Caps & Crowns

Home / Treatment / Restore

You may have heard the terms “dental crown” and “dental cap” used a few times. Do you know the difference between the two? Take a second to think about it before you read the next paragraph.

Are you ready for the answer?

Here it is: Nothing! That’s right: a dental crown and a dental cap are exactly the same! According to WebMD, a dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a tooth to restore its shape and size, strength, and improve its appearance.

A crown can also be placed on top of dental implants. See the diagram below for an illustration of how a dental crown is installed.

Now that you know the difference (or lack thereof), let’s discuss some commonly-asked questions about dental crowns.

When is a Dental Crown Needed?

Dental crowns are often used when a tooth is too damaged to be repaired with a routine dental filling, such as a severe cavity or root canal. An easy way to prevent that damage is by brushing and flossing daily and keeping up with your dental hygiene check-ups.

There are a number of other circumstances that may warrant a dental crown, too, such as :

  • To anchor and attach a dental bridge
  • To cover and complete a dental implant
  • To enhance the beauty of your smile
  • To improve a misshapen tooth
  • To strengthen a tooth that is fractured or weakened
  • To support a large filling when little natural tooth structure remains

What Are Crowns Made Of?

  • Because everyone’s dental conditions are different, different types of crowns are needed.

Crowns, or caps, come in a variety of materials. Some options include :

  • Gold
  • Porcelain
  • Porcelain fused to metal

Porcelain crowns are a popular choice since they most closely match the appearance and color of a tooth. This makes them ideal for restoring front teeth. However, they are not the most durable type of crowns and are more prone to fractures than other options. Porcelain fused to metal creates a stronger bond because the porcelain crown is attached to a metal structure. This makes the crown extremely durable. Gold crowns are highly resistant to corrosion, which makes them another very durable option.

There are a number of factors that determine which type of crown is needed, including how damaged the tooth is and where it is located inside the mouth. Your dentist will determine the type of crown that best fits your needs.

Remember, it is just as important to take care of your crowns as it is your natural teeth. When cared for properly, crowns can last a lifetime.