We are pleased to share that T32 Dental has been featured in Expat Living. In this interview, Dr Nijam Latiff from T32 Dental Centre @ Financial District discusses how holistic and early dental care can help lay the foundation for lifelong oral health and support children’s overall wellbeing.
Why is early childhood dental intervention important?
It’s crucial because the developmental years set the foundation for long-term health. With 18 years of experience in dentistry and neuroscience, I’ve seen how oral health affects not just teeth but overall wellbeing – particularly in areas like sleep, breathing, facial development and mental wellness. At our family-friendly dental clinic, every young patient undergoes a thorough assessment, and we work with both parent and child to provide customised treatment options that suit their needs and priorities. Our plans consider each patient’s lifestyle, medical history, stage of life and long-term goals – whether that’s a child with developing jaws or a teen managing complex issues.
How does the clinic support children’s early oral health?
A key part of our early intervention strategy is myofunctional therapy – guided exercises to strengthen the tongue, lips and promote nasal breathing. These help children develop healthy oral habits and optimal jaw function. When combined with aligner-based therapies like Invisalign First and Invisalign Teen, dental arches are gradually expanded in harmony with facial growth.
This promotes better alignment, function and long- term stability. It’s about helping children develop not just straighter teeth but healthier, more functional airways and facial structures as they grow.
Speaking of aligners, what’s your approach to orthodontics?
We place strong focus on non-extraction orthodontics for children and adults. This approach prioritises airway health, jaw alignment and head posture. Rather than simply straightening teeth, we consider the broader picture: how jaws develop, how the patient breathes and how posture and function interact.
For adults, this helps minimise the risk of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD).
For children, it supports proper development of jaws and facial structures while maintaining or improving the airway. It’s a holistic approach to orthodontics – not just for aesthetics but for health and function too.
What role does technology play?
Technology is integral to what we do. Our centre is equipped with advanced dental technologies designed to improve accuracy, enhance comfort and support better outcomes. These include digital X-rays, intraoral scanners, dental microscopes and cone beam CT (CBCT) scans for detailed bone assessments.
Intraoral scanners replace traditional impression materials, which can be messy or uncomfortable – especially for patients with sensitive gag reflexes. Dental microscopes provide precision for intricate procedures like porcelain veneer placement and root canal therapy. CBCT scans offer high-resolution 3D imaging to support accurate implant planning and safer wisdom tooth removal.
Tell us more about the philosophy towards family dental care at your clinic.
T32 Dental Group was established in 2007 and our Financial District clinic, just steps from Raffles Place MRT, has been open for ten years. Supported by specialists from our flagship T32 @ Camden – including orthodontists, periodontists, oral surgeons and prosthodontists – our goal is to provide comprehensive, patient-centred care for local and expat families in Singapore in one convenient location.
We take a holistic view of healthcare and cosmetic dentistry. Rather than focusing only on appearances or isolated issues, we seek solutions that honour both function and form. Often, the simplest approach is best – one that meets aesthetic goals while preserving long-term health and comfort.