics are fixed, respectively.
This is the main wire that connects all brackets and is responsible for moving the teeth.
This is the elastic band that is placed on top of every bracket to keep the archwire in place.
Also known as molar bands, these are thicker metal brackets that go on the back molars.
These are rubber bands that are attached to the hooks of brackets on a top and bottom tooth. They provide additional force and aid in the correction of bite issues and misalignment.
For individuals who require metal bands, spacers are first placed to create gaps between a tooth and a molar, allowing for the easy placement of the metal band.
Oral hygiene is important at all times, but especially when you have braces, since you now have additional structures in your mouth which can make it harder to clean – but no less important. You will need to brush your teeth regularly twice a day and floss afterwards. You can also use periodontal brushes and special flosses to help you clean in between the teeth, especially the hard-to-reach areas. In terms of food, you are generally advised to refrain from eating very hard and sticky foods.
Depending on your treatment plan, your dentist will need to adjust your braces every 3 to 8 weeks. During these appointments, your dentist will tighten your braces by adjusting the length and curvature of the archwire and replacing the ligatures. There are also times when you will need to wear rubber instead of the usual individual ligatures.
Once your orthodontist has determined your treatment to be completed, he or she will then remove the brackets, archwire and ligatures, as well as polish your teeth to remove the glue or bonding agent that was used to attach the brackets. You will also be instructed to wear a retainer to maintain the new shape of your teeth.
The time required for dental braces varies from person to person, depending on the severity of the problem. In most cases, braces are worn for around 1–2 years, although some patients may require a shorter or longer treatment period. Throughout treatment, regular appointments with your orthodontist are needed to monitor progress and make adjustments to the braces.
Once your teeth have reached their desired positions, the braces will be removed. However, completing braces treatment does not mean the process is over. Teeth can gradually shift over time, which is why retainers are typically prescribed to help maintain the results achieved during treatment. You will need to follow your orthodontist's instructions regarding consistent retainer usage.
One of the most important parts of post-braces care is wearing your retainer as prescribed. A retainer is a custom-made appliance designed to hold your teeth in their new positions and prevent them from gradually shifting back. Depending on your needs, your orthodontist may recommend a removable retainer that can be taken out for eating and cleaning, or a fixed retainer that is bonded behind the teeth.
Retainers help keep your teeth in their new positions while the surrounding bone and tissues stabilise. Not wearing your retainer consistently may allow teeth to gradually move out of alignment.
Your orthodontist may also recommend follow-up appointments to monitor your teeth and ensure your retainer continues to fit properly. If your retainer becomes damaged, lost or no longer fits comfortably, you should arrange a review as soon as possible.
To help maintain your results after braces treatment, you should:
With proper retainer use and ongoing dental care, the results of your braces treatment can be maintained for many years.
Dental braces can effectively address a wide range of teeth alignment and bite problems, helping to improve both oral function and smile aesthetics. Seeking treatment early can help prevent these issues from worsening over time, while an assessment by an orthodontic specialist can determine the most suitable braces option for your needs.
At PKWY Dental Specialist Practice, orthodontic treatment is led by Dr Lawrence Yong, a dental specialist in orthodontics with more than two decades of experience in the diagnosis and treatment of teeth, bite and jaw alignment problems. Dr Yong provides personalised treatment plans using a range of orthodontic solutions, helping patients achieve healthier smiles and improved oral function.
If you are considering dental braces or would like to find out which treatment option is most suitable for you, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Orthodontic Braces treatments are suitable for almost everyone from as young as 10 years old.
Braces can cause soreness and discomfort during the initial stages and after periodic adjustments are made. Mouth ulcers and sores may also develop as friction occurs between the teeth and inside of the mouth. However, these are only temporary and can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain relievers and in the case of ulcers, dental wax and gels.
Some individuals may be allergic to certain metals that are present, such as nickel or stainless steel. However, the occurrence is rare and safe alternatives are available.
Though people can get generally braces at any age, whether young or old, orthodontic treatment is most commonly recommended during early teenage years (9 to 14 years old) as at this time, all the permanent teeth have already erupted and the jaw is still growing, both of which allows orthodontists to make adjustments more effectively.
Dental braces in Singapore are recommended to individuals who are diagnosed with dental misalignment and bite issues such as the ones mentioned above. In some cases, braces are also used to treat symptoms of TMJ disorder.
On average, dental braces are worn for 1 to 3 years, but the length can be shorter or longer depending on your treatment method and orthodontic issue.
The permanency of your fixed and straightened teeth after orthodontic treatment will depend on some factors, including age, dental maintenance and oral habits. Retainers are prescribed to prevent teeth from shifting back into their old positions.
Food items that are hard, tough, sticky and crunchy should be avoided as they can cause the metal braces to be dislodged. When possible, food may be cut into smaller pieces to aid in biting and chewing.
Depending on your sleeping position, you may wake up with a bracket imprint on the inside of your cheek and experience minor discomfort. However, the discomfort should go away pretty quickly.
No, dental braces are designed to fix misalignment of the teeth. Though your teeth may feel loose as they shift, there is no risk that they will fall out.
Dr Lawrence Yong
Dental Specialist in Orthodontics (Specialist in Braces)
Dr Lawrence Yong is a dental specialist in orthodontics with more than two decades of experience in dental braces and teeth alignment treatment. He manages a wide range of orthodontic conditions, including crowded teeth, spacing issues, overbites, underbites and other bite irregularities affecting both children and adults.
As a braces specialist, Dr Yong provides personalised treatment plans using a variety of orthodontic solutions, including metal braces, self-ligating braces, ceramic braces and clear aligners. Every treatment plan is carefully tailored to the patient's dental condition, treatment goals and lifestyle needs.
At PKWY Dental Specialist Practice, Dr Yong's goal is to help patients achieve straighter teeth, healthier bites and long-term improvements in oral function through customised braces treatment.
