My Braces Journey (Consultation phase)

I will be documenting down my braces journey so I can see the progress of my teeth and also the exact cost of it. I have been wanting braces for quite a while but the cost of it just deters me from getting it as I do not have much money as a student. Having a tiny bit of money now, braces here I come!!!! ٩◔‿◔۶

Consultation #1: 02 June 2016

I went down to iDental (Yishun) after booking an appointment with them online (they called me after that).

- Examining of teeth

- Teeth molding/ Study model (some blue tack lookalike thing will be placed on the upper jaw and lower jaw separately so that the dentist is able to get your measurement of tooth size and overall teeth structure)

- Photographs of me smiling with and without teeth, my front and side view

- X-RAY using multiple machines

Damage: $220 + 0.7% GST = $235.40

Consultation #2: 30 June 2016

The dentist showed me the pictures taken from the first consultation, which includes my front and side view of my face, as well as the teeth.

- Explanation on 5 different types of braces I can do and the prices (student pricing) -

1.) 1st gen traditional braces, $3500

2.) 1st gen ceramic braces, $4000

3.) 2nd gen self-ligating braces, $4500

4.) 2nd gen ceramic braces, $5000

5.) Invisalign, $7000

**After the dentist's explanation and some research and watching videos online, this is what I found out:

Physical Appearance

First gen braces are the most common and they have colored rubber bands attached to the brackets. For the second gen braces, also known as Damon braces, the brackets have this sliding door which can open to fit the wire inside, thus it does not require rubber bands to secure it, ie everything will be in the stainless steel colour.

Faster Treatment

I found out that the second gen braces would provide a faster treatment in terms of:

- Shorter duration: do not have to wear braces as long as conventional braces due to lesser friction between the wire and the brackets

- Shorter time spent on the dental chair as there is not a need to remove and replace the rubber bands

- Fewer trips to the dentist as the wire used will move teeth faster and does not require as many adjustments (not sure if this is true but we shall see in due course)

However, the total duration of wearing braces is still subjected to each individual.

Better Hygiene and More Comfortable

The traditional braces are secured with elastics, which make the braces process more uncomfortable as they will be "tighter". Dirt and bacteria will get trapped in between the rubber bands more easily as well.

No extraction of teeth!!!!

The dentist recommended me to opt for the self-ligating braces as this method does not require any extraction of teeth! I was also told that if my teeth were to get extracted, it would result in my face becoming flatter. Having a flat face will make one look old.

Therefore, I decided to take up the second generation self-ligating braces.

Basically, I have to make a downpayment of $800 and also the polishing treatment ($60-$120) for the next session. At the same time, I will put on braces during the next visit. After that, I will have to make monthly payments of $220 for my student package.

The cost of retainers, scaling & polishing, extraction (no extraction in this case) and bracket loss are not included in the $4500 package.

Then, it was for any last questions before authorising the dental treatments that I'll be receiving

Damage: FREE OF CHARGE

I have set the next dental visit for putting on braces and it will be on 03 August!!! (▰˘◡˘▰)