Dental Cost in Singapore 2026: Braces, Implants, Cleaning and CHAS Subsidy Guide

Dental cost Singapore 2026: the quick answer

Braces in Singapore typically cost $3,500 to $11,000 depending on type and complexity. Invisalign runs $4,500 to $9,000. Dental implants sit around $3,000 to $6,000 per tooth. Routine cleaning is $80 to $150.

CHAS subsidises basic procedures like scaling, fillings and extractions - but NOT braces, Invisalign or implants. Medisave only covers surgical dental work like wisdom tooth removal. Everything else is out-of-pocket.

Table of contents

1. Cost-at-a-glance table

2. Braces and Invisalign cost

3. Dental implants and crowns

4. Routine dental costs

5. CHAS dental subsidy

6. Medisave for dental surgery

7. How to reduce your dental bill

8. FAQ

1. Cost-at-a-glance table

2. Braces and Invisalign cost

Braces are the single biggest dental expense most Singaporeans face. The total cost depends on the type of braces, case complexity, and the clinic you choose. Here are the main categories.

Metal braces

Traditional metal braces remain the most affordable option, typically costing $3,500 to $4,500. NDCS quotes from $3,500 for standard cases. Private clinics like Q&M offer student metal braces from $4,360, while Casa Dental starts from $3,800 plus GST.

Metal braces are the fastest and most predictable option for complex cases. Treatment usually takes 18 to 36 months.

Ceramic and self-ligating braces

Ceramic braces (tooth-coloured brackets) and self-ligating systems like Damon braces cost $4,500 to $7,000. NDCS prices ceramic and self-ligating braces at $5,000 to $7,000. Casa Dental starts ceramic from $4,500 plus GST.

Self-ligating braces use a sliding mechanism instead of elastic ties. They may reduce appointment frequency but the cost premium over metal is significant.

Invisalign and clear aligners

Invisalign typically costs $4,500 to $9,000 in Singapore, with $6,000 being a common midpoint for moderate cases. Complex cases involving extractions or significant bite correction push towards the higher end.

Generic clear aligner brands (Zenyum, Straight Teeth Direct) can be cheaper but usually handle only mild crowding. For complex cases, most orthodontists recommend Invisalign or traditional braces.

Important: braces are fully out-of-pocket

Braces and Invisalign are classified as elective/cosmetic by CHAS and Medisave. There is no government subsidy and no Medisave withdrawal for orthodontic treatment. Budget accordingly - most clinics offer interest-free instalment plans over 12 to 24 months.

Student and promo pricing

Some clinics offer student tiers for patients under 25 or currently enrolled in school. Q&M, for example, lists student metal braces from $4,360. Check with clinics directly as promo pricing changes frequently.

3. Dental implants and crowns

Dental implants

A single dental implant in Singapore costs $3,000 to $6,000. This includes the titanium post, abutment and the crown on top. The total depends on bone grafting needs, implant brand, and the surgeon.

The process takes 3 to 6 months total because the implant needs time to fuse with the jawbone before the final crown is placed. Some clinics offer same-day implant placement for simple cases.

Like braces, dental implants are NOT covered by CHAS and generally NOT claimable under Medisave (they are prosthetic, not surgical). The full cost is out-of-pocket.

Crowns

A dental crown costs $800 to $1,500 depending on material (porcelain, zirconia or metal). Crowns placed as part of a root canal treatment may qualify for partial CHAS subsidy.

If you need multiple crowns, ask about package pricing. Some clinics reduce per-unit cost for 3+ crowns done together.

4. Routine dental costs

These are the bread-and-butter procedures that make up most dental visits. CHAS cardholders get subsidies on all of these.

• Consultation - $30 to $80 at private clinics. Polyclinics are cheaper (around $15 to $30 with subsidy).
• Scaling and polishing - $80 to $150 for a standard session. This is the basic "teeth cleaning" visit. CHAS subsidises $30 to $40 per session, up to twice a year.
• Simple filling - $80 to $200 per tooth depending on material (composite vs amalgam) and size. CHAS provides a partial subsidy.
• Simple tooth extraction - $80 to $200 per tooth. Surgical extraction or wisdom tooth removal is more (see below).
• Root canal treatment - $500 to $1,500 depending on the tooth (front teeth are simpler, molars cost more). CHAS subsidises anterior root canals up to around $217.50.
• Dentures - $1,200 to $3,000 for a full set. CHAS covers partial subsidy for both partial and full dentures.

Wisdom tooth surgery

Surgical removal of impacted wisdom teeth costs $1,000 to $2,500 or more per tooth. This is one of the few dental procedures claimable under Medisave because it qualifies as day surgery.

The exact cost depends on impaction complexity (simple vs fully bony), whether general anaesthesia is used, and whether you go private or public (NDCS / polyclinic referral). Many Singaporeans get all four wisdom teeth done at once to maximise the Medisave claim.

5. CHAS dental subsidy explained

CHAS (Community Health Assist Scheme) subsidises 10 basic and preventive dental procedures at participating clinics. Updated 1 October 2025, all three card tiers (Blue, Orange and Green) now qualify for dental subsidies.

What CHAS covers

• Scaling and polishing (up to 2 sessions per year)
• Fillings (amalgam and composite)
• Tooth extractions
• Root canal treatment
• Dentures (partial and full)
• Crowns
• X-rays

What CHAS does NOT cover

• Braces and Invisalign
• Dental implants
• Teeth whitening or cosmetic procedures
• Orthodontic treatment of any kind

How much is the subsidy?

Subsidy amounts depend on your CHAS card tier and the specific procedure. Here are examples from the official CHAS Dental Subsidy Schedule:

Subsidy amounts are per-procedure caps. The clinic bills you the balance after deducting the CHAS subsidy. You can check your exact entitlements on the CHAS website or app.

For a full breakdown of all CHAS benefits including GP visits and chronic disease management, see our CHAS card guide.

6. Medisave for dental surgery

Medisave can be used for surgical dental procedures only. The most common use is surgical extraction of impacted wisdom teeth, which qualifies as day surgery under Medisave withdrawal limits.

What qualifies

• Surgical removal of impacted wisdom teeth
• Other surgical extractions requiring bone removal
• Dental surgery performed under general anaesthesia in approved settings

What does NOT qualify

• Routine dental work (cleaning, fillings, simple extractions)
• Braces, Invisalign and orthodontic treatment
• Dental implants (prosthetic, not surgical)
• Cosmetic dentistry

Medisave withdrawal limits apply and vary depending on the surgical classification. Confirm Medisave eligibility and the claimable amount with your clinic before the procedure. The clinic handles the Medisave claim directly.

For an overview of all government healthcare subsidies and payouts, see our government payouts schedule.

7. How to reduce your dental bill

Most dental work in Singapore is paid out-of-pocket. But there are a few practical ways to bring the cost down or spread it out.

Use your CHAS card

If you have a CHAS card, always go to a CHAS-participating dental clinic for basic procedures. The subsidy is applied automatically at the point of payment.

Ask about instalment plans

For big-ticket items like braces ($3,500+), implants ($3,000+) or Invisalign ($4,500+), most clinics offer interest-free monthly instalments over 12 to 24 months. This is usually better than putting it on a credit card with interest.

Pay with the right credit card

If paying in full or if the clinic supports card payment on instalments, use a high-cashback credit card to offset some cost. For purchases in the $3,000 to $10,000 range, a card optimised for big purchases can save you 1.5 to 4 per cent.

See our guide to the best credit cards for big purchases for cards with higher cashback tiers or instalment-specific rewards.

Compare polyclinics vs private

Polyclinic dental is significantly cheaper but wait times are long and complex procedures (braces, implants) are not available. For routine cleaning and basic fillings, polyclinics are 30 to 50 per cent cheaper than private.

Check for promo codes

Some dental chains run periodic promotions, especially for new patient consultations and cleaning packages. Check our Singapore promo codes page for current dental offers.

Health screening bundles

If you are also due for a health screening, some clinics bundle dental checks with general health packages at a discount. See our health screening guide for package comparisons.

8. Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest type of braces in Singapore?

Metal braces are the cheapest, starting from around $3,500 at public institutions (NDCS) and $3,800 to $4,500 at private clinics. Some clinics offer discounted student pricing.

Is $6,000 normal for Invisalign in Singapore?

Yes. $6,000 is a common midpoint for moderate Invisalign cases. Simple cases can be $4,500, while complex full-arch treatment can reach $8,000 to $9,000. Always get 2 to 3 quotes.

Does CHAS cover braces?

No. CHAS only subsidises basic and preventive dental procedures (scaling, fillings, extractions, root canals, dentures, crowns). Braces, Invisalign and dental implants are not covered.

Can I use Medisave for braces?

No. Medisave covers surgical dental procedures only (e.g. wisdom tooth surgery). Orthodontic treatment is classified as elective and is not Medisave-claimable.

How much does wisdom tooth surgery cost?

Surgical removal of impacted wisdom teeth costs $1,000 to $2,500+ per tooth in Singapore. The procedure is claimable under Medisave. Doing all four at once is common and more cost-efficient.

Do dental clinics offer instalment plans?

Most clinics offer interest-free instalments for treatments above $1,000, especially for braces and implants. Typical plans run 12 to 24 months. Ask your clinic for their specific terms.

Is dental cheaper at polyclinics?

Yes, significantly. Polyclinic dental charges are 30 to 50 per cent lower than private clinics for basic procedures. However, polyclinics do not offer orthodontic (braces) or implant services, and wait times are much longer.

9. Related guides

• CHAS Card Benefits Singapore - full breakdown of GP, specialist and dental subsidies under all CHAS tiers.
• Health Screening Cost Guide - where to get screened, how much it costs, and which packages are worth it.
• Student Deals and Discounts - student pricing for dental, food, transport and more.
• Best Cashback Credit Card Singapore - maximise cashback on large medical and dental payments.
• Singapore Government Payouts Schedule - all subsidies, vouchers and grants you can claim.