Dental Crowns In Malaysia - Restore & Protect Your Smile
Dental crowns are custom-made tooth-shaped caps that completely cover and protect weakened or damaged teeth. They restore function, strength, and aesthetics, making them ideal for teeth that have undergone root canal treatment, severe decay, or fractures.
At Smile Doctor Dental Clinic in Malaysia, we offer a variety of high-quality dental crowns to suit your needs, ensuring long-lasting durability and a natural appearance.
Types Dental Crowns In Malaysia
Full Metal Crowns
Material: Made entirely of metal (gold, silver, or other alloys).
Durability: Extremely strong and requires minimal tooth reduction.
Best for: Back molars (not visible when smiling).
Recommended for: Patients prioritizing strength over appearance, especially for upper molars.
Benefits of Full Metal Crowns:
- Long-lasting and highly resistant to fractures.
- Preserves more natural tooth structure due to minimal tooth removal.
Things to Consider:
- Silver or gold color makes them less aesthetic.
Porcelain Fused Metal Crowns
Material: Metal base with an outer layer of porcelain for a natural look.
Durability: Stronger than all-porcelain crowns.
Best for: Back teeth and front teeth in non-aesthetic zones.
Recommended for: Patients seeking a balance of strength and aesthetics at a lower cost.
Benefits of Porcelain Fused Metal Crowns:
- Affordable and widely used.
- Stronger than all-porcelain crowns, offering durability with a natural look.
Things to Consider:
- May develop a grayish tint at the gumline over time.
- The porcelain layer can chip, exposing the metal underneath.
Zirconia Crowns
Material: Made from zirconium oxide, one of the most durable dental materials.
Durability: Highly resistant to fractures and wear.
Best for: Both front and back teeth.
Recommended for: Patients needing long-lasting and strong crowns that also provide good aesthetics.
Benefits of Zirconia Crowns:
- Extremely durable, ideal for patients who grind their teeth.
- Does not wear down opposing teeth like porcelain.
- Can be layered with porcelain for a more natural look.
- Able to mask discoloured/ grey teeth
Things to Consider:
- More opaque in color, requiring additional layering for front teeth.
- Higher cost compared to PFM crowns.
Porcelain Crowns
Material: Made entirely of porcelain, offering the most natural appearance.
Durability:
Less strong than zirconia but ideal for front teeth.
Best for: Front teeth requiring high aesthetics.
Recommended for: Patients prioritizing aesthetic results for front teeth.
Benefits of All-Porcelain Crowns:
- Mimics the natural translucency of real teeth.
- Stain-resistant for a long-lasting bright smile.
Things to Consider:
- More prone to chipping or breaking.
- Can wear down opposing teeth due to its hardness.
- Might not be suitable for discoloured/ grey teeth.
Which Dental Crowns Are Right for You?
| Feature | Full Metal Crown | Full Metal Crown | Zirconia Crown | All-Porcelain Crown |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Material |
Gold, silver, or metal alloys |
Metal base with porcelain outer layer |
Zirconium oxide (ceramic material) |
Full porcelain |
|
Durability |
Extremely strong, long-lasting |
Strong, but porcelain may chip over time |
Highly durable, fracture-resistant |
Less durable than zirconia, more prone to breakage |
|
Aesthetic Appearance |
Low – Metallic appearance |
Moderate – Can develop a grayish tint at gum line |
Good for discoloured tooth. Can be layered with porcelain for better aesthetics |
Excellent – Mimics natural translucency of teeth |
|
Tooth Reduction Required |
Minimal tooth reduction |
Moderate tooth reduction required |
Moderate tooth reduction required |
Moderate to high tooth reduction required |
|
Resistance to Chipping |
Highly resistant to chipping |
Porcelain layer may chip over time |
Highly resistant to chipping |
More prone to chipping |
|
Best For |
Back molars (not visible when smiling) |
Back teeth & non-aesthetic front teeth |
Front & back teeth |
Front teeth for best aesthetics |
Frequently Asked Questions on Dental Crowns
You may need a dental crown for several reasons, including:
- Protecting a weak tooth from breaking
- Restoring an already broken or severely worn-down tooth
- Covering and supporting a tooth with a large filling
- Crack tooth syndrome
- Holding a dental bridge in place
- Covering misshapen or severely discolored teeth
- Covering a dental implant
- Making a cosmetic modification
The dental crown procedure typically involves two visits to the dentist:
- First Visit: The dentist examines and prepares the tooth by taking X-rays and removing any decay. The tooth is reshaped to make space for the crown. An impression of the tooth is taken and sent to a dental lab. A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth.
- Second Visit: The temporary crown is removed, and the new permanent crown is checked for fit and color. If everything is satisfactory, the dentist cements the crown in place.
Dental crowns can last between 5 to 15 years, depending on the material used and your oral hygiene practices. With proper care, some crowns can last even longer.
Caring for a dental crown involves:
- Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing daily to remove plaque from the area where the crown meets the gum
- Avoiding chewing hard foods, ice, or other hard objects
- Regular dental check-ups and cleanings
While dental crowns are generally safe and effective, potential risks or complications include:
- Tooth sensitivity, especially to hot or cold temperatures
- Discomfort or pain if the crown is not fitting properly
- Chipping or breakage of the crown
- Loose crown due to the cement washing out
- Allergic reaction to the materials used in the crown
- Minor chips on the front teeth of a dental crown can be repaired using composite resin.
- Severely damaged crowns, particularly those on molars with heavy bite force, may need full replacement instead of repair.
- Metal Crowns / Porcelain Fused Metal Crowns – RM1000 to RM1,500
- Porcelain Crowns / Zirconia Crowns – RM1,500 to RM2,500
The need for a root canal treatment before placing a dental crown depends on the condition of the tooth. If the decay has spread to the nerve, causing pain and swelling, a root canal treatment is required before placing the crown. However, if the tooth is still healthy and the decay is not close to the nerve, the tooth can be protected with a dental crown without the need for a root canal treatment.
- Dental crowns cover the entire tooth, providing structural support and protection.
- Dental veneers only cover the front surface of the tooth, mainly for cosmetic enhancement.
Yes. Dental crowns restore full chewing function, but avoid biting on extremely hard food/ objects to prevent damage.
Some dental insurance plans in Malaysia cover dental crowns, especially for restorative purposes. It’s best to check with your provider for coverage details.