Besides bringing out your inner confidence, a beautiful smile can do wonders in making a great first impression. Having clean teeth and healthy gums are a-given, but the alignment of your teeth also play a role in enhancing the brilliance of your smile. Although braces are traditionally used to straighten one’s teeth, clear aligners in Singapore are now gaining popularity in recent years. To help you understand more about them, here is a closer look at what they are and the different types that are available in Singapore.
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What are clear aligners?
Unlike traditional braces that are affixed to the teeth, clear aligners are basically removable braces. Usually, you would have to wear each set of aligners for almost 24 hours each day for up to 3 weeks. The only time you can remove them is when you are eating, flossing or brushing your teeth. After about 2 to 3 weeks, a dentist will replace this set with a new one and repeat this process until you achieve your desired teeth alignment. To custom-make these removable braces, a dentist will digitally scan your teeth and convert the scans into 3D-printed teeth models. These models will then be used as a mold to create your aligners using medical-grade plastic. Depending on your case, your dentist may actually recommend removable braces instead of traditional ones.
Teeth concerns that can be fixed with clear aligners
In addition to fixing crooked teeth, aligners can also help with the following teeth concerns:
- Overcrowding of teeth
- Protruding front teeth
- Overbite, crossbite or open bite issues
- Uneven dental midlines (the middle section of the front teeth does not align with the bottom)
Nevertheless, traditional braces are more suitable for complex cases that require a root movement or a severe rotation in teeth.
Nevertheless, traditional braces are more suitable for complex cases that require a root movement or a severe rotation in teeth.
What are the different brands of clear aligners in Singapore?
Currently, the most common brands of clear aligners in Singapore include the following:
Invisalign
Invisalign has been around for over 20 years now! Hence, they have had many years to improve the efficacy of their aligners and establish successful case studies over the years.
MBrace
MBrace aligners in Singapore are manufactured locally which helps to lower their costs a fair bit. Additionally, MBrace offers certifications to dentists seeking to provide this treatment.
SmileDirectClub
SmileDirectClub aligners market themselves as being fuss-free and you can even have them delivered in person. First, you would require 30 minutes at the SmileShop to get a 3D scan of your teeth and a face-to-face consultation. Once your custom-made aligners have gotten a local dentist’s seal of approval, you can then have it delivered to your doorstep. Normally, the treatment plan lasts up to 6 months and you can expect virtual check-ins from your dentist each month.
E-Cligner
Originally from South Korea, E-Cligner utilizes unique 3D computer-aided design and manufacturing technology, digital treatment software as well as traditional orthodontic procedures.
Aurora
As one of the more affordable aligner options, Aurora is able to treat both simple as well as complex cases of orthodontics. All aligners are custom-made digitally by Aurora-certified orthodontists in Europe.
WonderSmile
Besides opting to wear your aligners for almost 24 hours, you can also choose to wear WonderSmile aligners at night. Moreover, your dentist is also able to check in on your progress remotely from time to time.
Zenyum
Last but not least, we have Zenyum which is the newest in the line of aligners. Unlike the others, Zenyum treatments take up a shorter span of time. However, they are suitable for more straightforward cases. There is also a Zenyum app which allows your dentist to keep track of your progress over time.
How much do they cost?
The overall cost of your clear aligners depends on a variety of factors. In addition to the treatment fee itself, you’ll also need to account for the manufacturing cost of the custom-made aligners and the total number of aligners you’ll need. Generally, more complex cases require a longer duration of treatment and more aligners which will in turn incur a higher cost than more straightforward cases. Taking these factors into consideration, here is how much you can expect to pay for each brand of clear aligners as of 2021:
| Brand Name | Price Range |
| Invisalign | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| MBrace | $4,500 – $6,500 |
| SmileDirectClub | $2,500 onwards |
| E-Cligner | $4,000 onwards |
| Aurora | $2,900 onwards |
| WonderSmile | $2,400 – $3,000 |
| Zenyum | $2,400 – $3,000 |
Frequently asked questions
1. Will price impact the quality of clear aligners?
The short answer is yes. Overall, different brands of aligners uphold different quality standards. While 3D printing technology allows many companies to create their own affordable aligners, it requires a qualified orthodontist’s expertise to chart out a precise treatment plan to properly correct errors in your alignment. Hence, that is why Invisalign is one of the most expensive brands around – because of the quality and years of research behind it.
2. Which brand should I choose?
Like all other dental treatments, you should always seek the expert advice of a professional orthodontist or dentist. Depending on the complexity of your case, your orthodontist or dentist will be able to chart out a customized treatment plan according to your personal preference and budget. At Dental Essence we only offer Invisalign clear aligners.
3. Are DIY clear aligner kits safe to use?
While it seems convenient at first glance, DIY kits are not suitable if you are looking for a more precise correction in the alignment of your teeth. This is because most cases of aligner treatments will require some intervention from an orthodontist such as attachment placement to secure the fit of your aligners.
4. What is the age limit and how long does it take for clear aligners to take effect?
There is no age limit when it comes to getting clear aligners. In fact, some aligners like Invisalign First claim to cater for children as young as 6 years of age. Also, those with generally healthy gums and teeth are suitable candidates for these removable braces. Moreover, the duration of your treatment depends on the complexity of your dental misalignment. Also, wearing your aligners diligently versus wearing them only at night can help to speed up the overall treatment process.
5. Why is Invisalign more expensive?
Although Invisalign is much more expensive than other brands of aligners, you are actually paying for the extensive research that goes behind this treatment. It has over two decades of history and successful case studies and can treat a wide variety of orthodontic cases.
To learn more about our orthodontic treatment options, click here. Or click here to learn more about Invisalign.