Dr. Colin Ong is a trusted specialist (orthodontist) in braces. In the entire NTUC dental clinic network, there are only two orthodontists. He is full-time and the other orthodontist is now part-time.

Many regular dentists can also provide braces, but they often have less training, esp. about complications. (I have worked with Dr. Ong since my 20’s) So I will only consider certified orthodontists.

The rate across all the braces clinics is about $4-6k. If the cost is similar everywhere, and the Somerset location is close enough, then I think we can choose Dr. Ong.

Age .. 13 is fine. 14 also fine. Dr. Ong will assess the physical condition and level of maturity of the patient. If not ready, then better wait. Dr. Ong said the child must want to do it.

I think cost would be a G3 factor. More important is attitude, discipine.

— location: Midpoint Orchard is the only place Dr. Ong works. I saw him about 20 times since my 20’s. Same place. 3 minutes walk from Somerset.

— cost details .. Basically fixed price, regardless of how many years the course takes (usually 1-2 years). The big variable in terms of cost is the type of braces. NTUC dental offers four main types, all designed in the U.S. The cheaper and most traditional type costs $4000+ for two arcs (i.e. upper and lower) excluding any dental work before making the braces, such as filling, extraction. ( In my case, I had two teeth extracted due to overcrowding. )

Downpayment is $1000+ for the traditional braces. After that, periodically we need to pay about $300 each time. The total cost is a fixed amount, agreed at a time before we make a downpayment, but after we choose one out of four types.

NTUC dental is not an expensive clinic.

— dental insurance .. My company pays 50% up to ( about ) $1500/Y. So

• better get the treatment started early before I change jobs!
• It’s better to spread out the costs over 2 or 3 years if possible. $5000 spent in one year is too big… I can only claim $1500.

Most employers won’t reimburse braces .. considered cosmetic surgery. We are lucky compared to those employees.