A dental crown is a restoration that completely covers or fits over a tooth. A crown can restore a tooth to its original size, shape, and color, and strengthen the existing tooth structure.
Dental crowns are completely custom made to your needs – meaning only you can wear a crown that is right for you.
When do I need a dental crown?
There are two common clinical situations in which you would need a crown:
- On existing teeth:
- Covering large holes (cavities) that cannot be repaired with dental fillings
- Strengthen teeth when they become weak, damaged or cracked
- Restoring a tooth after root canal treatment
- Correct discolored or misshaped teeth to improve your smile and appearance
- On dental implants:
- Completely restore missing teeth
If you experience any of the above, then you most likely need a crown. Visit a prosthodontist/dentist who will give you a detailed examination and provide a customized treatment plan.
What types of dental crowns are available?
There are two different kinds of dental crowns – temporary crowns and permanent crowns.
Temporary crowns ensure that you do not leave the office with a toothless smile. They are a temporary solution while you wait for your permanent crown to be completed in the dental laboratory. Temporary crowns are made in the office by your prosthodontist/dentist using resin, acrylic or stainless steel materials.
Permanent crowns can be made from different materials and can be divided into the following categories:
1. Tooth-colored crowns
- Resin Crown
Resin crowns are made of a plastic material that matches the color of your natural teeth, similar to the material used for dental fillings. Since they are not that durable, clinics in Singapore generally do not place them as permanent crowns for their patients.
Advantages: Generally cheaper
Disadvantages: More susceptible to wear than other types of crowns
- Porcelain fused to metal
Porcelain fused to metal crowns are made by further reinforcing the porcelain crown with a metal base. This type of crown is suitable only for patients who do not have any metal allergies.
Advantages: More durable and more natural looking than resin crowns
Disadvantages: Generally more expensive than resin crowns, and dark metal edges may develop over time.
- Ceramic crown (All-ceramic or all-porcelain)
All-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns are mainly used to repair front teeth with weak bite force.
Advantages: This type of crown is translucent and looks natural
Disadvantages: Not as strong as metal crowns
- Zirconia Crown
Zirconium crowns are made from a man-made material that is similar to zirconium in synthetic diamonds. Due to its durability, it is used to restore back teeth. This is a relatively new type of crown that is growing in popularity.
Pros: Very strong, can withstand strong biting forces; biocompatible (repairs teeth without causing harm to the body); looks natural
Disadvantages: Generally more expensive than other tooth-colored crowns
2. Non-tooth-colored crowns
- Metal crowns
Metal crowns include alloys with a high gold content, or common metal alloys such as chromium and nickel. They can withstand strong biting forces and rarely chip or break. Due to their appearance (color), they are often used on molars near the back of the mouth. This option is only suitable for patients who do not have any metal allergies.
Pros: Very durable
Disadvantages: Looks unnatural; gold crowns are generally more expensive
At Specialist Dental Group, we find that zirconium crowns and all-ceramic crowns are the most popular among our patients. However, different dental conditions require different types of crowns, so it is recommended that you visit a prosthodontist/dentist to have them recommend the right crown for you.
Where can I get a dental crown?
In Singapore, you can get a dental crown fitted by a general dentist (general dentist) or a prosthodontist.
Dental crowns are part of prosthodontics (replacing teeth with crowns/bridges or dentures). Prosthodontists who have special training in this treatment are called prosthodontists.
Besides undergoing an additional 3-4 years of specialized training, a recognized dental prosthodontist in Singapore also has to accumulate clinical cases (and experience) and sit for the dental prosthodontist graduation examination.
How long will it take for my dental crown to be completed?
The entire process generally takes two weeks and requires two dental visits.
At Specialist Dental Group, the entire procedure may be completed in less time. Talk to your prosthodontist to schedule the procedure at a time that is convenient for you.
Initial consultation (approximately 1 hour)
Once you have decided to have a dental crown, here are the next steps:
1) Tooth preparation: Local anesthesia will numb your tooth and the surrounding gums. Your tooth will be trimmed to create enough space for the crown.
2) Dental Impression: A dental impression is made using a handheld scanner or impression tray, and the impression of your teeth and the soft tissues in your mouth is sent to a dental laboratory to be used to create your permanent (final) crown.
3) Shade comparison: Your prosthodontist/dentist will work with you to refer to the tooth shade chart to select a suitable shade for your new crown.
4) Temporary Crown: If necessary, a temporary crown will be prepared on the same day to protect your tooth and ensure you can leave the clinic with a smile.
Follow-up visit (approximately 30 minutes)
At this point your final crown will be prepared and placed. Your prosthodontist/dentist will check the appearance and fit of the crown. Once you and your doctor are satisfied, the crown will be placed and bonded to the tooth.
How much does treatment cost?
The cost of a dental crown treatment in Singapore can range between S$1,000 and S$3,000, depending on the crown material chosen, laboratory fees, physician chosen, and treatment duration.
Does Medisave apply?
Medisave is only for surgical procedures, so it is not applicable for crowns.
How should I care for my dental crown?
A well-made crown can last about ten years or more if it is properly cared for. The best way to extend the life of your crown is to see your dentist regularly and maintain good oral care habits.
- Brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, remembering to brush along the gum line to remove any remaining plaque.
- Floss daily to remove food particles between the teeth and the crowns. If you are unsure how to floss effectively, be sure to consult your prosthodontist/doctor for professional guidance.
- Watch your sugar intake, as the teeth beneath the crown are still susceptible to cavities and gum disease.
- Avoid chewing hard foods (such as ice, shellfish, and nuts) to prevent the crown from breaking or chipping.
- Visit your dentist twice a year for a professional teeth cleaning to remove hardened plaque (tartar) and for a detailed examination to make sure there are no problems around the crowns.
Specialist Dental Group’s team of prosthodontic experts
Our team of prosthodontic specialists are qualified in the following areas:
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- Crowns and Bridges
- Dental Restoration
- Dental Implants
- repair
- Missing tooth replacement
- Rehabilitation of patients with head and neck cancer
They have the expertise and experience to treat patients with complex dental issues. If you require dental crown treatment, learn more about our team of restorative dentists here.
