Meet Your Specialist

Dr Chay Siew Han (May)
Dr. Chay Siew Han (May)
Specialist Orthodontist
Dr Chay Siew Han (May) is a registered Specialist Orthodontist. Dr. Chay is a dental graduate from the University of Malaya. After gaining experience as a Dental Surgeon, she completed her specialty training in Orthodontics (braces) in the University of Hong Kong (HKU), obtaining a Master of Orthodontics (MOrth).

At HKU, she was awarded the prestigious International Association of Dental Research Travel Award. She obtained her Membership in Orthodontics from the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Edinburgh (UK). In the US, she received the dental certification from the U.S. National Dental Board. In January 2008, she was conferred as Fellow of the International College of Dentistry (FICD) and a year later, Fellow of International College of Continuing Dental Education (ICCDE) for her contribution to the advancement of Dentistry in Malaysia.

Experience & Research

Dr. Chay has a broad depth of experience. She worked as a Dental Surgeon with the Malaysian government and in private practice in Malaysia for four years, before her Orthodontic training. After her Orthodontic training, she was employed by the National University of Singapore (NUS) as an Assistant Professor in Orthodontics. Later, she became director of the undergraduate Orthodontic programme at NUS. Apart from her teaching commitments, Dr. Chay completed research projects in tissue engineering, orthodontic materials, and obstructive sleep apnoea.

She has published a number of articles in peer-reviewed journals such as the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Australian Orthodontic Journal, and Singapore Dental Journal and Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore.

She also practiced as an Associate Consultant in Orthodontics in the National University Hospital, Singapore. After Singapore, she went on to the USA whereby she taught for a short while in the University of the Pacific, San Francisco before deciding to come back to Malaysia.

Publications

1. Rabie ABM, Chay SH, Wong AMK. The healing of intramembranous bone grafts in the presence of demineralized intramembranous bone matrix. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 2000;117:288-97

2. Chay SH, Rabie ABM. Ultrastructural identification of cells involved in the healing of intramembranous bone grafts in the presence of demineralized intramembranous bone matrix. Australian Orthodontic Journal,2000; 16(2):88-97

3. Rabie ABM Chay SH. Clinical applications of composite intramembranous bone grafts. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics,2000;117:375-83

4. Chay SH & KK Ho. Spaced Dentition – open, close or redistribute? Annals of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons 2000 October; Vol.15: 83

5. Chay SH & Rabie ABM. Repositioning of the gingival margin by extrusion American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 2002;122:95-102

6. Chay SH, Cooke MS. Orthodontic Management of Periodontically Extruded Incisors Singapore Dental Journal, 2004;25(1):91-94.

7. Lo TS, Chay SH, Cao T, Lim J, Teoh SH. Osteogenic Role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Bone Regeneration Annals Academy of Medicine Singapore, 2003;32:S50-51

8. Chay SH , Wattanapayungkul P,Yap AUJ, Loh PL, Chung SM. Comparison of shear-peel bond strength of orthodontic brackets to various ceramic systems Australian Orthodontic Journal, 2005;21:19-23.

9. Chay SH, Wong SL, Mohamed N, Chia A, Yap AU. Effects of surface treatment and aging on the bond strength of orthodontic brackets to provisional materials American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 2007 Nov;132(5):577.e7-11.

10. Poon KH, Chay SH, Chiong KF. Airway and craniofacial changes with mandibular advancement device in Chinese with obstructive sleep apnea Ann Acad Med Singapore. 2008 Aug;37(8):637-44

Services

Metal Braces

The self-ligating system SWLF Synergy R from Rocky Mountain Orthodontics, USA. SWLF Synergy R™

Clear Ceramic Braces

Self- ligating Damon braces are translucent, so they are less visible than metal braces and they are the coolest looking braces you'll find anywhere.

Clear Aligner

Clear Aligner is custom-made and digitally crafted aligner that promises outstanding results by straightening teeth comfortably. There are many brands in the market such as Clear Correct, Reveal, Angel Smile, Invisalign, etc.

Functional Appliance

Functional appliances help correct the bone problems, while the tooth problems are corrected with the orthodontic braces. The ideal age for the use of functional appliances is during the pubertal spurt which ranges from age 10 to 14, when the cooperation level is the highest. The functional appliances used in our clinic are the Twin Blocks (removable appliances) and Herbst appliance (fixed appliances).

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a severe and life-threatening disorder that affects both adults and children. It is a breathing disorder characterised by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep as many as 5-80 times per hour. Each time you stop breathing in your sleep, the resulting lack of oxygen alerts your brain, which temporarily wakes you up to restart proper breathing.

Dr Chay has been working in the sleep apnea field for over 20 years. She was one of the pioneers in Singapore working with the sleep apnea team (consisting of a sleep physician, ENT surgeon, Oral and maxillofacial surgeon and speech therapist) in National University Hospital and Tan Tock Seng Hospital. She uses the mandibular advancement device such as Somnodent to treat OSA.

Since coming back to Malaysia, she has been actively spreading awareness of this disorder by giving talks and holding workshops. She is passionate in helping her patients to prevent the dire consequences of this “loud” killer.

If you suspect you may have OSA, please call us for an appointment and Dr Chay will evaluate you and if needed, a home sleep study will be ordered for you.

Orthodontists FAQs

What should I expect on the first visit to the centre?
When you first visit us, we’ll carry out an examination and make detailed plans and notes regarding potential treatment plans. We’ll also discuss cost and payment plans with you at this time.
What is the best age to have a brace?
You can have braces at any age; from as young as 7.

Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. Depending on each individual, this time varies from 7 to around 13 years of age. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children undergo an Orthodontic screening no later than age 7. By then, enough of the permanent teeth have emerged that it is possible to identify potential problems early. Waiting for all the permanent teeth to erupt in the mouth before the first evaluation is not advisable!

Adults can have braces at any age. It’s never too late to straighten your teeth. In fact, straighter teeth will help you to have a better bite and function and to help you keep your teeth cleaner and maintain healthier gums.
What are the benefits of early orthodontic evaluation?
Early evaluation allows timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for effective treatment. It can also lower total treatment cost and complexity. Early intervention can guide growth and prevent serious problems from occurring or worsening.

When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, We will carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment at the ideal time. Timely screening increases the chances for the most successful treatment and an incredible smile.
What happens after braces come off?
Once the brace is removed it is extremely important to have retainers to hold the teeth in their new positions. Teeth will unfortunately move back if they are not held in position permanently.

There are 2 main types of retainers; fixed and removable. The fixed wire retainer is a thin wire that is glued to the back of the front 6 teeth. This wire prevents rotations of the front teeth. The removable retainer is commonly a clear plastic tray which wraps around all the teeth. The removable retainer prevents larger tooth movements and changes in the shape of the arch as well as holding the front teeth in position.