Braces for kids

[schweppes]

My dd was supposed to start her braces treatment at National Dental Centre when she was in Sec 1. But upon checking with NDC, I realised that it wd be difficult to change or fix appointments. Felt that this was inconvenient as sometimes dd has to stay back after school.


In the end, after weighing the pros and cons, dh and myself decided to seek private dental treatment for dd. An experienced (& gentle) dentist, time factor and convenience were the main reasons why we chose private.

[sgpbzmum]

schweppes:

My dd was supposed to start her braces treatment at National Dental Centre when she was in Sec 1. But upon checking with NDC, I realised that it wd be difficult to change or fix appointments. Felt that this was inconvenient as sometimes dd has to stay back after school.


In the end, after weighing the pros and cons, dh and myself decided to seek private dental treatment for dd. An experienced (& gentle) dentist, time factor and convenience were the main reasons why we chose private.

How much is the difference between govt and private?

[schweppes]

sgpbzmum:

schweppes:

My dd was supposed to start her braces treatment at National Dental Centre when she was in Sec 1. But upon checking with NDC, I realised that it wd be difficult to change or fix appointments. Felt that this was inconvenient as sometimes dd has to stay back after school.


In the end, after weighing the pros and cons, dh and myself decided to seek private dental treatment for dd. An experienced (& gentle) dentist, time factor and convenience were the main reasons why we chose private.

How much is the difference between govt and private?

The rate quoted to me is about $4,000 - $4,500 (to be spread over 2.5-3 yrs) but that's because dd1 has some additional work to be done to her teeth. Also, she is using ceramic braces instead of the metal one. We do not need to make full payment at the first appt. It's progressive payment -like instalments. There were some appointments where we did not need to pay anything at all.

Before deciding on my dd's current dentist, I called a few places (got 3 quotes), and the prices range between $4,000 - $5,500 for private. Not sure if other forumers can recommend a cheaper dentist in pte practice.

I can't quite remember what was the price quoted for NDC. I think about $3,000 - $4,000 depending on how much needs to be done and what type of braces used (metal, coloured or ceramic). For info, it's cheaper to use the all metal braces but most teens prefer the coloured ones. They think it's more cool :roll:

On average, most braces treatment shd take between 18months to 2yrs to complete.

Hope that helps :celebrate:

[sall]

My dd goes to a private orthodontist, total cost about $4300. It’s better for sec sch students to go private clinic, it’s much easier to fix or change appt. So got to pay more to avoid headache.

[sgpbzmum]

schweppes:

sgpbzmum:

[quote=\"schweppes\"]My dd was supposed to start her braces treatment at National Dental Centre when she was in Sec 1. But upon checking with NDC, I realised that it wd be difficult to change or fix appointments. Felt that this was inconvenient as sometimes dd has to stay back after school.


In the end, after weighing the pros and cons, dh and myself decided to seek private dental treatment for dd. An experienced (& gentle) dentist, time factor and convenience were the main reasons why we chose private.

How much is the difference between govt and private?

The rate quoted to me is about $4,000 - $4,500 (to be spread over 2.5-3 yrs) but that's because dd1 has some additional work to be done to her teeth. Also, she is using ceramic braces instead of the metal one. We do not need to make full payment at the first appt. It's progressive payment -like instalments. There were some appointments where we did not need to pay anything at all.

Before deciding on my dd's current dentist, I called a few places (got 3 quotes), and the prices range between $4,000 - $5,500 for private. Not sure if other forumers can recommend a cheaper dentist in pte practice.

I can't quite remember what was the price quoted for NDC. I think about $3,000 - $4,000 depending on how much needs to be done and what type of braces used (metal, coloured or ceramic). For info, it's cheaper to use the all metal braces but most teens prefer the coloured ones. They think it's more cool :roll:

On average, most braces treatment shd take between 18months to 2yrs to complete.

Hope that helps :celebrate:[/quote]Thank you very very much for your info ...

[sgpbzmum]

sall:

My dd goes to a private orthodontist, total cost about $4300. It's better for sec sch students to go private clinic, it's much easier to fix or change appt. So got to pay more to avoid headache.

gd point... thank u..

[BeContented]

Hi,

last year my son received a referral letter from the school dental service. He had a bad fall at 2y which affected his adult teeth, so now haywire liao. Like to know typically at what age do kids start their treatment? Do they need to wait till all the baby teeth are gone?

Currently, I am open to both govt/private…as long as there are good recommendation and the price difference is not too great. Have called up NUH, JMC etc, the prices range $4K - $5.5K…not sure about private tho.

Would really appreciate those of you who have good feedback on your dentist to let me know the name and which clinic do your child went to. And approx. the cost… I stay in Jurong.

Thanks in advance.

[sall]

According to the dentist, it's best to fix the braces around 11-12yrs. Treatment is actually shorter because the teeth can move more easily. I'm glad my dd started now, I can see positive results already.

[schweppes]

sall:

According to the dentist, it's best to fix the braces around 11-12yrs. Treatment is actually shorter because the teeth can move more easily. I'm glad my dd started now, I can see positive results already.

A lot depends on the development of the child's teeth. Some are still growing and the permanent teeth not fully emerged. Brought my dd2 when she was 11 and the dentist said that she's not ready for braces yet. So, will go back a year later for review.

If it's me, wd prob start at the end of P6 esp after their PSLE exams or Sec 1, altho, I do agree with insider that if they are older, they can go on their own.

[schweppes]

insider:

schweppes:

If it's me, wd prob start at the end of P6 esp after their PSLE exams or Sec 1, altho, I do agree with insider that if they are older, they can go on their own.

schweppes,

if you daughter's teeth are not that bad, may want to consider to wait till later coz braces need quite a bit of care and after the removing the braces, still need to put on retainers (cant remember the price, about $500 I think). All these during and after braces period need care that if too young, may not know how to take care properly.

My daughter broke her retainer once coz went to school and forgot to bring her retainer case. So while eating her lunch, she put her retainer in her bag and totally forgot about it and broke it. She has to use own $$$ to replace it...

I didn't really go and research to know more about retainer. But logically it should be changed once about two to three years or as and when the teeth/jaw grow bigger. Meaning if too young (and jaw still growing), retainer may have to be changed more often. You may ask your dentist about this retainer issue and perhaps share with all here...

PS: My daughter's teeth protruding out but not that serious kind. Braces purely for aesthetic purposes...

yah... wearing braces can be quite leh cheh and agree that kids do need to be more diligent in their dental care and hygiene.

eh... must confess that i wanted to start dd2 \"earlier\" so that can coincide with dd1's dental treatment. Then can bring both girls to dentist at the same time - more for my convenience :oops:

wah... retainers are not cheap huh!! :!: must remind them to take care when the time comes

Thanks for your sharing