Having damaged or missing teeth can be both uncomfortable and inconvenient, especially when traditional dental restorations take weeks to complete. Thankfully, there are same-day dental crowns and bridges in Singapore. Let’s explore how dental crowns and bridges work.
Dental crowns are caps that are placed over teeth and kept in place with dental adhesive or cement. They can be made of plastic, ceramic, or metal alloys. Plastic and ceramic are more reminiscent of natural teeth. Metal alloys come in silver and gold. Dental crowns are made of inert materials that do not deteriorate. However, the tooth underneath is still subject to decay and gum disease.
First Appointment: Clinical examination and radiographs to assess the suitability of a crown for you. Our dentist will also be able to advise you on the material for your crown and address any of your concerns.
Second appointment: Your tooth (or teeth) will be prepared for crowning. This involves reducing the size of your tooth to make space for the crown. This is usually done under local anaesthesia. Next, a mould of the prepared tooth will be taken and sent to a laboratory to prepare your custom crown. A temporary crown will be fitted over the prepared tooth until your next appointment.
Third appointment: The temporary crown will be removed, and the surface of the tooth will be cleaned. The custom crown will then be fixed to the prepared tooth with dental adhesive or cement.
The dental crown process aims to restore a damaged or weakened tooth's function, strength, and appearance. We at Garden Dental Clinic strive to provide long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing results for all our patients.
You may need a dental crown for these three main reasons:
1. To protect broken teeth
2. As the permanent solution to needing large fillings
3. To correct other dental problems as part of cosmetic dentistry
While traditional crowns require separate visits for placing a temporary crown and fitting a permanent one, same-day crowns are created and fitted in a single dental visit using CAD/CAM technology. They are more convenient and provide faster results.
However, traditional teeth crowning still offers slightly more customisation in terms of colour matching and the choice of materials, giving you access to a broader range of options for a better tailored fit.
Metal crowns are known for being durable and strong. They are usually made from gold, palladium, nickel, or chromium. These crowns are ideal for molars at the back of the mouth due to their ability to withstand biting and chewing forces. Due to their metallic colour, they may be less desirable for visible teeth.
PFM crowns merge the strength of a metal base with the visual appeal of a porcelain exterior. They are durable and have a natural tooth-like appearance. These crowns are popular for the front and back teeth but may show a dark metal line at the gum margin over time.
Zirconia crowns are valued for their strength and natural appearance. They are made from a highly durable ceramic material and can withstand significant pressure, making them suitable for molars. They are also biocompatible, reducing the risk of allergic reactions or irritation.
These crowns offer a natural colour match to surrounding teeth, making them ideal for front teeth. They are metal-free, which reduces the likelihood of allergic reactions. However, they are not as strong as metal or zirconia crowns and may wear down faster under heavy chewing.
Resin crowns are a more affordable option, usually used for temporary purposes. While they can replicate the look of natural teeth, they are less durable and prone to wear and fractures compared to other crown materials.
Temporary crowns protect teeth while waiting for a permanent crown. They are made from acrylic or composite material and are not intended for long-term use. Temporary crowns are necessary for safeguarding the tooth and maintaining its function until the permanent crown is ready.
There are a few things to think about when picking the right crown for your tooth:
The best way to figure out which crown suits you is by consulting a dentist who can help match the right one to your needs and preferences.
The cost of a tooth crown in Singapore can vary depending on the crown material, tooth condition, and complexity of the procedure. Here is a general guide:
| Type of Crown | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Metal Crowns — Titanium, Gold or White Gold | SGD 1,000 – SGD1,500 |
| Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns | SGD 800 – SGD 1,200 |
| Zirconia Crowns | SGD 1,500 |
| All-Ceramic Crowns | SGD 1,200 |
| E-max Crowns | SGD 1,400 |
| Resin Crowns — Temporary | SGD 200 – SGD 500 |
Note:
A dental bridge replaces a missing tooth using its neighbouring teeth as supports. A bridge will span the area where teeth are missing. They are attached to the natural teeth or implants that surround this space. It is made of the same materials as crowns.
A dental bridge offers a practical and aesthetically pleasing way to replace lost teeth to restore and match the colour and shape of natural teeth.
Consultation and Examination: The dentist evaluates the teeth and gums to determine whether dental bridges are the solution for your missing teeth.
Treatment Planning: The dentist develops a treatment plan that outlines the type of dental bridge to be used, the materials involved, and the steps in the procedure. Your dentist will prepare the tooth if needed.
Impressions: Your dentist will take the impression and design a custom-made dental bridge in Singapore that matches the shape and size of your natural teeth. Until then, your dentist will place a temporary bridge to protect the teeth, if needed. It may take a few days to create the new bridge.
Bridge Placement: Your dentist will place the bridge and check the fit, colour, and bite of the new bridge. Your dentist may make adjustments if necessary.
Cementation or Bonding: The dental bridge is fixed in place using dental cement or bonding material.
Final Adjustments: After cementation, the dentist makes any final adjustments to the bridge to ensure it fits comfortably and properly within your bite.
Post-Placement Care: Follow your dentist's instructions on post-placement care to ensure the longevity of the dental bridge. At Garden Dental Clinic in Singapore, we provide a durable solution that gives a beautiful smile to your face.
A dental bridge can be used to replace a small number of teeth. However, the viability of this option depends on the health of the neighbouring teeth, supporting gums, and bone. Our dentist will thoroughly assess these factors at your first consultation.
The Garden Dental Clinic team has the expertise to give lasting results to protect your teeth and gums. Book an appointment now with us for a consultation about a dental bridge in Singapore!
At Garden Dental, dental crown treatment is planned based on the condition of your tooth and how it functions with your bite. Your dentist will assess whether a crown is suitable and recommend the material or approach that best supports your needs.
Dental Director
Dr Robin Baek founded Garden Dental with a focus on patient-centred care. A University of Michigan graduate, he has been practising since 2005, with experience across the United States, Korea, and Singapore. His clinical interests include dental implants, braces, and cosmetic dentistry.
Dentist
Dr Hyun Bo Kim holds qualifications in Medical Science, Cell Pathology, and Dentistry from the University of Sydney. He has a special interest in restorative dentistry and helps patients explore treatment options to restore oral function and confidence.
Dentist
Dr Jenny Ly trained in Australia and has experience in preventive and restorative dentistry, including crowns and veneers. She takes a gentle and empathetic approach when helping patients manage their dental concerns.
Dentist
Dr Manju is fluent in English, Mandarin and Malay. She also believes in good communication to understand patient’s needs. She is friendly and gentle and will take the extra mile to ensure that every visit is a pleasant experience.