This article is a guest post by Dr T C Phua, President of the College of General Dental Practitioners (Singapore).

Looking to straighten your teeth? Perhaps you've come across cheap "teeth alignment kits" sold on Carousell that look similar to Invisalign, with prices ranging from $8 to $20.

You may also be confused as to whether you need to see a general dentist or an orthodontist for braces treatment in Singapore. This post will hopefully help to clear things up!

This post was written in conjunction with Dr Shiming.

Wearing braces can be rather daunting due to the amount of commitment required and time involved. The average treatment can range from 12 to 36 months (this varies due to the complexity of each case).

(Also read: How To Braces In Singapore: A Complete Dummies Guide)

Gum disease happens when there's too much bacteria in your gums from improper brushing.

Combined with a weakened immune system due to stress, smoking, and lack of sleep, the bone and gum around your teeth start to melt away. As a result, your teeth become loose and shakey, and may eventually fall out.

Gum disease is insidious, and sometimes can be pain-free. I've noticed patients tend to live in denial for a long time, and seek help only when it is TOO LATE. By this time, their teeth will have lost all its surrounding bone, and extraction is the only solution :(

Always bothered by your gummy smile? Join Dr Marlene Teo, an expert periodontist, as she hosts a QnA session where she gives advice on how you can fix it. 

Yippee! You're finally down to your last few aligners. The end is near, and you can see the light at the end of your Invisalign tunnel.

Before you jump too quickly for joy, here are a few things on your checklist you should go through before you bid adieu to your aligners.

Also read:

An Orthodontist's Complete Guide To Invisalign In Singapore (2018)

There's something about a bright, beautiful smile that makes a person really attractive. I know some people like the moody broody look in their partners….. but melancholy only gets you so far.

Imagine waking up to the glums every morning. Ewwww. It would feel like a Monday everyday. 😣

Most people are like me though! I like happy faces. RBFs or RAFs don’t quite cut it; as shown by studies.

I think it’s high time I spoke up for my specialty and discipline. I've been mistaken for an Orthodontist wayyy too many times. 🙄

I love my Orthodontist friends, but I need to tell the world that other specialities in Dentistry exist as well!!

Orthodontists are dentists that specialise in braces to align teeth, while we Periodontists specialise in treating gum disease. We're a fairly rare specimen in Singapore, but the numbers are growing.

Friends and family often ask me how to find the best dentist and dental clinic in Singapore for their needs.

As a clinician who's headed a dental group over the last 10 years, I've also seen many patients who are frequently confused over their dental treatment options. For example:

• How come dental treatment costs can vary so much from one clinic to the next?
• What are the different "kinds" of dentists and dental clinics in Singapore?
• When should you see a GP dentist, versus a specialist?

In addressing these issues, I hope to share some of my personal insights as an "insider" to help you receive the best dental care for your condition.

The consent forms have been signed, your scans are done and the money’s been paid. Your super-organised smart-phone gently reminds you that this day next week, your orthodontist will finally be fitting your Invisalign aligners. A sudden panic drains you.

Yes, you've heard all the horror stories from friends – no snacking, no selfies, no social life! You ask yourself, what have I signed up for?!!

Damaged teeth - whether broken or fragmented, do not just look ugly. They may also severely impact your functional capacity to chew and digest food. Installing fixed prosthodontics such as dental crowns and bridges allow for your tooth to be salvaged, instead of extracted.