If You Have A Damaged Or Decayed Tooth, You May Need A Dental Restoration To Protect And Improve Your Oral Health And Appearance. One Of The Most Common Types Of Dental Restorations Is A Dental Crown Or A Dental Cap.
These Terms Are Often Used Interchangeably, But They Are Not Exactly The Same Thing.
In This Article, We Will Explain What Dental Crowns And Caps Are, How They Differ From Each Other, And What Factors You Should Consider Before Choosing One Over The Other.
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What Are Dental Crowns And Caps?
A Dental Crown Is A Tooth-Shaped Cap That Covers The Entire Visible Portion Of A Tooth That Lies At And Above The Gum Line. A Dental Crown Can Be Made Of Different Materials, Such As Metal, Porcelain, Ceramic, Or Composite Resin.
A Dental Cap Is A Type Of Dental Restoration That Covers Only Part Of A Tooth, Such As The Biting Surface And One Or Two Sides. A Dental Cap Can Also Be Made Of Different Materials, Such As Metal Or Porcelain.
A Dental Cap Can Protect A Tooth That Has A Large Filling Or A Small Crack From Further Damage. A Dental Cap Can Also Improve The Appearance Of A Tooth That Has Minor Flaws Or Stains.
How Do Dental Crowns And Caps Differ From Each Other?
The Main Difference Between A Dental Crown And A Cap Is The Amount Of Tooth Structure They Cover. A Dental Crown Encases The Entire Tooth, While A Cap Covers Only Part Of It.
This Means That A Dental Crown Requires More Preparation Of The Natural Tooth Than A Cap. The Dentist Will Need To Remove Some Enamel From All Sides Of The Tooth To Make Room For The Crown.
On The Other Hand, A Cap Requires Less Enamel Removal And Preserves More Of The Natural Tooth Structure.
Another Difference Between A Dental Crown And A Cap Is Their Cost. Generally Speaking, A Dental Crown Is More Expensive Than A Cap Because It Involves More Material And More Labor.
According To Webmd, The Average Cost Of A Dental Crown In The Us Ranges From $800 To $700 Per Tooth.
The Average Cost Of A Cap May Be Lower Than That, Depending On The Extent Of Coverage.
What Are The Types Of Dental Crowns And Caps?
There Are Many Types Of Dental Crowns And Caps Available In The Market. The Most Common Ones Are:
- Metal Crowns And Caps: These Are Made Of Alloys That Have A High Content Of Gold, Platinum, Or Other Metals. They Are Very Durable And Resistant To Wear And Tear. They Can Withstand Biting And Chewing Forces Well And Rarely Chip Or Break. They Also Require Less Enamel Removal Than Other Types. However, They Have A Metallic Color That May Not Match Your Natural Teeth. They Are Also More Expensive Than Other Types. Metal Crowns And Caps Are Usually Used For Back Teeth That Are Not Very Visible.
- Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal (Pfm) Crowns And Caps: These Are Made Of Metal Cores Covered With Porcelain Layers. They Combine The Strength Of Metal With The Natural Look Of Porcelain. They Can Be Matched To The Shade Of Your Own Teeth. However, They Have Some Drawbacks. The Porcelain Coating May Chip Off Over Time, Exposing The Metal Underneath. The Metal May Also Cause A Dark Line Along Your Gum Line. Pfm Crowns And Caps May Also Wear Down The Enamel On Your Opposing Teeth Over Time. Pfm Crowns And Caps Can Be Used For Both Front And Back Teeth.
- Pressed Ceramic Crowns And Caps: These Are Made Of Ceramic Cores Covered With Multiple Layers Of Porcelain3. They Are Similar To Pfm Crowns And Caps, But They Have Ceramic Instead Of Metal Cores. They Mimic The Translucency Of Natural Tooth Enamel Better Than Pfm Crowns And Caps. However, They Have The Same Drawbacks As Pfm Crowns And Caps. The Layers Of Ceramic Can Chip Away Over Time. They May Also Wear Down The Enamel On Your Opposing Teeth Over Time. Pressed Ceramic Crowns And Caps Can Be Used For Both Front And Back Teeth.
- All-Ceramic Or Porcelain Crowns And Caps: These Are Made Entirely Of Ceramic Or Porcelain Materials. They Are The Most Natural-Looking And Aesthetic Type Of Crowns And Caps. They Can Be Matched To The Shade And Shape Of Your Own Teeth. They Are Also A Good Choice If You Have Metal Allergies. However, They Are Not As Strong Or Durable As Metal Or Pfm Crowns And Caps. They May Crack Or Break More Easily Under Pressure. They May Also Require More Enamel Removal Than Other Types. All-Ceramic Or Porcelain Crowns And Caps Are Usually Used For Front Teeth That Are More Visible.
What Are The Benefits Of Dental Crowns And Caps?
Dental Crowns And Caps Have Many Benefits For Restoring Your Oral Health And Appearance. Some Of The Main Benefits Are:
- Protection: Dental Crowns And Caps Can Protect Your Teeth From Further Damage, Infection, Or Sensitivity. They Can Prevent Your Teeth From Breaking Or Cracking Under Stress. They Can Also Seal Your Teeth From Bacteria And Plaque That Can Cause Decay Or Inflammation.
- Improvement: Dental Crowns And Caps Can Improve Your Smile By Restoring The Shape, Size, Color, And Alignment Of Your Teeth. They Can Fill In The Gaps, Cracks, Or Chips In Your Teeth. They Can Also Cover Up Any Stains Or Discolorations That May Affect Your Confidence.
- Longevity: Dental Crowns And Caps Can Last For Many Years With Proper Care And Maintenance. They Are More Durable And Stable Than Other Types Of Dental Restorations, Such As Fillings Or Veneers. They Can Withstand Normal Wear And Tear Better Than Your Natural Teeth.
What Are The Drawbacks Of Dental Crowns And Caps?
Dental Crowns And Caps Also Have Some Potential Drawbacks That You Should Be Aware Of Before Deciding To Get Them. Some Of The Main Drawbacks Are:
- Preparation: Dental Crowns And Caps Require Some Preparation Of Your Natural Tooth Structure, Which May Involve Drilling Or Shaving Down Some Enamel. This Process May Cause Some Discomfort Or Sensitivity During Or After The Procedure. It May Also Make Your Tooth More Prone To Decay Or Infection If The Crown Or Cap Becomes Loose Or Damaged.
- Mismatch: Dental Crowns And Caps May Not Match Your Natural Teeth Perfectly In Terms Of Color Or Shape, Especially If They Are Made Of Metal Or Porcelain Fused To Metal. This May Affect The Harmony And Balance Of Your Smile. You May Also Need To Adjust To The Feel And Fit Of Your New Crown Or Cap In Your Mouth.
- Replacement: Dental Crowns And Caps May Need To Be Replaced Or Repaired Over Time If They Crack, Chip, Wear Down, Or Become Loose. This May Require Another Visit To The Dentist And Another Expense. You May Also Experience Some Complications, Such As Infection, Inflammation, Or Nerve Damage, If Your Crown Or Cap Fails.
How Do You Choose Between A Dental Crown And A Cap?
The Choice Between A Dental Crown And A Cap Depends On Several Factors, Such As:
- The Extent Of Damage: If Your Tooth Is Severely Damaged Or Decayed, You May Need A Dental Crown To Cover The Entire Tooth And Provide More Support And Protection. If Your Tooth Has Only Minor Damage Or Decay, You May Opt For A Dental Cap To Cover Only Part Of The Tooth And Preserve More Of The Natural Tooth Structure.
- The Location Of The Tooth: If Your Tooth Is In A Visible Area, Such As The Front Teeth, You May Prefer A Dental Crown Or A Cap That Matches Your Natural Teeth In Color And Shape. You May Choose An All-Ceramic Or Porcelain Crown Or Cap For Aesthetic Reasons. If Your Tooth Is In A Less Visible Area, Such As The Back Teeth, You May Choose A Dental Crown Or A Cap That Is More Durable And Resistant To Wear And Tear. You May Choose A Metal Or Pfm Crown Or Cap For Functional Reasons.
- The Cost Of The Procedure: If You Have A Limited Budget, You May Choose A Dental Cap Over A Crown Because It Is Usually Cheaper Than A Crown. You May Also Choose A Metal Crown Or Cap Over A Porcelain Or Ceramic One Because It Is Usually Less Expensive Than A Porcelain Or Ceramic One. However, You Should Also Consider The Long-Term Costs Of Maintenance And Replacement When Choosing Between A Dental Crown And A Cap.
How Do You Take Care Of Your Dental Crown Or Cap?
To Ensure The Longevity And Effectiveness Of Your Dental Crown Or Cap, You Should Follow These Tips:
- Brush And Floss Regularly: You Should Brush Your Teeth At Least Twice A Day Using A Fluoride Toothpaste And A Soft-Bristled Toothbrush. You Should Also Floss Between Your Teeth Once Every Day To Remove Any Food Particles Or Plaque That May Accumulate Around Your Crown Or Cap. You Can Use An Antibacterial Mouthwash To Keep Your Mouth Clean And Fresh.
- Avoid Hard Or Sticky Foods: You Should Avoid Eating Extremely Hard, Crunchy, Or Chewy Foods That May Damage Your Crown Or Cap. These Include Nuts, Ice, Popcorn, Caramel, Gum, And Hard Candy. You Should Also Avoid Very Hot Or Cold Foods That May Cause Sensitivity Or Discomfort.
- Be Gentle With Your Crown Or Cap: You Should Not Use Your Crown Or Cap As A Tool To Open Bottles, Cut Tape, Or Bite Nails. These Actions May Crack Or Loosen Your Crown Or Cap. You Should Also Be Careful When Flossing Around Your Crown Or Cap. Do Not Lift The Floss Vertically, As This May Dislodge Your Crown Or Cap. Instead, Slide The Floss Gently Along The Side Of Your Tooth.
- Visit Your Dentist Regularly: You Should See Your Dentist For Regular Check-Ups And Cleanings To Monitor The Condition Of Your Crown Or Cap. Your Dentist Can Detect Any Signs Of Wear, Damage, Infection, Or Decay That May Affect Your Crown Or Cap. Your Dentist Can Also Adjust, Repair, Or Replace Your Crown Or Cap If Needed.
Conclusion
Dental Crowns And Caps Are Both Effective Ways To Restore Your Damaged Or Decayed Teeth. However, They Have Some Differences That You Should Consider Before Choosing One Over The Other. Dental Crowns Cover The Entire Tooth And Provide More Support And Protection.
Dental Caps Cover Only Part Of The Tooth And Preserve More Natural Tooth Structure. The Type Of Material, The Location Of The Tooth, And The Cost Of The Procedure Are Some Of The Factors That May Influence Your Decision.
You Should Consult With Your Dentist To Find Out Which Option Is Best For Your Specific Needs And Preferences.
Dental Crowns And Caps Require Proper Care And Maintenance To Last For Many Years. You Should Brush And Floss Regularly, Avoid Hard Or Sticky Foods, Be Gentle With Your Crown Or Cap, And Visit Your Dentist Regularly.
By Following These Tips, You Can Enjoy A Healthy And Beautiful Smile With Your Dental Crown Or Cap.
We Hope You Found This Article Informative And Helpful. If You Have Any Questions Or Comments About Dental Crowns And Caps, Please Feel Free To Share Them In The Section Below. We Would Love To Hear From You. Thank You For Reading!