5 Ways To Save On Your Dental Bills

Dr. Gordon Tam • November 1, 2018

 

1. Schedule regular 6-month check-up

 

Find yourself a dentist who will conduct a comprehensive and meticulous examination of your oral health. Regular visits allow your dentist to detect any early signs of disease.

2. Fix your dental problems as soon as you can

 

Many dental problems don’t become visible or cause pain until they are in an advanced stage. Fixing problems when they are still manageable is less expensive. Often, treatments are delayed because patients do not experience any pain. This exacerbates the problem, resulting in a heftier dental bill.

 

Ask your dentist to give you a detailed and customized treatment plan. The plan should include the different treatment options as well as their pros and cons. Choose the treatment option that fits your time and budget, and get your dental issues addressed as soon as possible.

 

3. Take an X-ray every 18-24 months

 

There are hidden problems that can only be detected by X-rays; these problems are not visible to the naked eye. Having your oral X-rays taken every 2 years allows your dentist to pick up on any problems early, allowing you to fix them when they are still minor.


 

4. Understand the treatment options available and choose the best treatment option

 

Do it once, do it right. Quick fixes don’t normally last and will require repair again soon. Dentistry becomes expensive when repeated repairs are done on the same tooth, addressing the same issue. Understand your dental issues and choose the best option that gives you the best outcome. You will cut down on your dental costs in the long run and give yourself a peace of mind.


 

5. Protect your investment

 

After all the dental work is done, always follow the maintenance instructions given by your dentist to ensure that the restorative work done in your mouth lasts longer. Schedule routine dental check-ups to maintain your current condition and to ensure any future dental issues will not go undetected.

For more information and consultation, please contact Smile Design Dental Practice at +65 6463 8588.


To serve you better, we are available by Appointment Only. 

Please contact us to schedule for an appointment.

By Gordon Tam • November 3, 2026
Digitally Scanned. Precision-Made. Ready Sooner. Do you wake up with a sore jaw, frequent headaches, tight neck and shoulder muscles, or feel tired despite having a full night's sleep? These symptoms may be associated with teeth grinding or clenching, a condition known as bruxism . For some people, bruxism happens unconsciously during sleep. Over time, excessive clenching and grinding can contribute to tooth wear, jaw muscle fatigue, facial discomfort and disturbed sleep. When you are already experiencing discomfort, waiting days or weeks for a customised dental appliance can feel frustrating.
By Gordon Tam • October 30, 2026
When time matters to you… Now, we can digitally scan, design and manufacture your customised dental restorations in a single visit. At Smile Design Dental Practice, we believe that quality dental care should not only deliver precise, long-lasting results but also provide a comfortable and convenient experience. Traditionally, ceramic crowns and restorations, made of glass porcelain or zirconium oxide, require multiple appointments. Dental impressions are taken and sent to an external laboratory for fabrication, often taking several days or weeks. During this period, patients may need to wear temporary restorations before returning for their final fitting.
By Gordon Tam • October 26, 2026
Your health checkup has a report card. Shouldn't your dental checkup have one too? When you go for a medical health screening, you receive a report showing important measurements — blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar levels and other health indicators. These numbers help you understand where your health stands, whether your results fall within acceptable ranges, and how they have changed compared to previous years. More importantly, they allow you and your doctor to identify potential concerns early, sometimes long before any symptoms appear.
Bleeding and Receding Gums: Small Signs Worth Taking Seriously
By Gordon Tam • October 15, 2026
Noticed pink in the sink after brushing or gums bleeding when you floss? Learn why bleeding and receding gums are small signs worth taking seriously.
Why Regular Dental Check-Ups Matter?
By Gordon Tam • October 8, 2026
Many dental conditions develop quietly without pain or obvious early symptoms. Learn from Gordon Tam why regular dental check-ups matter for your teeth.
Ultra Conservative Restorative Dentistry
By Gordon Tam • April 17, 2026
Modern dentistry is evolving beyond traditional drill and fill approaches. Learn how Ultra Conservative Restorative Dentistry preserves natural teeth.
The Importance of Dental Condition Monitoring: Protecting Your Smile Over Time
By Gordon Tam • April 8, 2026
Discover how dental condition monitoring helps detect, track, and prevent oral health problems early before they become serious over time.
Dental Erosion: Causes, Effects, and Treatment Options
By Gordon Tam • March 28, 2026
Learn about dental erosion, the progressive loss of tooth structure caused by chemical acid processes without bacteria, and explore your treatment options.
Why Magnification Matters?
By Gordon Tam • March 23, 2026
Human vision has limits when performing dental treatments. Discover why magnification matters in dentistry to provide a clearer view and a higher standard.
Ways to Cultivate Good Dental Habits in Children
By Gordon Tam • March 7, 2026
Establishing good dental habits early sets the foundation for oral health into adulthood. Explore practical ways to cultivate dental habits in children.
Show More