Dental crowns are a restorative dental treatment used to protect and strengthen teeth that are damaged, decayed, or weakened. By covering the entire visible portion of a tooth, crowns restore its shape, size, and function while improving its appearance.
At i.Dental, we offer a range of dental crown options, including porcelain, zirconia, and metal crowns, each designed to provide durability and a natural look. Learn more about the types of crowns available, the procedure, and the cost below.
What Is A Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers and protects a damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth. It restores the tooth’s strength, shape, and natural appearance, functioning much like a protective “helmet” that fits snugly over the existing tooth structure.
Crowns are custom-made in a dental laboratory using materials such as porcelain, zirconia, ceramic, or metal alloys. Once prepared, the crown is permanently cemented in place, allowing the tooth to function normally while enhancing its appearance.
When Do You Need A Dental Crown?
A dental crown may be recommended when a tooth is damaged, weakened, or requires extra protection and support. Common situations include:
- Strengthening a weak tooth: A crown reinforces teeth that have been weakened by decay or large fillings, preventing further damage.
- Protecting a cracked or fractured tooth: Crowns hold the tooth structure together and reduce the risk of the crack worsening.
- Restoring a worn-down or broken tooth: They rebuild the natural shape and function of teeth that have been worn down or fractured.
- Covering a root canal-treated tooth: After root canal treatment, a crown helps protect the tooth from breaking and restores its strength.
- Replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant: A crown is placed on top of a dental implant to act as the visible, functional tooth.
- Holding a dental bridge in place: Crowns are used on neighbouring teeth to anchor and support a dental bridge securely.
- Improving tooth appearance: Crowns can cover discoloured, misshapen, or uneven teeth, enhancing the overall look of your smile.
What Are The Types Of Dental Crowns?
There are several types of dental crowns, each designed to meet different functional and aesthetic needs. The right choice depends on factors such as the tooth’s location, your bite force, desired appearance, and budget. Here’s a summary of the types of crowns and their pros and cons:
Metal crowns are made from alloys that may include gold, platinum, palladium, or base metals such as nickel and chromium. They are exceptionally durable, resistant to wear, and ideal for molars that endure heavy chewing pressure. However, their metallic colour makes them less suitable for front teeth.
Pros
- Exceptional strength and long-lasting durability
- Can withstand heavy chewing pressure
- Requires minimal removal of natural tooth structure
Cons
- Metallic appearance makes them less suitable for front teeth
- May be unsuitable if you have sensitivities to certain metals
PFM crowns combine the strength of a metal base with the natural appearance of a porcelain exterior. This design offers both durability and aesthetics, making PFM crowns a versatile choice for both front and back teeth. Over time, the porcelain layer may chip or reveal the metal edge near the gum line.
Pros
- Combines metal strength with porcelain aesthetics
- Suitable for both front and back teeth
- Offers a good balance between durability and appearance
Cons
- Porcelain layer may chip over time, revealing a dark metal line near the gum line
All-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns closely resemble natural teeth and provide excellent aesthetic results. They are metal-free, making them suitable for individuals with metal sensitivities and for restoring front teeth. These crowns closely mimic the translucency of natural enamel but may be less durable than metal-based options for molars.
Pros
- Excellent aesthetic appeal and natural translucency
- Ideal for front tooth restorations
Cons
- Less durable than metal-based crowns
All-resin crowns are a more affordable option compared to other types. They are made from composite resin materials that blend with natural tooth colour. While they offer good aesthetics, they are more prone to wear, fractures, and discolouration, making them better suited for temporary use.
Pros
- Most affordable crown option
- Can be made quickly, often in a single visit
- Good colour match with natural teeth
Cons
- Shorter lifespan and more prone to wear or fracture
- May discolour over time
Zirconia crowns are made from zirconium dioxide, a strong and biocompatible ceramic material. They are highly durable, resistant to cracking, and provide an attractive, tooth-coloured finish. Zirconia crowns are suitable for both front and back teeth, offering a balance between strength and natural appearance.
Pros
- Strong and resistant to chipping or cracking
- Natural tooth-like appearance
- Biocompatible and suitable for those with sensitivities
- Suitable for both front and back teeth
Cons
- Higher cost compared to other materials
What Is The Process Of Getting A Dental Crown?
Getting a dental crown typically involves two appointments and a combination of clinical and laboratory steps. The process ensures that your crown fits comfortably, functions well, and blends naturally with your surrounding teeth.
What To Expect After Getting A Dental Crown?
After getting a dental crown, you may experience mild discomfort or sensitivity as your mouth adjusts. This discomfort and sensitivity typically resolve naturally within a few days. Here’s what to expect during the recovery period:
- Numbness after anaesthesia: Your mouth may remain numb for a few hours; avoid eating or drinking hot liquids until the sensation returns.
- Sensitivity: Mild sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure is common for several days as the tooth and gums settle.
- Mild discomfort: Some soreness around the treated area may occur, but typically improves within a few days with over-the-counter pain relief.
Attend any scheduled follow-up visits so your dentist can check the crown’s fit, bite alignment, and gum health. In addition, if you experience persistent pain, swelling, sensitivity that worsens over time, or if the crown feels loose or uneven, contact your dentist promptly.
What Are The Benefits Of Getting A Dental Crown?
Dental crowns offer multiple functional and aesthetic benefits, helping to protect and restore your teeth while improving your smile. Here are the key advantages:
- Restore and protect damaged teeth: Crowns repair teeth that are chipped, cracked, decayed, or worn down, while reinforcing their structure to prevent further breakage.
- Enhance appearance and boost confidence: They can cover discoloured, misshapen, or uneven teeth to create a whiter, more even smile that looks natural and well-balanced.
- Improve chewing and bite function: By restoring the shape and alignment of damaged teeth, crowns allow you to bite and chew comfortably, improving overall oral function.
- Prevent wear and erosion: Crowns act as a durable barrier against acid erosion and teeth grinding (bruxism), preserving the integrity of your natural enamel.
- Support restorative treatments: They are used to cover dental implants, protect root canal-treated teeth, and anchor dental bridges to help maintain bite stability and prevent teeth from shifting.
- Customised for a natural look: Each crown is individually crafted to match your surrounding teeth in colour, shape, and size, ensuring a seamless, lifelike appearance.
- Durable and long-lasting: With proper oral care, dental crowns can last between five and fifteen years or more, making them a reliable, long-term solution for tooth restoration.
What Are The Risks Of Getting A Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are a reliable way to restore and protect teeth, but as with any dental procedure, certain risks or side effects may occur. Understanding these helps you care for your crown and maintain a healthy smile.
- Discomfort or pain: Mild soreness or discomfort may occur after placement as your bite adjusts, but this usually improves within a few days.
- Tooth sensitivity: You may experience temporary sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure, which typically resolves within a week.
- Gum irritation or inflammation: The gums around your new crown may feel tender at first, but should settle as you maintain good oral hygiene.
- Chipped or cracked crown: Crowns can chip or crack if you bite on hard foods or grind your teeth.
- Loose or dislodged crown: A crown may become loose or fall off if the dental cement weakens or if it does not fit snugly.
- Infection beneath the crown: Bacteria can sometimes enter beneath the crown and cause infection if decay develops under it.
- Allergic reactions: Rarely, some people may react to the materials used in certain types of crowns.
- Affected Adjacent tooth or bite issues: The tooth preparation or crown placement may occasionally affect neighbouring teeth or your bite alignment.
- Aesthetic concerns: While modern crowns closely resemble natural teeth, minor differences in colour or translucency may occur, depending on the crown material and lighting conditions.
With proper care, regular check-ups, and attention to any changes, most individuals enjoy long-lasting results and minimal complications after getting a dental crown.
How Do I Care For My Dental Crown?
Proper care helps your dental crown last longer and keeps the surrounding teeth and gums healthy. Follow these simple do’s and don’ts to maintain your crown:
- Brush thrice daily with fluoride toothpaste: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle circular motions to clean effectively. For all-resin crowns, be careful to avoid scratching the crown’s surface.
- Use non-abrasive toothpaste: Choose mild, dentist-approved toothpaste to protect the crown’s surface from wear.
- Mind your diet: Maintain a balanced diet and limit highly acidic foods or drinks that could weaken the crown’s cement and affect your natural teeth.
- Get regular dental check-ups and cleanings: Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and early detection of any issues.
- Wear a mouthguard if needed: Use a custom-fitted mouthguard if you grind your teeth or play contact sports.
- Monitor for discomfort or sensitivity: Mild sensitivity is normal initially, but report persistent pain or bite changes to your dentist.
- Don’t bite into hard or crunchy foods: Avoid chewing ice, nuts, or hard sweets, which can chip or crack your crown.
- Don’t eat sticky foods: Caramel, toffee, and other chewy treats can pull on and loosen your crown.
- Don’t use your teeth as tools: Avoid opening packages or bottles with your teeth, as this can damage both crowns and natural teeth.
- Don’t neglect oral hygiene: Poor cleaning habits can lead to plaque buildup, decay around the crown, or gum irritation.
What Is The Price Of A Dental Crown?
The cost of dental crowns in Singapore can vary significantly depending on where you seek treatment, the type of crown material used, and the complexity of your case.
At public institutions or polyclinics, a permanent crown in a primary care or public setting typically costs between approximately $817.50 to $1,526 per tooth (inclusive of GST). For subsidised individuals, the out-of-pocket cost may be even lower depending on eligibility and the level of subsidy available. However, these services may have longer waiting times and limited appointment slots compared to private clinics.
In private dental practices, prices vary more widely due to factors such as the dentist’s expertise, laboratory costs, and the material used. On average, after GST, porcelain crowns range from $1,305 to $2,180, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns from $925 to $1,635, and zirconia or gold crowns from $1,305 to $2,725 per tooth. Composite or resin-based crowns, which are less durable, tend to be more affordable at $545 to $1,090 (inclusive of GST).
At i.Dental, the cost of a dental crown ranges from $872 to $1,417 per tooth (inclusive of GST). The exact price depends on factors such as the type of material used (e.g. porcelain, zirconia, or metal), the complexity of your case, and any additional procedures required before crown placement.
Our dentists will assess your oral condition and recommend the most suitable crown material for your needs and budget. Book an appointment today to learn more about your options and receive personalised advice from our dental team.
Are Dental Crowns Covered by MediSave or CHAS?
CHAS subsidies are available for dental crowns, capped at four permanent crowns per calendar year. Holders of CHAS Orange and Blue cards can receive subsidies of $410 and $615 per crown, respectively.
MediSave generally does not cover dental crowns or other non-surgical dental treatments. It can only be used for surgical dental procedures that are deemed medically necessary. Routine treatments, including dental crowns, are not claimable under the MediSave scheme.
What Are The Alternatives To Getting A Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are an excellent way to restore and protect damaged teeth, but they are not the only solution available. Depending on the condition of your tooth, your dentist may recommend other treatment options such as inlays and onlays, veneers, tooth extraction with dental implant placement, or dental bridges. Below is a comparison of these alternatives:
Your dentist will assess your tooth condition, oral health, and long-term goals to determine which treatment best suits your needs.
FAQs About Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are not permanent restorations, but they are designed to be long-lasting. With proper care and maintenance, a dental crown can typically last 10 to 15 years, or even longer in some cases. The longevity of a crown depends on several factors, including:
- Material used: Metal and zirconia crowns are generally more durable, while porcelain and ceramic crowns offer a more natural appearance but may be more susceptible to chipping or wear.
- Oral hygiene: Good brushing and flossing habits help prevent decay and gum issues that can weaken the tooth beneath the crown.
- Bite forces: Excessive pressure from teeth grinding or chewing hard foods can shorten a crown’s lifespan.
With proper care, a dental crown can last around 10 to 15 years, and in some cases even longer. Its longevity depends on factors such as the material used, oral hygiene habits, and daily wear from chewing or grinding. Maintaining good brushing and flossing routines, along with regular dental check-ups, helps ensure your crown stays strong and functional for many years.
To keep your dental crown in good condition for as long as possible, maintain excellent oral hygiene through regular brushing and flossing to prevent decay and gum disease around the crowned tooth. Schedule routine dental check-ups so your dentist can monitor the crown’s condition and detect any issues early.
You should also avoid habits that can damage your crown, such as teeth grinding, chewing on hard foods, or using your teeth to open objects. If your crown becomes loose, chipped, or worn down, consult your dentist promptly, as timely repair or replacement can help prevent further complications.
You should contact your dentist promptly if you notice any pain, discomfort, or changes with your dental crown. Signs to watch for include:
- Pain or sensitivity around the crowned tooth
- Looseness or movement of the crown
- Chipping, cracking, or wear on the crown’s surface
- Swelling, redness, or bleeding in the surrounding gums
- Persistent bad taste or odour, which could indicate decay or leakage beneath the crown
It’s also important to schedule a visit if your bite feels uneven or the crown no longer fits comfortably.
Getting a dental crown is generally a comfortable procedure. Your dentist will use local anaesthesia to numb the area, ensuring you don’t feel pain during treatment. After the procedure, it’s normal to experience mild sensitivity or discomfort for a few days as your tooth adjusts, but this usually subsides quickly. If any discomfort persists, your dentist can provide advice or treatment to help you feel more comfortable.
Yes, a dental crown can be replaced if it becomes damaged, worn down, or loose, or if changes in your surrounding teeth or overall oral health make a replacement necessary. Your dentist can assess the crown and recommend the best course of action to restore function and appearance.
If you accidentally swallow a dental crown, try to stay calm. Crowns are usually small and smooth, so they often pass through the digestive system without causing harm. The outcome can depend on the crown’s size and material, but in most cases, it will move through your system safely. It’s still a good idea to consult your dentist for advice, as they can guide you based on your specific situation.
Monitor yourself for any unusual symptoms. Most people experience no complications, but if you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, or severe discomfort, seek immediate medical attention. In some cases, your dentist or doctor may recommend an X-ray to ensure the crown has passed safely. While swallowing a crown is generally not dangerous, seeking professional guidance helps ensure your safety and peace of mind.
Determining whether you need a crown or a filling depends on the extent of tooth damage and the overall health of the tooth. Fillings are typically used for small cavities or minor chips, where the tooth structure is mostly intact. Crowns are recommended when a tooth is severely decayed, cracked, weakened, or has undergone a root canal, as they provide full coverage and added strength.
