Everything You to Know About Dental Crowns & Porcelain Crowns Price

Dental crowns are a versatile and popular dental procedure done for restoring damaged or decayed teeth. Whether you need to protect a weakened tooth, improve its appearance, or replace a missing tooth as part of an implant or bridge, crowns offer a durable and natural-looking option. Lets find out everything we need to know about dental crowns, including types, costs, and why they’re a great investment in your smile.

What Are Dental Crowns?

A dental crown, also called a "cap," is a custom-made cover that fits over the entire visible part of a damaged or weak tooth. It protects the tooth, making it stronger, and restores its shape, size, and function.

Crowns are designed to match the color and look of your natural teeth, so they blend in seamlessly with your smile. They are commonly used to fix broken or decayed teeth, support teeth with large fillings, or improve the appearance of discolored or uneven teeth. With proper care, crowns can last a long time and help keep your smile healthy and natural-looking.

Why Are Dental Crowns Needed?

You might need a dental crown in the following situations:

• To protect a weakened tooth from breaking (e.g., after root canal treatment). 
• To restore a tooth that is severely worn down or cracked.
• To cover and support a large filling when there isn’t enough tooth structure left.
• To hold a dental bridge in place.
• To cover dental implants.
• To improve the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth.

What are the benefits of having a crown?

Restores Tooth Functionality

A dental crown restores the full function of a damaged or weakened tooth, allowing you to chew and speak comfortably without any discomfort or difficulty.

Protects Weakened Teeth

Crowns act as a protective cap for teeth that are cracked, decayed, or weakened after procedures like root canals. They prevent further damage by reinforcing the tooth structure.

Durable and Long-Lasting

Made from strong materials like porcelain, zirconia, or metal alloys, crowns are designed to withstand daily wear and tear. With proper care, they can last 10–15 years or even longer.

Maintains Dental Alignment

Filling a gap left by a damaged tooth with a crown prevents neighboring teeth from shifting out of place, preserving the alignment of your bite.

Boosts Confidence

With a crown, you can smile, speak, and eat with confidence, knowing your tooth is protected and your smile makeover looks natural and healthy.

Enhances Oral Health

Crowns help cover and seal areas of decay or damage, reducing the risk of further dental issues like cavities or infections.

What Are The Types of Dental Crowns in Singapore?

Dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials, each with its own benefits. Here are some of types of crowns done in Singapore.

1. Porcelain Crowns: These are highly aesthetic and closely resemble natural teeth. They’re a popular choice for front teeth due to their natural appearance.
2. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: These combine the strength of metal with the aesthetic appeal of porcelain. They’re commonly used for both front and back teeth.
3. Zirconia Crowns: Known for their durability and natural look, zirconia crowns are strong enough for back teeth but still aesthetic enough for the front.
4. Metal Crowns (Gold or Alloys): These metal crowns are highly durable and long-lasting, making them ideal for back teeth that endure heavy chewing. However, they’re less commonly chosen for aesthetic reasons.
5. Temporary Crowns: Made of acrylic or composite, these are used as a short-term solution while waiting for the permanent crown to be made.

How Much Does Porcelain Crowns and Other Dental Crown Costs?

Porcelain crowns are among the most popular types due to their aesthetic appeal. The cost of dental treatments, such as gold crowns, varies depending on the dental clinic you choose. The cost of a porcelain crown typically depends on several factors, including:

• Material Quality: Full porcelain crowns price is more expensive than porcelain-fused-to-metal.
• Complexity of the Procedure: Additional treatments like root canal therapy or gum contouring can increase the overall cost.
• Location of tooth: Front tooth crowns typically cost more than back tooth crowns because they require meticulous handling and additional time to achieve a natural appearance while securely bonding to the existing tooth structure.
• Depending on the number of crowns being made: Same day single ceramic crowns are made within few hours of teeth preparation while multiple unit crowns take a longer time for being made and therefore would require more time for production. Similarly layered type of crown require more time for production.

Does Medisave and other dental insurances cover crowns?

MediSave does not cover dental crowns as they are classified as non-surgical procedures. However, coverage through insurance companies depends on the specifics of your dental insurance plan and the reason for the crown. If the crown is medically necessary, such as to repair a decayed, cracked, or damaged tooth, many insurance plans will partially cover the cost.

On the other hand, crowns placed purely for cosmetic purposes, like improving the appearance of a discolored or misshapen tooth, are less likely to be covered. For patients opting for next-day crowns, the cost may include an additional charge for the temporary crown.

Are Same Day Crowns Made Different From Conventional Crowns?

At Dental Designs, same day crowns are made differently because they use advanced 3D technology to design and create the custom-made crown in just one visit, usually from a ceramic block. Conventional crowns take longer because a dentist has to send your tooth impressions to a lab, make a temporary crown, and wait 1-2 weeks for the permanent one.

Same-day crowns are fast, but regular crowns can be customized more for tricky cases or front teeth. The best option depends on what you need and prefer.

How Are Dental Crowns Made?

Initial Consultation:

The dentist examines the tooth, takes X-rays, and discusses the best material for your crown.

Tooth Preparation:

The damaged tooth is reshaped to make room for the crown. If necessary, a filling is placed to build up the tooth.

Impressions:

Digital or traditional impressions are taken to create a mold of your tooth, which is used to design your custom crown.

Temporary Crown:

In case of next day /conventional crowns, a temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while the permanent crown is being made.

Crown Placement:

Once the permanent crown is ready, it is carefully fitted, adjusted, and bonded to the tooth with dental cement.

What Are the Other Alternatives to Crowns?

If a dental crown isn’t the best option for your situation, here are some alternatives:

1. Dental Bridge: A fixed prosthetic device that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent teeth.
2. Composite Crowns: Plastic like restorative material is used to build up the tooth instead of ceramic.

How Do You Care for Your Dental Crowns?

Conclusion

Dental crowns are a versatile and effective solution for restoring the health, function, and appearance of your teeth. While the cost may vary based on the material and procedure, crowns are an excellent long-term investment in your oral health. If you’re considering a dental crown, please drop us a message!

Resources:

1. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns versus All-ceramic Crowns: A Review of the Clinical and Cost-Effectiveness [Internet]. Ottawa (ON): Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health; 2015 May 29. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK304693/
2. The Use of Dental Crowns for Endodontically Treated Teeth: A Review of the Clinical Effectiveness, Cost-effectiveness and Guidelines [Internet]. Ottawa (ON): Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health; 2015 May 13. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK304706/