Expansion Orthodontics
Expansion orthodontics creates more space for the teeth by gradually widening a narrow upper jaw or dental arch. Unlike approaches that rely on tooth extraction to create space, expansion aims to develop the available space where clinically suitable, providing a foundation for better tooth alignment and bite function.
At kohe™ Dental, we offer expansion options for children, teens and adults, including Traditional Palatal Expanders (RPE), Invisalign Palatal Expanders and MARPE. Our dentists will assess your teeth, bite, jaw structure and stage of development to determine the best approach for your orthodontic needs.
Expansion Orthodontics Quick Summary
- 17+ Years of Combined Experience
- Experience Managing Complex & Severe Orthodontic Cases
- Non-Extraction Approach
- Orthodontic Care from Childhood to Mature Adulthood
- 300+ Braces Cases Per Year
- Open 6 Days a Week
Transparent and Affordable Expansion Orthodontics Costs
At kohe™ Dental, we keep treatment fees clear and transparent, so that you know exactly what to expect before you begin treatment.
Our packages include a consultation, necessary X-rays, 3D intraoral scans, and review visits, unless otherwise stated. We also do not charge for disposables and consumables.
CHILDREN
UNDER 12 YEARS
Traditional Palatal Expander (RPE)
ONE-TIME PAYMENT
$1,680
$1,831.20 INCLUSIVE OF 9% GST
Package Inclusions
- Consultation
- X-rays
- 3D scans
- 3D facial scans
- 3D treatment planning
- Traditional Palatal Expander
- Review visits
CHILDREN
UNDER 12 YEARS
ONE-TIME PAYMENT
$1,928
$2,101.52 INCLUSIVE OF 9% GST
Package Inclusions
- Consultation
- X-rays
- 3D scans
- 3D facial scans
- 3D treatment planning
- Traditional Palatal Expander
- Review visits
TEENS AND ADULTS
12 YEARS & ABOVE
MARPE
ONE-TIME PAYMENT
$3,528
$3,845.52 INCLUSIVE OF 9% GST
Package Inclusions
- Consultation
- X-rays
- 3D scans
- 3D facial scans
- 3D treatment planning
- Traditional Palatal Expander
- Review visits
Expansion Orthodontics At a Glance
Expansion orthodontics is a specialised approach that uses expansion appliances to create space within the dental arches. It addresses concerns such as crowding, crossbites and compromised airway function.
Rather than relying on extractions to create space, expansion orthodontics focuses on widening the dental arches where clinically appropriate to support alignment while preserving the natural teeth.
Patients of various ages can benefit from expansion orthodontics. Younger patients whose jaws are still developing may be suitable for a Traditional Palatal Expander (RPE) or Invisalign Palatal Expander. In contrast, adult patients may need more advanced options, such as MARPE (Mini-screw Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion), because their palates have already fused.
Benefits of Expansion Orthodontics
Expansion orthodontics takes a more holistic approach to creating space for teeth, with benefits that extend beyond alignment.
Creates space without extractions
When the dental arch is too narrow to accommodate all the teeth, crowding occurs.
Expansion orthodontics uses appliances such as palatal expanders or MARPE to widen the upper arch and create more space for the teeth.
Supports proper tooth eruption
In growing children, a narrow dental arch can limit the space available for adult teeth to erupt.
Expansion can create additional room for developing teeth to erupt in more favourable positions, which may reduce crowding as the child grows.
Improved airway and breathing
A narrow jaw may be associated with reduced nasal airway space, mouth breathing, snoring and disrupted sleep.
By widening the upper jaw, expansion orthodontics creates more space for the tongue to rest in a healthy position, which can support nasal breathing and overall airway function.
Enhanced facial balance and smile aesthetics
A narrow upper dental arch may result in a constricted smile, where the teeth look crowded and the smile lacks fullness.
By widening the upper arch, dentists can create a broader, more proportionate smile that supports the lips and cheeks.
Better bite and jaw alignment
A narrow upper jaw can cause a crossbite or uneven bite pressure, which may affect long-term oral health.
By addressing the underlying structure, expansion can create a more balanced bite that benefits both function and aesthetics.
Long-term, stable orthodontic results
When the dental arch is too narrow to accommodate the teeth, expansion can create additional space for better alignment.
This may reduce the need for extractions and support long-term orthodontic stability, along with appropriate retainer wear.
Types of Expansion Devices
There are many types of expansion devices available in Singapore.
Here are some of them that are available at kohe™ Dental:
$1,680 ($1,831.20 with 9% GST)
Traditional Palatal Expander (RPE)
An RPE is a fixed orthodontic device that gradually widens the upper jaw. A small screw in the centre of the appliance is turned at regular intervals, gently expanding the palate.
Pros: Effective in growing children, as their palatal suture is still responsive to expansion.
Cons: The device may temporarily affect pronunciation, chewing and swallowing.
$1,928 ($2,101.52 with 9% GST)
An Invisalign Palatal Expander uses a series of custom-made, removable expanders to gradually widen the upper palate in growing children.
Pros: A removable device that makes eating and oral hygiene easier.
Cons: Patients have to wear and change the expanders according to their dentist’s instructions.
$3,528 ($3,845.52 with 9% GST)
MARPE (Mini-Screw Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion)
MARPE uses mini screws placed on the roof of the mouth to anchor an expansion device. The appliance gradually applies pressure to the two sides of the upper jaw, encouraging them to separate. New bone then forms in the space as the area heals and stabilises.
Pros: Provides expansion for older teens and adults who may not be suitable for traditional expansion.
Cons: It is more invasive as miniscrews are placed in the palate to support the expansion device.
Expansion Orthodontics Treatment Journey at kohe™ Dental
When you take up Expansion Orthodontics treatment at kohe™ Dental, you can expect complete cost and treatment transparency with no bill shocks.
Our treatment coordinators have been trained to ensure that you are aware of all our dental treatment costs before you enter the dental clinic. We believe that cost transparency empowers you to decide whether the budget makes sense for you.
Our exclusive partnerships with brands and suppliers have allowed us to come up with a competitive pricing structure for expansion orthodontics treatment. The reduced costs are passed on as cost savings to patients like yourself.
Expansion orthodontics requires careful assessment, treatment planning and regular monitoring to ensure that your upper jaw and teeth are responding appropriately to treatment. Depending on your age, oral development and orthodontic needs, your dentist may recommend a Traditional Palatal Expander (RPE), Invisalign Palatal Expander or MARPE.
It is necessary to return to the dental clinic for review appointments throughout your expansion treatment so that your dentist can monitor your progress and make adjustments where required.
During the active expansion phase, you will also receive instructions on how to care for your appliance and, where applicable, how and when to activate it. If your appliance becomes loose, damaged or uncomfortable, you may need to return to the clinic for an assessment.
Expansion orthodontics may form the first phase of a broader orthodontic treatment plan. Depending on your individual needs, your dentist may recommend braces or clear aligners after expansion to align your teeth and refine your bite.
At kohe™ Dental, we work with both local and international patients from Malaysia, Brunei, Cambodia, Myanmar, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Korea, Japan, the UAE, USA, UK and Sweden.
Here is what you can expect when you visit kohe™ Dental for expansion orthodontics treatment:
1st Visit: Initial Consultation
Your journey at kohe™ Dental begins at our clinic located along Orchard Road. During your first consultation, your dentist will start by understanding your concerns, goals and lifestyle. You share what bothers you about your teeth and bite and what you hope to achieve from treatment.
Next, your dentist will conduct a clinical examination of your teeth, gums and bite. Your dentist will also observe your face from the front and side, evaluate how your lips rest and move, and assess your tongue posture and breathing pattern.
This helps your dentist to understand both your teeth and facial structure.
1st Visit: Scans and Imaging
1st Visit: Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
2nd Visit: Pre-Treatment Cleaning and Preparation
3rd Visit: Placement of Expander
Activation Phase
Follow-Up Visits: Monitoring and Adjustment
Final Phase: Stabilisation and Teeth Alignment
Expansion Treatment Duration
The duration of expansion orthodontics varies between patients, depending on age, case complexity, individual needs, and the type of orthodontic appliance.
On average, the expansion phase takes:
- 6-9 months for young patients whose palate has not fully fused
- 9-12months for teenage or adult patients whose palate has already fused
If you have chosen braces, it would take:
- 12-18 months for mild cases
- 18-24 months for moderate cases
- 24-36+ months for severe cases
If you have chosen clear aligners, it would take:
- 6-12 months for mild cases
- 12-18 months for moderate cases
- 18-24+ months for severe cases
Expansion Orthodontics Cost in Singapore
Expansion orthodontics at kohe™ Dental starts at $1,680 ($1,831.20 with 9% GST) for a Traditional Palatal Expander (RPE). An Invisalign Palatal Expander costs $1,928 ($2,101.52 with 9% GST), while MARPE costs $3,528 ($3,845.52 with 9% GST).
These fees cover the expansion phase of your treatment. If you require braces or clear aligners after expansion, your dentist will discuss the recommended treatment with you and provide a separate quotation.
To view the breakdown of fees for expansion orthodontics at kohe™ Dental, please refer to the table below:
| Age Group | Cost | Cost with 9% GST | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Palatal Expander | Under 12 Years | $1,680 | $1,831.20 |
| Invisalign Palatal Expander | Under 12 Years | $1,928 | $2,101.52 |
| MARPE | 12 Years & Above | $3,528 | $3.845.52 |
Financing Expansion Orthodontics
If you are considering kohe™ Dental for Expansion Orthodontics, there are a few ways to finance your braces treatment to make it more wallet-friendly.
Baby Bonus
Use your CDA Baby Bonus for orthodontic treatment at kohe™ Dental.
kohe™ Dental is a Baby Bonus-certified dental institution.
All Major Banks
We accept interest-free instalment payments from all major banks.
Get up to 12 months interest-free instalments with your credit card. Please take note that for all transactions done with credit/debit cards, we charge a 3.4% + $0.20 surcharge (that Stripe charges us).
Dental and Corporate Insurance
We work with multiple dental and corporate insurance panels like Henner, Cigna International to provide more accessible orthodontic dental care to you.
Please take note that should you wish to use your dental insurance for dental or orthodontic treatments at kohe™ Dental, we will write a claims letter for you which you can then use to claim from your insurer.
Why Choose Expansion Orthodontics at kohe™ Dental?
- Affordable orthodontic treatment options
- Conveniently located on Orchard Road
- Child-friendly clinic
- Orthodontic-focused dentists who treat patients from childhood to mature adulthood
- Open on weekdays and weekends
- Extended opening hours until 7pm
- Experienced in managing complex orthodontic cases
- Prioritises non-extraction approaches where clinically suitable
Expansion Orthodontics: Frequently Asked Questions
What is expansion orthodontics?
Expansion orthodontics creates more space in the upper jaw by gradually widening it with an expansion device. Depending on your age, skeletal development and orthodontic needs, your dentist may recommend a Traditional Palatal Expander (RPE), Invisalign Palatal Expander or MARPE.