What Is the Difference Between a Tooth Cap and a Crown?

Dental caps or crowns cover the tooth to improve its appearance. There is no variance between the two. They are the same thing with interchangeable names. 

It can be hard to distinguish between the two when you hear people using the terms, but relax. Older people may refer to them as caps. However, those who work in dentistry often refer to them as crowns.

Uses of Crowns or Caps

There are many different uses of crowns. All of them sum up to the same thing. They help restore and preserve your beautiful smile. Here are some ways you can use these prosthetic dental devices.

Covering Chipped, Broken, and Teeth Prone to Decay 

These teeth are prone to decay and loss if you do not care for them. Crowns provide you with the solution to help you keep your teeth longer. They will cover chipped and broken teeth, preventing bacteria and plaque. These produce acids that cause decay and cavities leading to the loss of teeth. 

Crowns or Caps for Baby Teeth

Crowns will protect your baby’s primary teeth, which are vital to their dental health. They will give direction to the permanent teeth as they grow. Otherwise, your child may end up with misshapen teeth. However, it can be hard to take care of children’s teeth. It may make them prone to cavities and early loss of their baby teeth. Crowns will protect them, ensuring they last.

Some children are also hard to deal with during dental visits. The dentist may suggest dental crowns or caps to prevent many visits. It also helps decrease the frequency of using general anesthesia on these children during procedures.

Support Dentures and Bridges

Crowns or caps help support or anchor a dental bridge or dentures. They help keep them in place and provide stability and comfort. Your dentures and bridges will not slide out of your mouth or move around as you talk. 

Cover Dental Implants

Crowns will cover dental implants and replace the top part of your teeth. They sit on top of the abutment and provide a permanent solution for missing teeth. They will help you chew and eat your food. They will also improve your speech, allowing you to pronounce words that you could not due to missing teeth.

Choosing the Right Crowns or Caps

Whether they serve as replacements for missing teeth in implants or are by themselves, crowns are the same. There are different types of crowns available, with each serving a purpose. They include porcelain, gold, and porcelain-fused-to-metal. Porcelain is ideal for people with metal allergies. They are also better at matching the natural color of your teeth than the rest of the materials. 

Metal crowns will not match your teeth. However, they are long-lasting and can withstand the chewing and biting forces. They are a good choice for molars since they are out of sight. The porcelain-fused-to-metal can match the color of your teeth. However, they cause more wearing of the opposing teeth.

For more information on caps or crowns, visit Cal Oaks Dental at our office in Murrieta, California. Call (951) 501-4900 to schedule an appointment today.