Missing, damaged, or severely decayed teeth can impact your ability to eat, speak confidently, and smile freely. Dental crowns and bridges are proven restorative solutions that repair damaged teeth and replace missing ones, restoring both function and aesthetics.
At Atria-City Dental Group, we’ve helped thousands of patients in Singapore regain their confident smiles through expertly crafted crowns and bridges. This comprehensive FAQ guide answers the 60 most common questions about these transformative dental treatments.
Understanding Dental Crowns
1. What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that completely covers a damaged tooth, restoring its size, shape, strength, and appearance.
2. When is a dental crown necessary?
Crowns are needed to protect weak or cracked teeth, restore severely worn or broken teeth, cover dental implants, anchor bridges, cover some root canal-treated teeth, or improve severely discolored or misshapen teeth.
3. What materials are dental crowns made from?
Common materials include porcelain (ceramic), porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), gold alloy, zirconia, and resin. Each has advantages depending on location and functional needs.
4. Which crown material is best?
For front teeth, all-porcelain or zirconia crowns offer the best aesthetics. For back teeth requiring maximum strength, gold or zirconia may be preferred. Your dentist will recommend based on your specific needs.
5. How long do dental crowns last?
With proper care, crowns typically last 10-15 years, though many last much longer. Longevity depends on material, oral hygiene, and habits like teeth grinding.
6. Are dental crowns permanent?
Crowns are considered permanent restorations, though they may eventually need replacement due to wear, damage, or changes in the underlying tooth structure and gum support.
7. Will my crown look natural?
Modern dental crowns, especially all-ceramic and zirconia options, are color-matched to your natural teeth and are virtually indistinguishable from real teeth.
8. Can a crowned tooth get cavities?
The crown itself cannot decay, but the tooth underneath can develop cavities at the margin where crown meets natural tooth if oral hygiene is inadequate.
9. Is getting a crown painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during treatment. Some sensitivity after the procedure is normal and temporary.
10. How many appointments does getting a crown require?
Traditionally two appointments: one for preparation and impressions, another for placement. Same-day crowns using digital technology can be completed in a single visit.
11. What is a temporary crown?
A temporary crown protects the prepared tooth between appointments while your permanent crown is fabricated in a lab.
12. How do I care for a temporary crown?
Avoid sticky or hard foods, chew on the opposite side, brush gently, and avoid flossing around the temporary crown (slide floss out rather than lifting up).
13. What happens during crown preparation?
Your dentist numbs the tooth, removes decay, shapes the tooth to accommodate the crown, takes impressions or digital scans, and places a temporary crown.
14. Will my tooth be sensitive after crown placement?
Some temperature sensitivity is common initially but should subside within a few weeks. Persistent sensitivity may indicate adjustment needs.
15. Can a crown be placed on a dental implant?
Yes, implant crowns are specifically designed to attach to dental implant posts, replacing missing teeth.
Understanding Dental Bridges
16. What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth or implants.
17. What types of dental bridges exist?
Traditional bridges (supported by crowns on adjacent teeth), cantilever bridges (supported on one side only), Maryland bridges (bonded with metal or porcelain wings), and implant-supported bridges.
18. How does a traditional bridge work?
The teeth on either side of the gap are prepared for crowns, which support the artificial tooth (pontic) that fills the space.
19. What is the difference between a bridge and a dental implant?
Bridges rely on adjacent teeth for support, while implants are independent tooth replacements anchored directly into the jawbone.
20. How long do dental bridges last?
With proper care, bridges typically last 10-15 years or longer. Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits maximize longevity.
21. Can I get a bridge if I’m missing multiple teeth?
Yes, bridges can replace multiple consecutive missing teeth, though more than 3-4 teeth may require implant support for adequate strength.
22. Do bridges require special cleaning?
Yes, the area under the pontic must be cleaned daily using floss threaders, interdental brushes, or water flossers to prevent gum disease and decay.
23. Will a bridge feel natural?
After a brief adjustment period, most patients adapt completely and find their bridge feels and functions like natural teeth.
24. Can bridges be removed?
Traditional, cantilever, and Maryland bridges are permanently cemented. Implant-supported bridges may be removable by your dentist for maintenance but aren’t removable by the patient.
25. Are bridges better than dentures for replacing missing teeth?
Bridges are fixed, more stable, and feel more natural than removable partial dentures, though they require healthy adjacent teeth for support.
The Crown and Bridge Procedure
26. How long does the crown/bridge procedure take?
Tooth preparation takes 1-2 hours. The permanent restoration is placed 1-2 weeks later (or same day with digital technology).
27. Is the procedure painful?
Most crown procedure is painless. Occasionally, mild post-procedure sensitivity and is manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.
28. What are dental impressions?
Physical molds or digital scans of your teeth that laboratories use to create custom-fitted crowns and bridges.
29. Why does it take weeks to get my permanent crown or bridge?
Custom restorations are handcrafted in dental laboratories by skilled technicians to ensure perfect fit, function, and aesthetics.
30. What are same-day crowns?
Crowns created using CAD/CAM technology that designs and mills your crown in-office during a single appointment.
31. How do same-day crowns compare to traditional lab-made crowns?
Same-day crowns offer convenience but may have slight limitations in material options and complex cases compared to laboratory-crafted restorations.
32. What should I expect after crown or bridge placement?
Initial sensitivity, slight adjustment to bite, and adaptation period of a few days to weeks are normal.
33. How soon can I eat after getting a crown or bridge?
With permanent crowns and bridges, you can eat once anesthesia wears off. Be cautious with very hard or sticky foods initially.
34. Will I need root canal treatment before getting a crown?
Not necessarily. Root canal treatment is only needed if the tooth’s pulp is infected or damaged. Many crowned teeth don’t require root canals.
35. Can a crown or bridge be whitened?
No, dental restorations don’t respond to whitening treatments. If you want whiter teeth, whiten before getting crowns or bridges to match your desired shade.
Costs and Insurance
36. How much do dental crowns cost in Singapore?
Porcelain crowns: SGD 1,000-2,500; Porcelain-fused-to-metal: SGD 800-1,800; Zirconia: SGD 1,200-2,800; Gold: SGD 1,500-3,000.
37. How much do dental bridges cost in Singapore?
Traditional 3-unit bridge: SGD 2,500-6,000; Maryland bridge: SGD 1,500-3,000; Implant-supported bridge: SGD 6,000-15,000 depending on complexity.
38. Can I use Medisave for crowns and bridges?
Medisave cannot be used for routine crowns and bridges. Medisave-flex may be utilised for seniors age 60 and above.
39. Does dental insurance cover crowns and bridges?
Many dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for medically necessary crowns and bridges. Check your specific policy for details.
40. Why are dental crowns and bridges expensive?
Costs reflect high-quality materials, skilled laboratory craftsmanship, dentist expertise, multiple appointments, and precision fitting required for long-lasting results.
41. Are payment plans available?
Many dental clinics, including Atria-City Dental Group, offer flexible payment options to make treatment more accessible.
42. Is it worth investing in higher-quality crown materials?
Yes, premium materials like all-ceramic or zirconia offer superior aesthetics, biocompatibility, and durability, making them worthwhile long-term investments.
43. What if I can’t afford a crown or bridge?
Discuss alternatives with your dentist, such as different materials, phased treatment, or payment plans. Addressing dental issues promptly prevents more costly complications.
44. Can I get crowns or bridges overseas and save money?
Dental tourism poses risks including quality variability, limited recourse for complications, travel costs, and difficulty with follow-up care. Local treatment ensures accountability and continuity.
45. Do crowns and bridges have warranties?
Many dental practices offer warranties on restorations, typically covering workmanship and material defects for a specified period.
Care and Maintenance
46. How do I care for my crown or bridge?
Brush twice daily, floss daily (use floss threaders for bridges), avoid chewing ice or hard objects, and attend regular dental check-ups.
47. Can dental crowns break or chip?
While durable, crowns can chip or crack from excessive force, teeth grinding, or trauma. Porcelain is more prone to chipping than zirconia or metal.
48. What should I do if my crown falls off?
Contact your dentist immediately. Keep the crown safe and clean. Your dentist can usually recement it if the underlying tooth is intact.
49. Why would a crown need replacement?
Reasons include wear, decay in the underlying tooth, crown damage, poor fit, or aesthetic concerns as gums recede over time.
50. Should I wear a nightguard if I have crowns?
Yes, if you grind or clench your teeth. A custom nightguard protects crowns, bridges, and natural teeth from excessive wear and damage.
51. Can crowns or bridges cause gum problems?
Poorly fitted restorations or inadequate oral hygiene around crowns and bridges can contribute to gum inflammation and disease.
52. Is it normal for gums to recede around crowns?
Some minor recession over many years is normal, but significant recession may indicate gum disease or ill-fitting restorations requiring attention.
53. Can I use electric toothbrushes with crowns and bridges?
Yes, electric toothbrushes are safe and effective for cleaning around crowns and bridges when used properly.
54. Should I avoid certain foods with crowns or bridges?
Avoid excessively hard (ice, hard candy) or sticky (caramel, taffy) foods that can damage or dislodge restorations.
55. How often should I visit the dentist with crowns or bridges?
Every six months for routine check-ups and professional cleanings to monitor restoration integrity and surrounding tissue health.
Special Considerations
56. Can children get dental crowns?
Yes, stainless steel crowns are commonly used for severely decayed baby teeth.
57. Are there alternatives to crowns and bridges?
Alternatives include dental implants, inlays/onlays, partial dentures, or in some cases, large fillings, though each has limitations.
58. Can I get a bridge if I have gum disease?
Gum disease must be treated and controlled before bridge placement to ensure adequate support and long-term success.
59. What if I need a root canal after getting a crown?
Root canal treatment can be performed through the crown. A small access hole is made and filled after treatment, preserving the crown.
60. Why choose Atria-City Dental Group for crowns and bridges?
Our experienced restorative dentists combine clinical expertise with artistic skill to create beautiful, functional crowns and bridges using premium materials and advanced technology. We partner with master dental technicians to ensure every restoration meets our exacting standards for fit, function, and aesthetics. With over 30 years of experience serving Singapore families, we’re committed to delivering restorations that look natural, feel comfortable, and last for years to come.
Restore Your Smile with Confidence
Whether you need a single crown to protect a damaged tooth or a bridge to replace missing teeth, modern restorative dentistry can transform your smile and restore full function. Don’t let dental problems hold you back from living confidently.
Schedule your crown or bridge consultation at Atria-City Dental Group today. Call +65 6737 2777 or visit us at Ngee Ann City, Orchard Road, Singapore. Let our expert team create a customized treatment plan that meets your unique needs and exceeds your expectations.
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