In conjunction with World Oral Health Day, Dr Low Yuxuan, Associate Consultant from National Dental Centre Singapore (NDCS), answers your questions about braces for children.
Get straight answers about braces for children!
Interceptive braces treatment is the use of braces in younger patients (usually under age 12), often before they have their full set of permanent teeth.
Contrary to commonly held perceptions that braces only help with appearance,
interceptive treatment helps to prevent damage to healthy teeth or gums with early correction of a developing malocclusion (misalignment of teeth).
This includes the correction of a poor bite or jaw growth disharmony, or facilitating the eruption of teeth that are stuck. It can also help to eradicate bad habits such as thumb sucking.
At NDCS, the top three most prevalent dental conditions presented for interceptive Orthodontic treatment are:
Poor bite between the upper and lower front teeth,
Small lower jaw, and
Teeth that are stuck in the jaw bone
These dental issues in younger children may cause an inability to chew food well, gum recession, and poor aesthetics affecting their self-confidence.
Interceptive treatment can help to guide permanent teeth to erupt in a timely manner and may also reduce the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth.
The primary intention of interceptive treatment is to simplify future treatment or even the necessity for treatment. A second phase of orthodontic treatment may still be required at a later stage when the full set of permanent teeth have erupted.
The American Association of Orthodontists strongly recommends that children have an Orthodontic assessment no later than 7 years of age. If necessary, removable or fixed braces, or appliances for jaw growth modification can be used depending on the individual's diagnosis upon consultation with the dentist or orthodontist (braces specialist).
Have a question about braces for your child? Don't miss this opportunity to ask your question now!
About Dr Low Yuxuan
Dr Low Yuxuan is an Associate Consultant with the Department of Orthodontics at National Dental Centre Singapore. She received her Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the National University of Singapore (NUS) in 2014 and was awarded the NUS Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher Prize.
Dr Low obtained her Master of Dental Surgery in Orthodontics from NUS in 2020 and is a registered Dental Specialist in Orthodontics with the Singapore Dental Council.
Questions and answers on braces for children
1. Question by Mrs Tan
Dear Doctor,
I would like to know if my daughter is suitable for braces.
She is 13 years old and her front 2 teeth is very crooked. A few of her baby teeth are still intact. Appreciate your advice.
Answer by Dr Low Yuxuan
Dear Mrs Tan,
One of the conditions that braces treatment can correct is crooked teeth. Braces treatment is usually indicated when all adult teeth have erupted, which is around 12 years and older.
As your daughter is 13 years old and still has a few baby teeth, it would be advisable to visit an orthodontist (braces specialist) for a thorough examination of her teeth condition to assess why her baby teeth are still present and the suitability for braces treatment.
2. Question by Sophia
Hi Dr,
With advancement in technology, there are different kinds of braces made available to public like Invisalign, myobrace, etc.
In comparison to traditional metal braces (that has brackets on individual tooth), which type is the most ideal and highly recommended for children aged 7 and above by orthodontists
Thank you.
Answer by Dr Low Yuxuan
Dear Sophia,
There are different types of braces that are used for different purposes and ages:
Fixed braces involves the use of small metal or ceramic brackets that are attached on your teeth and connected by wires;
Clear aligner therapy uses a series of removable clear plastic trays (aligners) to successively move your teeth towards the final position;
Growth modification appliances are used in growing children to correct jaw growth issues; and
Removable appliances such as an acrylic plate help with simple tooth movements.
For children between the ages of 7 to 12, early interceptive braces treatment is done 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. Depending on the child’s teeth and jaw condition, growth modification appliances, removable appliances, partial fixed braces or clear aligner therapy may be indicated.
Braces treatment for issues such as teeth malalignment, spacing between teeth, or milder bite problems are typically prescribed at age 12 or older, when the child's full set of permanent teeth have erupted. Fixed braces or clear aligner therapy may be suitable.
In essence, different patients are suited for different types of braces based on the individual's age, teeth and jaw condition, treatment needs and preferences. A visit to the orthodontist (braces specialist) to assess your teeth condition will allow us to recommend the type of braces that is most suitable for you.
3. Question by Roy
Hi Dr,
How do I get my child who is 15-year-old assessed if he requires orthodontics treatment?
Answer by Dr Low Yuxuan
Dear Roy,
These are some of the dental conditions where orthodontic treatment may be recommended:
Crowding (Crooked teeth)
Spaces between teeth
Protruding upper front teeth
Reverse bite / Underbite (protruding lower front teeth)
Deep bite (Excessive overlap of teeth which may result in trauma to gums)
Open bite (Upper and lower front teeth not touching)
Cross bite (Poor bite between the upper and lower teeth)
Impacted teeth that are stuck in the jaws
Combined braces and jaw surgery to correct jaw growth discrepancies
You can bring your child to an orthodontist (braces specialist) for an initial assessment.
If you would like to arrange for a consultation with our team of orthodontists, you can visit our website at https://www.ndcs.com.sg/patient-care/e-services/appointments, schedule using the
Health Buddy App by SingHealth, or contact us at
6324 8802.
4. Question by vgsi
Dear Dr ,
My son is 14 years old. He often complains of having lower lip ulcers. He has protruded upper front teeth and most of his lower teeth are overlapping.
Do you think the conditions mentioned are causing his lip ulcers?
Can teeth braces solve this problem?
Also, can I use part of my medisave for my son’s braces? Thank you.
Answer by Dr Low Yuxuan
Dear Vgsi,
An ulcer could develop if your son accidentally bites on his lower lip. However, there are also many reasons for mouth ulcers and he may want to see a dentist or a doctor if the ulcer does not heal or if he gets them very frequently.
Protruding upper front teeth and overlapping lower teeth are common indications for braces treatment. Your son may benefit from an orthodontic consult to assess if braces treatment can improve his teeth condition.
Unfortunately, braces treatment is not Medisave claimable.
5. Question by Lina
Hi Dr,
My 14-year-old daughter has an ingrown teeth growing like a normal teeth that is about 3 cm inside her upper jaw. Is it necessary to remove it? Thanks.
Answer by Dr Low Yuxuan
Dear Lina,
We will first need to determine the reason for the ingrown tooth – for instance, if it is an extra tooth, baby tooth, or adult tooth that is crooked, before deciding on the treatment plan for your daughter.
You can schedule an appointment with a dentist or orthodontist (braces specialist) for a check-up to assess if any treatment is necessary for your daughter.
6. Question by Audrey
Hi Dr,
My girl is 7 years old this year. She has a slight underbite, may I know what should I do next to help her correct her misalignment?
Answer by Dr Low Yuxuan
Dear Audrey,
An underbite, also known as a reverse overjet, happens when the lower front teeth are positioned forward of the upper front teeth. This could be due to a jaw size mismatch where the upper jaw is too small, or the lower jaw too large, giving the appearance that the lower jaw is protruding more than the upper jaw.
If your child’s underbite is due to a small upper jaw, a growth modification appliance such as a facemask can help to maximise the growth potential of the upper jaw. This is a type of interceptive orthodontic treatment that is typically indicated between 8 to 10 years of age.
Do bring her to an orthodontist (braces specialist) for an evaluation of her suitability for early orthodontic treatment.
7. Question by Chin
Dear Dr,
How much is the cost of interceptive braces and do we need a referral from polyclinic?
Answer by Dr Low Yuxuan
Dear Chin,
Interceptive braces treatment refers to the use of braces in younger patients (usually under 12 years old) to correct any urgent bite problems. Different types of treatments are prescribed for different dental problems: removable appliances, partial fixed metal braces or growth modification appliances.
The cost of interceptive treatment varies according to type of appliance and treatment prescribed for the child and may be range from $700 to $1800. Interceptive orthodontic treatment may be eligible for subsidised rates. You can bring along the referral letter from the polyclinic or the school dental service on the first appointment.
Do note that your child may still require a second phase of comprehensive braces treatment at a later stage (usually 12 years or older), when all the adult teeth have erupted.
8. Question by Mdm Cheong
Dear Dr Low,
My child is 9yr old this year. She has an upper canine growing in front of her incisor. Does she need braces at this point of time?
Answer by Dr Low Yuxuan
Dear Mdm Cheong,
An upper canine growing in front of your child’s incisor sounds like a malalignment issue. Braces treatment for issues such as teeth malalignment, spacings between teeth, or milder bite problems are usually prescribed at 12 years or older, when all the permanent adult teeth have erupted.
However, there are cases where early orthodontic treatment may be indicated, such as urgent bite problems. In contrast, there are also cases where we may have to wait for growth to be completed before braces treatment can begin, such as patients with jaw growth disharmonies. It is best to consult an orthodontist who will be able to determine the suitability of and optimal timing for braces treatment for your child.
9. Question by Md Nazri
Hi Dr Yuxuan,
My son is a 14yr old teenager and was accessed by the school dentist to have a mild teeth alignment condition and is suggested to put on braces. It is not a strong recommendation though.
My question is as follows.
Thank you for your time to answer my questions.
Answer by Dr Low Yuxuan
Dear Md Nazri,
Braces treatment for issues such as teeth malalignment are typically prescribed at age 12 or older, when the child’s full set of permanent adult teeth have erupted. As your child is 14 years old, he is at a good age to start braces treatment.
It is safe to do sports while having braces on. However, when your son is playing sports, whether or not he has braces on, he should be careful to reduce the risk of injuries to his teeth.
If the football hits his face, he could face potential injury to his lips, gums and cheeks due to the direct contact with braces. In addition to pain or injury, damage to his teeth or braces from the impact of the ball can hinder his braces progress and prolong his treatment schedule.
10. Question by Thomas
Dear Dr. Low,
My daughter, currently 8 years & 4 months, has a tilted upper central incisor (original teeth broke when she suffered a fall).
There is also mild crowding on lower anteriors. She has some inconvenience when eating and need to use her molar to bite given the misalignment of the central incisor.
I have received conflicting feedback from dentists on when to carry out treatment as most are concerned that some of the teeth are not yet permanent teeth.
My queries are:
a) When is a suitable time to go for bracing or other orthodontic surgery to straighten her central incisor
b) What are the available types of treatment
c) Available cost subsidy for treatment
Thanks.
Answer by Dr Low Yuxuan
Dear Thomas,
Sorry to hear that your daughter’s tooth broke when she had a fall. In order to determine the type of treatment she needs and the optimal timing for treatment, she will require an assessment as to why the upper central incisor is tilted. Possible reasons could include: the adult tooth is stuck and unable to grow into its correct position due to the history of trauma or overcrowding due to insufficient space in the jaw.
If her adult tooth is stuck (impacted) and unable to grow into its correct position, interceptive or early braces treatment, usually indicated between the ages of 7 to 12 years, may be suitable. Interceptive orthodontic treatment is eligible for subsidised rates. You can bring along a referral letter from the polyclinic or the school dental service on your first appointment. Do note that interceptive treatment only targets urgent bite problems. Your child may still require a second phase of comprehensive braces treatment at a later stage (usually 12 years or older).
For reasons such as overcrowding and crooked teeth, comprehensive upper and lower braces treatment is usually prescribed at 12 years or older, when all the permanent adult teeth have erupted. Fixed braces or clear aligner therapy may be suitable. There is no subsidy for comprehensive braces treatment at any government dental institutions. Patients with suitable indications may be referred to NDCS orthodontic residency programme, where the cost of treatment may be lower.
11. Question by Worried Mother
Hi Doctor Low,
My youngest child is in P6 this year. He currently has an adult tooth (beside the right front tooth) "hidden" in between the canine and front toot, since P3 or P4.
Dentist told us he has cross bite and suggest to let him do braces after his permanent teeth are full after P6.
Could this be the cause for his skinny frame, where he could have poor digestion system?
Is it a must to remove his adult teeth in order to put on braces? I am having doubts about mandatory teeth removal, as my eldest child had his 4 adult teeth removed at NDCS, in order to put on his braces. Now his shape of his face seems to have sharpened especially from his jaw and down to chin.
What would be your recommendations for him? Thank you.
Answer by Dr Low Yuxuan
Dear Worried Mother,
An adult tooth “hidden” in between the canine and front tooth and cross bite are indications for braces treatment. Your son could also have problems chewing if his upper and lower teeth is unable to bite together well. As your child is in P6 this year, he is most likely at a suitable age for braces treatment, which is usually indicated at 12 years or older.
Teeth removal, or extractions, are usually recommended when there is crowding and a lack of space for all teeth to fit within the jaws. Extractions create space for straightening of teeth that are crooked and overlapped, or to reduce protrusion of teeth.
It is recommended to visit an orthodontist (braces specialist) for an initial assessment of your son’s teeth condition. The orthodontist can advise if extractions are necessary and recommend the optimal timing and type of braces treatment suitable for your son.
12. Question by Wai Kiat
Dear Dr,
My daughter is 8 this year. She seems to have developed underbite or malocclusion. We are concern about her problem as she grows up.
What will be the appropriate treatment available for her? Preferably without the need for surgery.
When will be a good time for us to bring her to seek treatment?
Will NDCS able to provide the required treatment?
Any available subsidies?
Kindly advise. Thank you.
Answer by Dr Low Yuxuan
Dear Wai Kiat,
An underbite, also known as a reverse overjet, happens when the lower front teeth are positioned forward of the upper front teeth. This could be due to a jaw size mismatch where the upper jaw is too small, or the lower jaw too large, giving the appearance that the lower jaw is protruding more than the upper jaw.
If your child’s underbite is due to a small upper jaw, a growth modification appliance such as a facemask can help to maximise the growth potential of the upper jaw. This is a type of interceptive orthodontic treatment that is prescribed between 8 to 10 years of age.
This treatment can be done at NDCS and may be eligible for subsidised rates. You can bring along a referral letter from the polyclinic or the school dental service on your first appointment. Do note that interceptive treatment only targets urgent bite problems, and your child may still require a second phase of comprehensive braces treatment at a later stage (usually 12 years or older).
As your daughter is 8 years of age, you may schedule an appointment with an orthodontist (braces specialist) for an evaluation of her suitability for early orthodontic treatment now.
13. Question by Juliana
Hi Dr,
I am a parent of 4 children.
My eldest child have protruded front teeth & I was thinking to get her braces. But knowing it is very costly, I just have a second thoughts maybe wait till we have enough then will get her braces done.
My question is, is there any difference in price for getting a braces for an adult & her age? And if does can you provide me with the details & cost please. Thank you.
Answer by Dr Low Yuxuan
Dear Juliana,
The cost of braces varies based on the complexity of braces treatment (which is related to the severity the mal-alignment of teeth and jaws), and the type of treatment required, rather than age.
The cost for comprehensive (upper and lower) braces treatment ranges from $4200 to $6600 for fixed metal or ceramic braces, and $4800 to $9000 for clear aligners. Financial counselling can be done after you have visited an orthodontist to receive a more precise quotation.
14. Question by Jaryl
Dear Doctor,
I am a parent for a 16-year-old and have the below questions:
a) Are braces only for aesthetics reasons?
b) To get braces, do we need to consult a dental surgeon? Or any aesthetics clinic will do?
c) Is it safe to do it like in JB, Malaysia?
Thank you for the information.
Answer by Dr Low Yuxuan
Dear Jaryl,
In addition to aesthetic reasons, there are many other indications for braces treatment. These are some of the dental conditions where orthodontic treatment may be recommended:
Crowding (Crooked teeth)
Spaces between teeth
Protruding upper front teeth
Reverse bite / Underbite (protruding lower front teeth)
Deep bite (Excessive overlap of teeth which may result in trauma to gums)
Open bite (Upper and lower front teeth not touching)
Cross bite (Poor bite between the upper and lower teeth)
Impacted teeth that are stuck in the jaws
Combined braces and jaw surgery to correct jaw growth discrepancies
Please visit a dentist or an orthodontist (braces specialist) for an assessment if braces treatment is suitable for you or your child. There are orthodontists available in both Singapore and Malaysia who will also be able to discuss the various types of braces treatment options available.
15. Question by Cheong
Hi Dr Low Yuxuan,
The school dentist says my son has lower anterior crowding. Is it necessary for him to do braces? Please advise. Thank you.
Answer by Dr Low Yuxuan
Dear Cheong,
Braces treatment will be able to correct lower anterior crowding.
It is recommended to see an orthodontist (braces specialist) for an assessment of your son’s teeth condition, such as the severity of lower anterior crowding, in order to determine if orthodontic treatment is necessary for him.
16. Question by Mun Peng
Hi Dr,
My child is 7yrs old and we noticed that his upper teeth is more protruding than the lower teeth.
Should we start him on braces at this age or what other treatment can assist him? Thank you for your advice.
Answer by Dr Low Yuxuan
Dear Mun Peng,
At 7 years old, it is likely that your child still has most of his milk teeth in his mouth and will later transition to adult teeth. Before the age of 12, interceptive or early braces treatment for protruding front teeth may be indicated for the following reasons: to reduce the risk of injury to his front teeth, or to help if the child is being teased in school for his “bunny teeth” resulting in low self-esteem.
However, large-scale research studies conducted show that early treatment of children with protruding front teeth does not mean that they will not require orthodontic treatment at a later age. The difference between treating a child early and if the treatment were to be delayed until all permanent teeth have erupted (usually at age 12 or older) is also small.
It would be best to bring your child to an orthodontist (braces specialist) for an assessment to determine if he requires early interceptive braces treatment.
17. Question by Li Choo
Hi,
I would like to know if my boy’s last molar teeth has not erupted while all other permanent teeth are there. Should I wait now to do his braces or wait?
He is born in Mar 2011. I had seen 2 dentists.
One suggested to extract 2 teeth on top and 2 teeth at the bottom. He can start to do the braces.
Another one suggested to start braces after last molar has erupted.
She suggested to monitor in 6 months time. If still not erupted, may consider to put some screw and help in grow…
Thank you.
Answer by Dr Low Yuxuan
Dear Li Choo,
Your son should be around 13 years old. Comprehensive braces treatment is usually prescribed when all the permanent adult teeth have erupted, which is usually around 12 years or older.
It would be good to bring your son to an orthodontist (braces specialist) for an assessment to determine why his last molar teeth has not erupted. Possible reasons could include: longer time taken for his molar to erupt, lack of space in the jaw, or his molar teeth could be crooked or impacted and unable to erupt. Depending on his teeth condition, the orthodontist will be able recommend the optimal timing for braces treatment for your child.
18. Question by Chee Beng
Dear Dr Low,
There are currently a lot of advertisement on the latest, trendiest "invisible" braces.
Are they just as effective as normal braces?
Are they indeed more comfortable and easier to maintain?
Is there any "hidden cost" involved?
Thank you.
Answer by Dr Low Yuxuan
Dear Chee Beng,
By “invisible” braces, you may be referring to clear aligners. Clear aligner therapy is a type of removable braces treatment that uses a series of removable clear plastic trays (aligners) to successively move your teeth towards the final position.
Normal metal braces and clear aligners have their own advantages and disadvantages. Clear aligners have better aesthetics, are more comfortable in the mouth, and allow greater ease of maintaining oral hygiene as they can be removed and replaced during treatment.
However, clear aligners greatly depend on compliance and discipline from the patient in ensuring at least 20 to 22 hours of daily wear. There are also certain teeth conditions that clear aligners are less effective at correcting and hence may not be suitable. Additionally, clear aligners typically cost more than normal braces.
It would be good to seek a consultation with an orthodontist (braces specialist) to assess your suitability for the different types of braces treatments available.
Ref: H24
