Dr Song Yi Lin, Consultant from the Department of Orthodontics at National Dental Centre of Singapore (NDCS) answers questions about braces for children.
Interceptive braces can be used as a form of treatment to correct dental problems in children as young as eight years old. Some conditions that will benefit from interceptive braces treatment include jaw growth disharmony and poor bite. Early braces treatment in children can also help to eradicate bad habits like thumb or digit sucking, and facilitate the eruption of permanent teeth that may be stuck in the jaw (alveolar) bone.
There are three types of braces available for children in Singapore – fixed appliance or regular braces, growth modification and removable appliances. The type that is used will depend on the individual’s diagnosis upon consultation with the dentist or orthodontist (braces specialist).
Dr Song Yi Lin, Consultant at the
Department of Orthodontics,
National Dental Centre of Singapore (NDCS), a member of the
SingHealth group, answers frequently asked questions about braces for children.
Posted by twy
Dear Dr Song, my child is 18 years old and would like to adjust her teeths via braces. May I know how long is the whole process? Can she visit NCDS for treatment and will CHAS patient be entitled to subsided rates? Thanks!
Answered by Dr Song:
The duration for braces treatment can range between 12 months to 3 years, depending on the complexity of your daughter’s condition.
Yes, she can definitely visit NDCS for treatment =) Please visit our website
https://www.ndcs.com.sg/patient-care/e-services/appointments or contact us at
appointment@ndcs.com.sg,
6324 8802 to arrange for a consultation with our Orthodontist (braces specialist), who can help you have a better understanding of your daughter’s condition. Unfortunately, there is currently no CHAS subsidy for braces treatment.
Posted by Rain
What is the usual cost and the average duration in wearing braces?
Answered by Dr Song:
The duration for braces treatment can range between 12 months to 3 years, and the cost is dependent on the complexity of your condition and type of appliances used. There are various forms of braces that are used for different purposes and ages:
- Fixed appliance e.g. metal or ceramic braces that are attached on your teeth and linked together by orthodontic wires
- Growth modification appliance e.g. facemask or twin block
- Removable appliance e.g. bite plate or Invisalign
Please visit our website
https://www.ndcs.com.sg/patient-care/e-services/appointments or contact us at
appointment@ndcs.com.sg,
6324 8802 to arrange for an appointment to find out more =)
Posted by oberkorn
When is a good age to begin treatment and how long will it usually take (to remove)?
Answered by Dr Song:
It will depend on the type of teeth, bite or jaw problem that our patient would like to correct. We advise our patients to visit their dentist bi-annually so that any pressing problems and appropriate treatment can be instituted.
Interceptive braces treatment is typically done between the ages of 7 to 12 for the following reasons: when the child is experiencing slower growth in the upper or lower jaw, when an adult tooth is stuck (impacted) and unable to grow into its correct position, or if there are bite problems that may lead to tooth trauma.
Braces treatment for cosmetic issues such teeth malalignment, spacing between teeth or milder bite problems are usually prescribed at age 12, when the child’s full set of permanent teeth have erupted.
In response to your question on the duration of braces treatment and removal, it can range between 12 months to 3 years, depending on the complexity of the patient’s condition. If you would like to have a better understanding of your condition and the estimated treatment duration, please visit our website
https://www.ndcs.com.sg/patient-care/e-services/appointments or contact us at
appointment@ndcs.com.sg,
6324 8802 to arrange for for a consultation with our Orthodontist (braces specialist).
Posted by Sjiisoh
My daughter is 8 years old. I can see that her permanent teeth are growing out in a way that the top and the bottom teeth meet edge to edge. There is also a small gap between her 2 front teeth. Should she get braces done? Or use some kind of retainer to push her teeth outwards?
Answered by Dr Song:
If her top and bottom teeth meet edge to edge, it may be a cause for concern. Our orthodontists (braces specialists) will need to perform a thorough examination before they are able to advise you on whether braces treatment is necessary, and if so, what type of braces should be used. Please visit our website
https://www.ndcs.com.sg/patient-care/e-services/appointments or contact us at
appointment@ndcs.com.sg,
6324 8802 to arrange for an appointment to find out more =)
Posted by Amyz
For the kids to use braces, do we need to ensure that their milk teeth have fully dropped before using braces?
Answered by Dr Song:
It will depend on the type of teeth, bite or jaw problem that our patient would like to correct. We advise our patients to visit their dentist bi-annually so that any pressing problems and appropriate treatment can be instituted.
Interceptive braces treatment is typically done between the ages of 7 to 12 for the following reasons: when the child is experiencing slower growth in the upper or lower jaw, when an adult tooth is stuck (impacted) and unable to grow into its correct position, or if there are bite problems that may lead to tooth trauma.
Braces treatment for cosmetic issues such teeth malalignment, spacing between teeth or milder bite problems are usually prescribed at age 12, when all the milk teeth ‘have fully dropped’.
Posted by Kenneth Soong
My child is 8 year old, his two front teeth are judding out. How would I know my child teeth require braces?
Answered by Dr Song:
I do understand your concern. At the moment, it may be a little early to have any active treatment for your 8-year old as his upper front teeth would only have just erupted. The jutting of front teeth could be attributed to an underlying jaw problem (slower growth in the lower jaw) or the malpositioning of the upper front teeth. These could be evaluated at a later age (around 9-11 years old) to determine if growth modification or a bite plate is required. That said, we advise our patients (or their children) to visit their dentist bi-annually so that any pressing issues can be addressed and appropriate referrals made.
Posted by Emily (Republished by Forum Admin)
Dear doctor,
What is the youngest age a child can wear braces? Are the risks greater for wearing braces during childhood as opposed to wearing it during later years? What are the benefits of wearing braces at a young age, does it mean shorter wearing time?
Answered by Dr Song:
What is the youngest age a child can wear braces?
There are three different types of braces that are used for different purposes and ages:
- Fixed appliance e.g. metal or ceramic braces that are attached on your teeth and linked together by orthodontic wires
- Growth modification appliance e.g. facemask or twin block
- Removable appliance e.g. bite plate
The earliest age for your child to start his/her braces treatment will depend on the condition that we are trying to treat. It is best for you and your child to consult an orthodontist for an evaluation, and to find out the earliest age that he/she can begin treatment.
Are the risks greater for wearing braces during childhood as opposed to wearing it during later years?
Common repercussions of braces treatment include tooth decay and gum disease. It is difficult to compare the risks associated with wearing braces during childhood versus adulthood as the severity of these conditions are dependent on an individual’s susceptibility. Maintaining good oral hygiene during braces treatment will prevent these undesirable side-effects from occurring.
What are the benefits of wearing braces at a young age, does it mean shorter wearing time?
Early braces treatment can help correct:
- The eruption of permanent teeth that may be stuck in the jaw (alveolar) bone
- The growth direction of upper or lower jaws for patients with jaw growth disharmony
- Poor bite and prevent future or further damage to permanent teeth
- Bad habits like thumb or digit sucking
This may also signify a shorter treatment time and simplified treatment procedure henceforth if the problems have been corrected during the earlier stages.
Posted by Jeff (Republished by Forum Admin)
Dear Dr,
Is there such a thing as a best or recommended age to wear braces? Would the cost be less expensive for a child than for a teen or adult? Even if a child had worn braces, wouldn't the teeth alignment be off by the time the child grows up?
Answered by Dr Song:
Is there such a thing as a best or recommended age to wear braces?
Interceptive braces can be used as a form of treatment to correct dental problems in children as young as eight years old. Fixed braces are usually prescribed at age 12, when the patient’s permanent teeth have fully erupted. There are also cases where we may have to wait for growth to be completed before braces treatment can begin e.g. patients with jaw growth disharmonies. It is best to consult a dentist or orthodontist who will devise a comprehensive treatment plan for your child.
How long on average would a child need to wear braces for?
There are three different types of braces that are used for different purposes and ages:
- Fixed appliance e.g. metal or ceramic braces that are attached on your teeth and linked together by orthodontic wires
- Growth modification appliance e.g. facemask or twin block
- Removable appliance e.g. bite plate
Treatment duration can only be estimated due to differences in case complexity. Fixed appliances may take two to three years, growth modification appliances may take 9 months to a year while removable appliances may take six to nine months.
Would the cost be less expensive for a child than for a teen or adult?
The cost is dependent on the type of treatment prescribed to the child, teen or adult.
Even if a child had worn braces, wouldn't the teeth alignment be off by the time the child grows up?
Early braces treatment is usually the beginning. A second phase of braces treatment is recommended thereafter to correct any residual alignment problems. Retainers are usually prescribed for children who have undergone fixed braces treatment to maintain their teeth in its corrected position.
Posted by Sjtuzmd
Dr Song, may I check what's the side effect of wearing braces? I heard some opinion that the process of wearing braces may hurt the fundation of the teeth, causing teeth loosening when one grows old. Is that true?
Answered by Dr Song:
Risks from wearing braces include the decalcification of teeth, tooth decay, gum recession, gum disease, devitalisation of teeth and root resorption. That said, most of them are preventable as long as you keep your teeth and gums healthy through regular brushing and flossing.
Advancing gum disease may cause your teeth to loosen with age, and this may occur even if patients do not have a history of wearing braces. Gum disease is caused by improper brushing and flossing, leaving harmful bacteria that will reduce bone support and cause eventual loosening of teeth. It can happen to anyone, not just those who have worn braces before.
If you are keen to find out more, please visit our website
https://www.ndcs.com.sg/patient-care/e-services/appointments or contact us at
appointment@ndcs.com.sg,
6324 8802 to arrange for a consultation with our Orthodontist (braces specialist) who can address your concerns more specifically.
Posted by Viciousathena
My eight year old have open bite and as she have a small jaw her teeth is mostly quite crooked. Is it possible to rectify this open bite issue now or later? Can she wear braces now to help to improve any of the above issues?
Answered by Dr Song:
Interceptive braces treatment is typically done between the ages of 7 to 12 for any urgent bite problems. A thorough evaluation with an Orthodontist (braces specialist) is required to have a better understanding of the reason for your daughter’s open bite (e.g. thumb sucking?), and to discuss the course of treatment and type of appliance used thereafter.
If you would like to arrange for a consultation with our team of orthodontists, please visit our website
https://www.ndcs.com.sg/patient-care/e-services/appointments or contact us at
appointment@ndcs.com.sg,
6324 8802.
Posted by aglsim
Hi Dr Song,
My daughter (Age 15) received a referral for orthodontic consultation from the school dentist, for "moderate crowding in her upper and lower arches" and for correction of "this malocclusion".
May I know what this might imply, in laymay terms? Apart from aethetics, Is there any other concerns for this please? Thank you.
Also, could I know what to expect if I were to bring her to a dentist? Would the dentist usually recommend on the spot a particular type of braces/correction? Or do we as parents/patients get to decide which correction we prefer? I am not sure what to be expecting and how much prior reading up/research I should be doing prior to a visit to the dentist.
Thank you!
Answered by Dr Song:
'Moderate crowding in the upper and lower arches’ means that there are some overlapping of both the upper and lower teeth in the mouth. Apart from aesthetics, your daughter may experience some difficulties cleaning her teeth due to the crowding.
Your dentist will conduct a thorough examination to have a better understanding of your daughter’s condition, and to recommend the appropriate course of treatment and type of appliance used. He/she will then have a discussion with you before proceeding with the preferred course of treatment that is best for your child. You may wish to read up to understand the different types of appliances available, but it can be explained during the consultation visit as well!
There are numerous types of braces available including:
- Regular full braces
- Ceramic braces
- Removable aligners
If you are interested to know more about the type of braces that will suit your daughter, do visit our website
https://www.ndcs.com.sg/patient-care/e-services/appointments or contact us at
appointment@ndcs.com.sg,
6324 8802 to arrange for a consultation with our Orthodontist (braces specialist).
Posted by Gomm
Hi Dr Song,
Whats the best age for a child to start wearing braces?
Answered by Dr Song:
It will depend on the type of teeth, bite or jaw problem that we need to correct for the child. We advise parents to bring their children to visit their dentist bi-annually so that appropriate treatment or referrals can be made.
Interceptive braces treatment is typically done between the ages of 7 to 12 for the following reasons : when the child is experiencing slower growth in the upper or lower jaw, when an adult tooth is stuck (impacted) and unable to grow into its correct position, or if there are bite problems that may lead to tooth trauma.
Braces treatment for cosmetic issues such teeth malalignment, spacing between teeth or milder bite problems are typically prescribed at age 12, when the child’s full set of permanent teeth have erupted. But this may also vary depending on an individual’s rate of development.
About Dr Song Yi Lin
Dr Song Yi Lin is a Consultant in the Department of Orthodontics at the National Dental Centre of Singapore. She graduated with a Master of Dental Surgery (Orthodontics) from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and is experienced in using different types of braces, and growth modification appliances for patients with jaw abnormality. Active on both the research and education front, Dr Song is a Research Supervisor for the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme and Clinical Teacher at the Faculty of Dentistry, NUS.
