Dental caps and crowns are two of the most commonly asked about dental procedures. Both serve as replacements for your natural teeth when either has been destroyed or severely damaged. If you’re considering getting both a cap or crown, it’s important to understand how each one works and what sets them apart from each other. Here is what you should know about these two restorative dental procedures. Both are used when your teeth have been destroyed, broken, or eroded to the point of causing pain, sensitivity to temperature, and speech difficulties. While they can be made from different materials, both serve similar functions by protecting the remaining teeth and improving your appearance. Let’s take a look at the pros, cons, and similarities between dental crowns and caps so you can make an informed decision if either is right for you.
What is a Dental Cap?
A dental cap is a small, removable cover that fits over your tooth to protect the exposed crown from damage caused by brushing or chewing. The cap is made from a range of materials, including porcelain and gold alloys. A dental cap is usually fitted for comfort rather than beauty purposes.
What is a Dental Crown?
A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is cemented over the top of your natural tooth. A crown can be made from gold, porcelain, alloys, or any number of other materials. The purpose of a dental crown is to cover and strengthen an entire tooth, while improving its function and appearance. It’s a popular treatment for teeth that have been broken, decayed, or severely damaged.
What’s the difference between a dental cap and crown?
A dental crown, or cap, is a tooth-shaped cover that’s fitted to your natural tooth. The goal of the crown is to strengthen your tooth and improve its appearance. A dental cap fits over the entire length of your tooth and can be made from different materials including gold, silver, porcelain, or metal alloys. The main difference between a dental cap and crown is in the material being used. Caps are more often made from porcelain because it looks better than metal or other types of caps. Crowns, on the other hand, are usually made from metals like gold or platinum. Some patients will also have to wear a temporary crown for a few days before their permanent one is placed on their teeth so that the dentist can ensure that the fit is correct for them.
The Pros of Dental Caps and Crowns
Both dental caps and crowns are used to protect the remaining teeth and provide a good appearance. This can make you feel more confident and improve your quality of life. Caps are made from porcelain or plastic material placed over your teeth. They’re typically preferred by people who need a tooth replacement but want the look of their natural teeth. A cap might be an option if you’ve been in an accident or suffer from periodontal disease, as it will restore your teeth to their original shape and size. Crowns are also made from durable materials like porcelain or metal, but they go over the entire surface of a tooth rather than just covering one side. This makes crowns a better option for those who have extensive damage to their teeth or need more protection against cavities and gum disease, as they cover the entire surface of the tooth with a similar material to your natural tooth enamel. In addition, you may be recommended for crowns if your jawbone has been damaged or is receding after orthodontics treatment.
The Cons of Dental Caps and Crowns
While dental caps and crowns are both effective solutions for those with damaged teeth, they do have some cons. One big con of both is that they can’t be used to replace a missing tooth. Unlike dental bridges which cover one or more missing teeth, caps and crowns cover the remaining teeth and nothing more. This means that if you’re looking to replace a missing tooth, these restorative dental practices won’t work. Additionally, while they improve your appearance in most cases, they may not provide the desired results you had hoped. Caps are less likely to show staining but crowns are better at hiding imperfections like discoloration on your natural teeth and gaps between your teeth. Crowns also last longer than caps which can mean less time spent on maintenance and cleaning down the line.
Final Words
Dental caps and crowns are two dental restorative procedures that can be used to replace teeth. Both serve a similar function in that they protect the remaining teeth and improve your appearance. The main difference between them is in how they are made. In most cases, a cap is cemented on top of a tooth while a crown covers the entire surface of the tooth. The decision to use one or the other usually depends on the severity of the damage to your teeth and your preferences for appearance.
References:
1: Optimum design of a saw-tooth-shaped dental air-turbine using design of experiment
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12541-014-0329-6
2: Wear of combinations of acrylic resin and porcelain, on an abrasion testing machine
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2842.1978.tb01202.x
Add Comment