Wondering about the difference between a dental cap vs crown? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. The good news is that there’s no real difference, they’re two names for the same dental restoration.
Dentists often use the terms interchangeably to describe a tooth-shaped covering put over a damaged or weak tooth. Whether you hear “cap” or “crown,” both serve the same purpose: to protect the tooth, restore its shape and size, and bring back its full strength.
In this blog, we’ll break down how dental crowns work, how long they last, and when you might need one.
Are Dental Caps and Crowns the Same Thing?
A dental crown and cap are the same. Here is a more detailed explanation:
- Dental Cap: This term is more commonly use among patients or those outside the core dentistry field.
- Dental Crown: Technically, a crown is the visible, top portion of a natural tooth. So, when a restoration is place over a weaken or damage tooth, covering that top portion, it’s refer to as a dental crown. Because it “caps” the tooth, the term dental cap became a popular alternative, though both mean the same thing in practice.
What are Dental Caps and Crowns?
Dental caps and crowns are both tooth-shape coverings design to restore the size, shape, strength, and appearance of your underlying damaged tooth. Both of them offer protection to your tooth against further decay to improve its function. They are usually cement over the prepared tooth to encase the entire visible portion of your gum line.
You will also find your dentist using them to protect a tooth that recently underwent a root canal procedure.
What Does a Dental Cap Look Like?
Your crown or cap is place over the prepared tooth to mimic the shape and size of your natural tooth.
Crowns/caps are made from different materials such as ceramic, porcelain, and metal alloys, as well as a combination of these materials. Your dentist will recommend the material depending on your specific needs and tooth location.
- Porcelain/Ceramic: These materials are chosen to impart a more natural look to your teeth so that they resemble their neighbors.
- Metal: Dental caps or crowns also come in gold or metal-plated formats. These are more durable, making them a good fit for areas that endure heavy chewing.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal: These crowns and caps offer a balance of strength and aesthetics. The metal core provides durability, while the porcelain exterior mimics the natural look of a tooth, ensuring both function and a seamless appearance.
- Color: These crowns and caps are customize to amalgamate with the natural tone of your tooth. They blend so perfectly with their neighboring teeth that it often becomes difficult to identify the natural and artificial ones.
- Texture: Your crown or cap surface will be formulate in such a way that it is often smooth and polished against the gums and teeth in its opposition.
Procedure to Prepare Your Dental Cap or Crown
Preparing or customizing your dental cap or crown is a 4-step process:
- Preparation: Your dentist will first prepare your affected tooth by deep cleaning it to remove any old fillings or decay. It is then reshape to accommodate the crown you are about to have.
- Impression: The next important step is to take impressions of your existing tooth. Your dentist will take a 3D print of the tooth they just prepared, along with the impression of the surrounding teeth. This impression is then sent over to a dental lab to create a custom-made crown.
- Fabrication: The newly create crown is then subject to fabrication in the lab with the impressions obtained from your dentist’s clinic. Once ready, your dental crown is sent to your dentist’s clinic.
- Placement: Your dentist will call you for your next appointment. With the help of dental cement, they will fit this custom-made crown into its correct place.
How Do Dental Caps Work?
Your affixed dental crowns now act as a protective covering for your tooth. It helps strengthen and restore your underlying tooth to its original shape and appearance. These caps or crowns play a key role in repairing your damaged tooth and offering it durable and long-lasting support.
Here is a detailed overview of how they work:
Protection
The first and foremost role of your dental caps vs crown is to form a protective layer to shield your underlying tooth from further decay or damage.
Strength
Dental crowns or caps help reinforce your tooth by preventing it from fracturing or breaking.
Restoration
Caps or crowns restore the natural shape and appearance of your tooth by improving its function and aesthetics.
Cosmetic Improvement
They also play their part in correcting your misshapen or discolored teeth. This replacement offers you confidence with your smile.
Support System for Your Implants and Bridges
Crowns or caps serve as strong anchors for your dental implants and bridges.
Lifespan of Dental Crowns/Caps
The lifespan of your dental cap vs crown depends on the material you choose and your oral hygiene habits. In general, their specific lifespan ranges between 5 and 15 years.
If you adhere to strict oral healthcare habits and the maintenance routine of your cap or crown, they can last even longer.
Quick Tips To Care for Your Dental Cap or Crown
Here are a few quick tips to ensure proper maintenance of your dental cap or crown:
- Brush your teeth twice everyday using a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss regularly to avoid any plaque buildup.
- Use antibacterial mouthwash for rinsing your mouth.
- Avoid a diet containing hard and chewy foods.
- Protect your teeth against clenching or grinding.
Takeaway
Dental cap vs. crown—there’s no real difference between the two. The terms are use interchangeably, with “crown” being more common in dental terminology and “cap” often used by the general public.
Regardless of what you call it, a crown or cap serves the same purpose: protecting a weakened tooth from further damage. While the crown does its job, it’s up to you to care for it properly. Regular dental visits for professional maintenance and check-ups will help ensure your crown lasts for years to come.
Whether you’re considering a dental crown or looking to restore your smile’s full function and appearance, Osseo Family Dental is here to support you every step of the way. If you’re searching for dental offices near you or want a specialized procedure from a skilled dentist in osseo mn, our team is ready to deliver expert, compassionate treatment tailored to your needs.
Contact us today or schedule your appointment today at osseofamilydental.com.
Visit us at: 30 Central Ave Osseo, MN 55369.