Deciding between getting braces and Invisalign in Singapore? This article is for you! Both treatments may lead to beautiful smiles, but they’re different in many ways. From the way they look to the materials they use, and even the care required after you’re fitted with them. Plus, they also address differing issues with your jaw and teeth, depending on your needs. So if you’re getting your teeth aligned and/or your jaw corrected, be sure to read on!
Braces
If you’re looking to straighten your teeth, braces are probably the first thing that comes to mind. These time-tested dental devices have been the go-to solution for correcting bite issues for decades. However, with advancements in dentistry, there are now more options beyond traditional braces to choose from! Based on your needs or preferences, your dentist may recommend different types of braces.
Types of Braces
There are 4 kinds of braces for you to choose from: traditional braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, and self-ligating braces.
Traditional Braces
When you think about braces, chances are, you’re imagining the traditional, metal braces that feature stainless steel brackets secured to teeth connected by wires. These brackets and wires would slowly move and straighten your teeth by applying pressure on your teeth, stretching tooth ligaments in order to influence their position.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are just like traditional braces. However, instead of being made of stainless steel (which can be aesthetically unappealing to some), ceramic braces offer the possibility of tooth-coloured braces. This makes the treatment considerably less visible to others (as compared to metal braces).
Self-Ligating Braces
In traditional and ceramic braces, elastic ties are used (the colours you see on traditional braces!) to hold aligning wires in place. However for self-ligating braces, a sliding door or clip (called ligatures) is used to hold the wires instead. This mechanism makes self-ligating braces much gentler than traditional braces. They reduce friction and allow your teeth to move freely and comfortably.
There are two options for self-ligating braces at TLC:
Damon Q
Made from stainless steel, Damon Q braces use the low friction, low force bracket system mentioned above to guide your teeth into proper alignment. They are known to be comfortable and gentle, while still being durable and effective.
Damon Clear
All the advantages of the Damon Q system, without the metallic look! Damon Clear uses polycrystalline alumina (PCA) ceramic instead of stainless steel brackets. This material is resistant to staining from most food and drinks, ensuring a more aesthetically-pleasing smile while you have them on.
Lingual Braces
Made of gold and placed on the back of the teeth, lingual braces are completely hidden from view! At TLC, we use Incognito™ by 3M, which allows us to use a computerised planning system, creating a precision-made set of brackets and intelligent wires customised specially to your teeth. These follow the contours of your teeth for better comfort (compared to metal braces, which can cause irritation) and minimal interference with your speech.
P.S. TLC Dental Centre is also now home to the orthodontic appliance, Brava! A new appliance by Brius, Brava combines lingual braces with AI-designed nickel titanium wire to align your teeth. Check it out here.
Maintenance And After-Care
After getting your teeth fitted for braces, you’ll have to care for them adequately in order to maintain your oral health and hygiene! In order to do so, you may need to brush your teeth after every meal (instead of just twice a day) and avoid certain types of food. This includes avoiding sticky, chewy, or hard foods or cutting crunchy items into smaller, bite-sized pieces to prevent damage to the wires.
Treatment Duration
Treatment duration for braces depends on the complexity of your case, and any other treatments or care you might require.
Invisalign
The other treatment you might consider to straighten your teeth is Invisalign. These clear aligners have become popular alternatives to braces, using 3D computer imaging technology to specially engineer an entire treatment plan for each individual, complete from the initial position of your teeth to the final position.
From this, a series of custom-made, clear aligners are produced. Each aligner is then worn for 20 to 22 hours a day, each for a few weeks at a time. They each move your teeth incrementally in the right direction, before being replaced by the next aligner in the planned series, until the final position of your teeth is achieved.
Material
Invisalign uses patented, removable multi-layer SmartTrack™ material, which is clinically proven to improve tooth movement. They are clear, making them discreet and lowkey (your smile stays the same, or better!)
Plus, with the multi-layer SmartTrack™ material made to hug your teeth, not your gums, using Invisalign can be a comfortable way to straighten your teeth!
Maintenance And After-Care
When undergoing Invisalign treatment, there are a few things you’ll need to do to ensure your aligners and your oral health stay clean and in tip-top shape!
For instance, Invisalign aligners should be removed before eating. Leaving them in can cause damage to the aligners. Foods such as hot drinks, wine, and soy sauce can also cause a change in the aligners’ shape and/or colour.
Your aligners will also need to be cleaned often such as when you wake up in the morning and before going to bed at night.
Treatment Duration
The length of Invisalign treatment depends on your case’s complexity and your dedication to wearing these aligners for as long as required.
A Quick Summary
| Invisalign | Braces | |
| Appearance | Nearly invisible, clear aligners | Visible brackets & wires |
| Material | Multi-layer SmartTrack™ material | Metal, ceramic, or gold |
| Comfort | Custom-made, hugs your gums for more comfort | Brackets can cause discomfort or irritation |
| Cleaning | Easily removed for cleaning | Cannot be removed. Requires careful cleaning around brackets and wires |
| Maintenance | To be removed before food. Certain food items such as hot drinks and wine should be avoided. | Sticky, hard, and chewy food should be avoided. |
Where To Get Invisalign & Braces
All in all, if you’re looking to get expert advice on Invisalign and/or braces, your best bet would be to visit your preferred dental clinic so you can receive information that’s tailored to your needs.
At TLC Dental Centre, our orthodontist, Dr Sham, is highly experienced in providing both Invisalign and braces in Singapore, including cases that require treating differing complexities. If you’re looking to get your teeth aligned with us, feel free to drop us a message at enquiries@tlcdental.com.sg for a consultation.