Quick answer. In Singapore, traditional metal or ceramic braces typically cost about S$3,000-S$8,000, lingual braces around S$8,000-S$13,000, and Invisalign (clear aligners) roughly S$4,500 to over S$10,000 depending on case complexity and plan. The main differences are visibility (aligners are nearly invisible and removable), comfort, and compliance (aligners must be worn 20-22 hours a day to work). Both braces and aligners are considered cosmetic/elective treatment, so they are not MediSave-claimable and not subsidised under CHAS. The right choice depends on your specific bite, how complex the case is, your budget and your lifestyle, and should follow a proper orthodontic assessment.
Straightening crooked, crowded or protruding teeth in Singapore usually comes down to two broad routes: fixed braces (metal, ceramic or lingual) and removable clear aligners such as Invisalign. They differ in appearance, comfort, how much they rely on your discipline, and how well they handle complex cases – and prices vary widely by case, clinic and provider. This guide explains how each option works, realistic Singapore cost ranges for 2026, why orthodontics is generally not subsidised, and how to decide.
At a glance
| Option | Typical cost | Best for / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Metal (traditional) braces | ~S$3,000-S$6,000 | Most affordable; very effective incl. complex cases; most visible. Fixed, so no compliance issue. |
| Ceramic braces | ~S$4,000-S$8,000 | Tooth-coloured, less noticeable; pricier and can stain/break more easily than metal. |
| Lingual braces | ~S$8,000-S$13,000 | Hidden behind the teeth; specialist skill, highest fixed-brace cost; adjustment period needed. |
| Invisalign / clear aligners | ~S$4,500-S$10,000+ | Nearly invisible and removable; best for mild-moderate cases; must wear 20-22 hrs/day. |
| Other aligner brands (e.g. Zenyum) | Lower-cost options available | Budget-friendly but generally limited to milder cases; check suitability. |
| Retainers (after treatment) | ~S$250-S$600 per arch | Required after any option to prevent relapse; removable or fixed; usually worn long term. |
The main teeth-straightening options
There are four common types of orthodontic appliances used in Singapore:
- Metal (traditional) braces: stainless-steel brackets and wires fixed to the front of the teeth. The most affordable, most visible, and very effective – including for complex cases.
- Ceramic braces: work the same way as metal braces but use tooth-coloured or clear brackets, so they are less noticeable. They cost more and can be more prone to staining or breakage.
- Lingual braces: fixed to the back (tongue side) of the teeth, so they are hidden from view. They require specialised skills and are the most expensive fixed option; they can take some getting used to.
- Clear aligners (Invisalign and other brands): a series of custom-made, removable transparent trays that gradually move the teeth. Nearly invisible and removable for eating and brushing, but they only work if worn consistently. Other brands available locally include Zenyum, Mbrace and ClearCorrect.
How they differ: visibility, comfort, time and compliance
Visibility: metal braces are the most obvious; ceramic braces are subtler; lingual braces and clear aligners are essentially invisible to others.
Comfort and maintenance: fixed braces can irritate the cheeks and lips and make cleaning trickier (you brush and floss around brackets and wires). Aligners are smoother and removable, so you eat and clean normally – but you must take them out for anything other than water and keep them clean.
Treatment time: braces commonly take around 12-24 months, while clear aligners may take roughly 6-18 months for mild-to-moderate cases. Timelines depend heavily on the individual case.
Compliance: this is the key practical difference. Braces work 24/7 because they are fixed. Aligners must be worn 20-22 hours a day and only removed for eating and cleaning; inconsistent wear slows progress and can compromise results. Aligners suit disciplined patients; braces remove the compliance burden.
Suitability: both can treat many cases, but complex problems – severe crowding, significant bite issues (overbite, underbite, crossbite) or teeth needing major rotation – are often better handled by braces, while aligners excel at mild-to-moderate correction. Your orthodontist will advise what is appropriate for your case.
Cost in Singapore (2026)
Prices vary by case complexity, clinic, and whether you see a general dentist or a specialist orthodontist. As a guide to typical market ranges:
- Metal braces: about S$3,000-S$6,000 (some sources quote up to ~S$7,000).
- Ceramic braces: about S$4,000-S$8,000.
- Lingual braces: about S$8,000-S$13,000 (some clinics quote from ~S$6,000), reflecting the specialist skill required.
- Invisalign / clear aligners: roughly S$4,500 to over S$10,000, depending on the plan (e.g. Express/Lite for minor cases up to Comprehensive for severe cases). Treatment via a specialist orthodontist with full pre-, mid- and aftercare tends to sit at the higher end.
- Other aligner brands (e.g. Zenyum) can be lower-cost but are generally limited to milder cases.
Quotes should clarify what is included – records and X-rays, all adjustment/refinement visits, and retainers – as these affect the true total. Always confirm with the clinic.
Subsidies, MediSave and CHAS
Orthodontic treatment to straighten teeth is generally classified as cosmetic / elective, not medically necessary surgery. As a result:
- MediSave cannot be used for braces or clear aligners. (MediSave may apply to certain medically necessary surgical procedures, such as some corrective jaw surgery, but not orthodontics on its own.)
- CHAS does not subsidise braces or aligners. A valid CHAS card may still help with subsidised consultation or X-rays at participating clinics, but not the orthodontic treatment itself.
In short, budget for braces or aligners as an out-of-pocket cost. Many clinics offer interest-free instalment plans to spread payment.
Why a proper orthodontic assessment matters
Orthodontic treatment can be carried out by a general dentist with orthodontic experience or by a specialist orthodontist – a dentist who has completed additional full-time training (typically two to three years) in orthodontics. Complex cases are commonly managed by specialists.
Before any appliance is chosen, you should have a full assessment: examination of your bite (malocclusion), X-rays, photos and dental impressions or scans, followed by diagnosis and a treatment plan. This determines whether braces or aligners suit your case, how long it will take, and the likely cost. Choosing an appliance based on appearance or price alone – without this assessment – risks a poorer result.
Retainers: the step after treatment
Whichever route you take, treatment is not over when the braces come off or the last aligner is done. Teeth naturally tend to drift back, so retainers are essential to hold the result. Retainers may be removable (clear/Essix or Hawley) or a fixed wire bonded behind the teeth, and in Singapore typically cost in the region of S$250-S$600 per arch (prices vary).
Orthodontists usually recommend wearing retainers full-time for the first several months, then nightly – often indefinitely – to keep teeth straight long term. Factor retainers into your overall budget and commitment.
Related guides
- Best Dental Clinics in Singapore — our editorial shortlist
- dental clinics directory
- Dental implants: cost & process
- Wisdom tooth extraction: cost & MediSave
- Teeth whitening: options & cost
Sources
- Malocclusion (crooked/poorly aligned teeth) – SingHealth
- Orthodontics – National Dental Centre Singapore
- How Much Do Braces Cost in Singapore? 2026 Price Guide – ACOC Orthodontics
- Invisalign Price Singapore – Dental Designs Clinic
- Types of Retainers in Singapore (Prices & FAQs) – i.Dental
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