If your tooth is chipped, cracked, worn down or weakened, your dentist might suggest a dental crown. But do you really need one? What’s the process like? What does it cost to get a crowning teeth in Singapore?
Read on for all your answers!
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap placed over a damaged or weakened tooth. Crowns are typically recommended when a tooth is too damaged for a simple filling, but not so far gone that it needs to be removed entirely. Think of a dental crown as a protective helmet for your tooth, restoring its original shape and size, reinforcing its strength, and improving how it looks and feels.
Crowns can be made from a variety of materials:
- Porcelain and ceramic are popular choices for front teeth because they closely mimic the colour and translucency of natural enamel.
- While less commonly used, Zirconia is a strong, tooth-coloured option that offers durability without compromising on aesthetics.
- Metal crowns, often made of gold or other alloys, are known for their strength and are commonly used for molars where appearance isn’t as much of a concern.
Once cemented in place, a dental crown becomes a permanent part of your mouth. It protects the tooth underneath from further damage, whether from decay, cracks or wear and tear. It also allows you to chew and bite confidently, restoring both function and comfort.
Common Reasons for Getting a Dental Crown
Dental crowns can address various dental issues and be used as part of various dental solutions.
- Large Fillings: Recommended when there’s not much tooth structure left.
- Root Canal Treatments: Crowns are often needed to protect brittle teeth after treatment.
- Cracks and Chips: Used to restore teeth that are damaged.
- Severe Wear: Recommended for teeth worn down from grinding.
- Aesthetic Improvements: Used to enhance the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth.
- Restorative Dentistry:
- Dental Implants: The crown serves as the visible top of the implant.
- Dental Bridges: Crowns help anchor the bridge in place.
Signs You Might Need a Dental Crown
Not every dental problem involves visible damage. Some signs are near-unnoticeable and point to deeper issues.
- Persistent pain or sensitivity when biting down can be an early warning.
- If your tooth is feeling fragile, or if a filling has come loose more than once, it might be time to consider a crown.
- Cracks and chips, even those that seem minute, could compromise the structural integrity of your tooth.
- If you grind your teeth and notice flattening or shortening, that’s another clue.
When a Dental Crown Might Not Be Necessary
Not every dental issue calls for a crown. In many cases, less complex and more affordable options may be just as effective.
- Small Chips: Often repairable with dental bonding or a veneer, preserving more natural tooth structure.
- Minor Decay: A standard filling may suffice instead of a full crown.
- Cosmetic Concerns: Mild discoloration or unevenness can be treated with whitening or composite reshaping.
- Small Cracks (Craze Lines): Typically harmless and don’t require intervention.
Ultimately, whether or not a crown is necessary depends on the health and structure of the tooth. That’s why a thorough assessment by your dentist is so critical. They can help you understand the severity of the issue and whether a crown is truly the best course of action.
What to Expect When Getting a Crown in Singapore
Overview of the Procedure
The process of getting a dental crown typically involves these steps.
- Consultation:
- Dentist examines the affected tooth.
- X-rays are taken to assess the situation.
- Discussion of treatment options.
- Preparation:
- Numbing of the area to ensure comfort.
- Shaping of the tooth to fit the crown.
- Mould or Scan:
- A mould or digital scan is taken for a precise fit.
- Temporary Crown:
- A temporary crown is placed while the permanent one is being prepared.
- Fitting the Permanent Crown:
- Return visit to have the crown fitted and cemented in place.
- Dentist checks your bite and polishes the crown.
- Final adjustments to ensure everything feels natural.
Same-Day Crown
For suitable cases, CEREC same-day crowns, inlays and onlays use a digital scan, design and in-clinic milling workflow. A crown may be made and fitted in one treatment visit. Assessment or other dental work may require separate appointments; your dentist will explain the expected timeline.
It’s worth asking your dentist if they offer this option, especially if you have a busy schedule or prefer to get things done quickly.
Timeline
Laboratory-made crowns require separate preparation and fitting visits, with a temporary crown when needed. For suitable CEREC cases, fabrication and fitting can take place in one treatment visit. The number and length of appointments depend on your tooth and whether other treatment is required first.
Costs of Dental Crowns in Singapore
The cost of crowning teeth in Singapore varies depending on materials, clinic reputation and the complexity of the procedure. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns typically range from $700 to $1,200. All-ceramic or zirconia crowns tend to cost between $900 and $1,500, while gold crowns may exceed $1,500 due to the cost of the metal.
Ask for an itemised estimate covering the assessment, imaging, temporary restoration and any additional treatment. Prices are before GST. MediSave eligibility depends on the treatment and patient circumstances; see our current Flexi-MediSave guide for crowns and root canal treatment and confirm eligibility with the clinic before relying on a claim.
Considering Alternatives: Inlays and Onlays
If your tooth isn’t severely damaged, your dentist might suggest an inlay or onlay instead of a full crown. These are custom restorations that fit into or over part of the tooth.
Inlays fill the space between the cusps of your tooth, while onlays cover one or more cusps but don’t require the whole tooth to be covered. They’re less invasive and can preserve more of your natural tooth. Just like crowns, inlays and onlays can be crafted from porcelain or composite to match the rest of your teeth.
Ask Us About Crowning Teeth in Singapore
Still unsure whether a dental crown is the right move? Let’s talk.
At Garden Dental, we’ve helped patients with a variety of dental conditions. Our team takes the time to explain every option, whether it’s a crown, an inlay or any other treatment. We take the time to plan your treatment so that your crown fits naturally with the rest of your teeth.
If you’re considering crowning teeth in Singapore, book a consultation with us today.
