Medical References
Kolker, Justine L., et al. "The cost‐effectiveness of large amalgam and crown restorations over a 10‐year period." Journal of public health dentistry 66.1 (2006): 57-63.
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fits over a damaged or weakened tooth , restoring its shape, size and strength and protecting what’s left of the natural structure. It’s a common follow-up to procedures like root canals or large dental fillings, especially when a tooth needs long term-reinforcement.
In this article, we’ll break down how much a dental crown costs in Singapore, and what you should consider before you get one.
Dental Crown Type | Cost Per Tooth |
Gold Crown | SGD $1,200 – SGD $2,500 |
Composite Crown | SGD $300 – SGD $800 |
E-Max (Lithium Disilicate) Crown | SGD $1,000 – SGD $1,800 |
Porcelain Crown (Ceramic Crown) | SGD $900 – SGD $1,700 |
Zirconia Crown | SGD $1,000 – SGD $2,500 |
Metal Crown | SGD $700 – SGD $1,500 |
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) Crown | SGD $800 – SGD $1,800 |
Resin Crown | SGD $700 – SGD $900 |
Consultation fees vary widely, ranging from SGD $17 to SGD $150.
Cost is dependent on the complexity of your case, the material used and any preliminary treatments required (e.g. tooth extractions or gum care). Fees can vary between clinics so best to speak to a dentist to get a quote specific to your dental condition and needs.
Gold crowns are a type of dental restoration made from a high-quality gold alloy.
SGD $1,200 – SGD $2,500 per tooth
Pros | Cons |
Strong and durable | May have a metallic appearance that may not be aesthetically pleasing to some |
Gentle on opposing teeth (less wear) | Not for front teeth (cosmetic) |
Corrosion resistant | May cause allergic reactions (rare but possible) |
Requires minimal removal of natural tooth structure | Can be more expensive than alternatives like composite or porcelain crowns |
Rarely fractures or chips | |
Biocompatible and rarely irritates |
20+ years with proper care, many last a lifetime.
Is This the Right Choice for You?
Choose gold crowns if you want durability and don’t mind a visible metallic colour, especially for back teeth where strength matters most.
Composite crowns are made from a tooth-coloured resin (plastic) material.
SGD $300 – SGD $800 per tooth
Pros | Cons |
Affordable – one of the cheapest options | Not as durable, wears down faster |
Can match your tooth colour | Stains over time |
Quick and easy to make | Shorter lifespan compared to porcelain or gold crowns |
Can be repaired if chipped | Not strong enough for back teeth |
May need to replace or maintain frequently | |
Not as natural looking as ceramic or porcelain |
5 to 7 years
Is This the Right Choice for You?
These crowns are a good option if you need a short-term, budget-friendly solution, especially for front teeth that don’t undergo heavy chewing.
E-Max crowns are made from lithium disilicate ceramic, a material that’s translucent and lifelike.
SGD $1,000 – SGD $1,800 per tooth
Pros | Cons |
Looks natural, blends in well | Can fracture under heavy bite pressure |
Strong enough for front teeth and some back teeth (not ideal for heavy grinders) | Not ideal for back teeth (less durable than zirconia |
Metal free – suitable for those with allergies | More expensive than composite or PFM (porcelain-fused-to-metal) crowns |
More tooth structure may need to be removed for a proper fit |
10 to 15 years
Is This the Right Choice for You?
Ideal for front teeth if you want something that looks natural and helps you enjoy your favourite foods with ease.
Porcelain crowns (ceramic crowns) are known for their realistic appearance, making them a popular choice especially for front teeth.
SGD $900 - SGD $1,700 per tooth
Pros | Cons |
Natural looking – closely resembles real tooth surface | Can chip or crack under pressure |
Good for those with metal sensitivity | Brittle compared to metal based crowns |
Colour stable – doesn’t stain | Not as durable for back teeth or heavy biters |
Biocompatible | Requires more of the natural tooth to be trimmed to make room for the crown How Long Do E-Max Crowns Last? |
Good option for front tooth restorations | More expensive than composite |
Wears opposing teeth over time |
10 to 15 years
Is This the Right Choice for You?
For front teeth where appearance matters more than strength.
Zirconia crowns are made from a strong ceramic material that mimics tooth colour while offering exceptional resistance to wear and fracture. Used in high-stress areas.
SGD $1,000 – SGD $2,500 per tooth
Pros | Cons |
Strong, good for chewing teeth | Sometimes too hard, may wear nearby teeth |
Tooth-coloured, blends with your smile | Less translucent – not as natural looking as E-Max |
Designed to resist wear and fracture | Hard to adjust or repair |
Biocompatible – rarely causes allergic reactions | Requires special equipment or labs |
Can be milled in one visit (using Computer-Aided Design / Computer-Aided Manufacturing) | More expensive than porcelain |
Suitable for bruxers (people who grind and clench their teeth out of habit) | Risk of tiny cracks forming internally over time How Long Do Porcelain Crowns Last? |
Good for long-term restoration |
15 to 20 years
Is This the Right Choice for You?
For back teeth or people who grind their teeth, thanks to their strength and natural appearance.
Metal crowns are made from base metals like nickel or chromium and have been a trusted dental option for decades. While they aren’t often chosen for their looks, they remain a practical solution in situations where strength and longevity matter most.
SGD $700 – SGD $1,500 per tooth
Pros | Cons |
Very durable, rarely break | May cause allergic reactions (depending on alloy) |
Minimal tooth reduction required | Temperature sensitivity (metal conducts heat/cold) |
Durable even in thin sections | Metallic appearance means it stands out from your other teeth |
20+ years and rarely fail unless the tooth underneath is compromised.
Is This the Right Choice for You?
Metal crowns are ideal for back teeth where strength matters more than looks. For example, if you grind your teeth or often chew hard foods, a metal crown can handle the pressure and last for years without needing repairs.
PFM crowns have a metal core for strength and a porcelain exterior for a natural look that blends functionality and aesthetics.
SGD $800 – SGD $1,800 per tooth
Pros | Cons |
Strong due to metal substructure | Porcelain can chip, exposing the metal underneath |
Aesthetic porcelain overlay mimics appearance of natural teeth | Dark/grey line near gum over time |
Cost effective balance of durability and appearance | Not as translucent as all ceramic crowns How Long Do Metal Crowns Last? |
Longer-lasting in areas that handle heavy chewing, like back teeth | More likely to wear down the opposing tooth, especially in people who grind or clench their teeth |
Metal allergies in some patients | |
Needs more tooth reduction than metal crowns to fit both porcelain and metal layers |
10 to 15 years
Is This the Right Choice for You?
PFM crowns are a good choice if you want something strong that still looks natural. They're a practical option for teeth you use to chew and that might show when you smile or talk.
Resin crowns are affordable, often used as temporary or short-term fixes for less visible teeth.
SGD $700 – SGD $950 per tooth
Pros | Cons |
Lower cost than ceramic or metal crowns | Not as strong or long-lasting as porcelain or metal crowns |
Can be made in a single visit at many clinics | Takes longer than a simple filling (usually 1–2 visits) |
Matches tooth colour reasonably well | Prone to chipping, staining, and wear over time |
Comfortable and easy to adjust | Typically only suitable as a short-term option |
About 3-5 years
Is This the Right Choice for You?
Resin crowns are a suitable short-term fix if you want an inexpensive repair (especially for front teeth) or while waiting for a more permanent crown.
Material cost is the main factor. Gold, zirconia, metal and porcelain are the popular options. Porcelain and zirconia crowns are more expensive because of their looks and customisability. Metal crowns are cheaper but usually reserved for teeth that are less visible. Each type’s cost is dependent on its looks, durability and lab work.
Crowns on front teeth might need more natural-looking materials (e.g. porcelain), which can raise the overall price. For back teeth, dentists often use stronger materials (e.g. metal) to handle chewing.
Dentists with more training or experience in fixing teeth (e.g. postgraduate training) tend to charge higher fees.
If your case is more complex - for example, if extra tooth repair or gum treatment is involved - the cost will be higher. Simple cases usually cost less.
Some dental insurance or Medisave (Singapore’s medical savings scheme) may help. Always check your eligibility first.
Dental insurance in Singapore may help offset the cost of crowns, depending on the terms of your policy. Some employer-provided dental plans may cover a portion of the cost, but coverage varies between plans. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider or human resources representative before beginning treatment. Crowns placed for restorative reasons, such as protecting a damaged tooth, are more likely to be covered than those done purely for aesthetic purposes.
Scheme/Card | Subsidy Per Crown | Max Crowns/Year |
CHAS Orange | ~SGD $85 | 4 |
CHAS Blue | ~SGD $127.50 | 4 |
Pioneer Generation | SGD $137.50 | 4 |
Merdeka Generation | SGD $132.50 | 4 |
Let’s say you’ve got a CHAS Blue card in Singapore and you need a dental crown. You visit a CHAS-participating clinic and the dentist quotes you SGD $900 for a single crown.
Here’s how the costs might break down:
Item | Amount (SGD) |
Dental Crown Cost | SGD $900 |
CHAS Blue Subsidy | -SGD $127.50 |
Your Out-of-Pocket Cost | SGD $772.50 |
What you need to know:
At Nuffield Dental, you can pay for your dental crown using these payment modes:
FAQs
Yes. If you have a damaged or weak tooth, a dental crown can protect it and restore your ability to chew properly. It also helps prevent further damage and can improve your bite.
On top of the actual materials themselves (like zirconia or gold), custom fitting, plus your dentist’s experience level, can contribute significantly to the total cost.
Talk to your dentist about other options or payment plans. Sometimes you can get a temporary filling or a tooth-coloured composite until you’re ready for a crown.
Yes. Dentists in Singapore follow Ministry of Health (MOH) regulations and use materials that meet international safety standards. These include ceramics, metals, and composites that are biocompatible (safe for use in the body).
Yes, crowns can be safe for both children and pregnant women. For children, they’re often used on damaged baby teeth. During pregnancy, treatment is usually safest in the second trimester. Dentists take extra care to choose safe materials and avoid unnecessary procedures.
Most people feel little or no pain since dentists use anaesthesia (a local numbing agent). Some mild soreness afterwards is normal, but it’s usually manageable.
You can eat per usual once your crown settles in. Right after the procedure, stick to softer foods and avoid chewing really hard or sticky foods using the crowned tooth.
Kolker, Justine L., et al. "The cost‐effectiveness of large amalgam and crown restorations over a 10‐year period." Journal of public health dentistry 66.1 (2006): 57-63.
Fill out the form for any request or questions you have and we will contact you within one working day.
Root Canal Treatment Cost
The price varies according to the unique treatment prescribed to each individual patient. For example, if a root canal treatment is require for more than one root, the cost would go up as well. However, saving the tooth with a Root Canal treatment is relatively cost-efficient in the long run.
A Root Canal Treatment procedure in Singapore's price ranges from S$500 - S$1700. However, the price may or may not include the crowning of the tooth and consultation charges. Average consultation prices of dental services in Singapore ranges from S$75- S$200.
Is a Root Canal Treatment procedure painful?
Can I go about my day to day activities after a Root Canal Treatment?
Most patients are able to return to school or work the next day following a Root Canal Treatment. However, it is advised against eating immediately post-surgery as there may be numbness in the affected area.
What are the side effects of a Root Canal Treatment?
What is the aftercare for a Root Canal Treatment?
Can a Root Canal Treatment be unsuccessful?
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Nuffield Dental is a one-stop, multi-disciplinary dental care centre in Singapore. At Nuffield, we put you first. We believe in providing personalised service for each patient.
Nuffield Dental is a one-stop, multi-disciplinary dental care centre. Here at Nuffield Dental, we pride ourselves of our personalised oral care for each and every one of our patients. We need to make sure you get all the help you need to make your dental procedures comfortable, accessible and seamless.
Our dentists have been accredited in root canal and oral surgery for 20+ years. We have accredited dental providers who are skilled in the area of dental implant surgery.
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