Dental Crown Cost Singapore: A Detailed Guide to Prices and Coverage

With the rising cost of dental treatments, many Singaporeans are increasingly concerned about whether their dental insurance covers restorative procedures such as porcelain crowns. Patients considering crowning teeth after a root canal treatment should also check the root canal cost and root canal treatment cost in Singapore to plan their dental expenses. Since porcelain crowns are popular for their durability and natural appearance, it's important to understand what insurance covers, the factors that affect dental crown cost, and how to navigate treatment options in Singapore.

What Are Porcelain Crowns?

A porcelain crown is a type of dental crown designed to cover and protect a damaged or weakened tooth. Custom-made to match your natural teeth, it restores both the function and aesthetics of the tooth, making it ideal for patients seeking a discreet and long-lasting solution.

Dental crowns, including porcelain fused to metal (PFM), metal crowns, and zirconia crowns, can serve multiple purposes:

• Restoring teeth that have undergone root canal treatment

• Covering dental implants

• Protecting cracked, decayed, or chipped teeth

• Improving the appearance of discoloured or misshapen front teeth

Porcelain crowns are especially valued for their ability to mimic the translucency of natural teeth. Depending on the materials used, they typically last between 5 to 15 years, making them a reliable investment when well-maintained through regular check-ups and good oral hygiene.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Porcelain Crowns?

Insurance coverage for porcelain crowns in Singapore varies based on your plan and provider. Here's what to consider:

• Medical Necessity vs. Cosmetic Purpose: If a crown is required for restoring a tooth after decay or trauma (e.g. following root canal treatment), it is more likely to be covered. Crowns placed purely for cosmetic enhancement may not be eligible for reimbursement.

• Accidental Damage: Some insurance policies cover crowns as part of restorative care following an accident.

• Waiting Periods & Claim Limits: There may be a waiting period before crown coverage kicks in, and some plans limit the number of crowns claimable each year.

Always review your policy documents or consult your provider for specifics. Many dental clinics, including Dental Designs Clinic, assist patients with claims by providing documentation and treatment breakdowns.

How Much Does a Dental Crown Cost in Singapore?

Choosing the right dental crown is essential for restoring damaged teeth, and understanding the dental crown cost in Singapore helps patients make informed decisions. Whether you need teeth crowning, a metal crown, or a zirconia crown, it’s important to compare the dental price list in Singapore to find the cheapest dental crown in Singapore without compromising quality. Public institutions provide transparency on dental fees in Singapore, ensuring affordability for those seeking tooth crowning treatments.

The cost of dental crown singapore depends on several factors, including:

• Type of crown chosen (e.g. porcelain crowns, metal crowns, or PFM)

• Location of the tooth (e.g. front teeth may require more aesthetic materials)

• Whether the treatment is performed at a public or private dental clinic

• Any additional dental treatments required (e.g. root canal treatment, buildup material)

Here are the average costs at public institutions (as of 2023):

*Please note that the data provided is from 2022. We recommend contacting the respective organisations directly for the most current pricing information. 

What Else Can Dental Insurance Cover?

In Singapore, most dental insurance plans offer coverage for a range of essential preventive and restorative dental treatments. These typically include:

• Routine check-ups
• Professional cleaning
• Fillings and X-rays
• Simple and surgical extractions
• Root canal treatments
• Emergency dental treatments and dental surgery
• Gum (periodontal) treatments
• Prescribed medications related to dental procedures

It is advisable to review your insurance policy details or consult your provider to understand the extent of coverage, claim limits, and any waiting periods for specific treatments.

What Is Not Fully Covered?

Most insurance policies do not cover non-essential or cosmetic procedures, including:

• Orthodontics (e.g., braces, Invisalign)
• Fixed restorations for cosmetic purposes (e.g., crowns for aesthetic enhancement only)

However, non-essential or cosmetic procedures like Invisalign, veneers, and crowns used solely for appearance may not be covered.

Can CHAS or MediSave Cover Dental Crowns?

CHAS Dental Subsidy

If you have CHAS dental coverage, you may qualify for subsidies on permanent crowns:

* For more information on CHAS benefits, visit CHAS website.

MediSave Dental Claims 

MediSave generally does not cover dental crowns, as they are considered a non-surgical dental procedure. However, in cases where a crown is required as part of a surgical treatment, there may be exceptions depending on the nature of the procedure and the medical necessity. Patients are encouraged to consult their dentist or insurance provider for further clarification on eligibility.

While crowns themselves are not claimable, MediSave can be used for a range of surgical dental procedures that involve more complex treatments. These include:

• Dental implants
• Wisdom tooth surgery
• Surgical removal of fractured teeth
• Bone grafts and sinus lifts
• Gum surgery

For patients considering MediSave claims for dental procedures, it is important to check with their dental provider or the Ministry of Health (MOH) guidelines to understand the specific claimable amounts and eligibility criteria.

Are There Alternatives to Dental Crowns?

If a crown is not the best option, some alternatives include:

• Dental fillings – Suitable for minor tooth damage.
• Dental implants – Recommended for missing teeth.
• Veneers – For cosmetic enhancement, especially on front teeth

Your dentist can help determine the most appropriate solution based on your dental health and budget.

Conclusion:

Porcelain crowns remain one of the most reliable options for teeth restoring after root canal treatment, trauma, or severe decay. While dental insurance in Singapore may cover a portion of the cost, especially when medically necessary, cosmetic cases may not be eligible. Understanding your policy, seeking advice from your dentist, and exploring CHAS or MediSave options can help you make a more informed decision.

At Dental Designs Clinic, we provide personalised advice, advanced materials, and modern techniques for long-lasting dental crowns that match your natural teeth beautifully. Book a consultation with our team to explore the best crowning procedure for your needs today.

Resources:

1. MOH | Average Fee For Dental Procedures. (2019). AVERAGE FEE FOR DENTAL PROCEDURES. https://www.moh.gov.sg/cost-financing/average-fee-for-dental-procedures 
2. CHAS
   https://www.chas.sg/Documents/Form%20and%20Other%20Materials/Dental%20subsidy%20table_Mar2021.pdf

3. The ultimate guide to restoration longevity in England and Wales. Part 5: crowns: time to next intervention and to the extraction of the restored tooth. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2018.523