If you have a damaged, rotting, or fractured tooth, you may require a dental crown or cap. Both of these dental procedures are intended to restore the health and function of teeth, although they differ in numerous ways. Both have their own set of perks and downsides, so it might be tough to select which is best for you.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cover that is placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and look. A tooth crown is usually used to heal a broken or damaged tooth or serious tooth decay, and they are also used to cover up dental implants and preserve them from injury.
Porcelain is the most common choice for patients because of its ability to color match your natural teeth and merge perfectly; nevertheless, there are numerous types of dental crowns such as:
- Gold crowns;
- Silver crowns;
- Porcelain crowns;
- Crowns made from porcelain bonded to metal;
- Ceramic crowns.
What Is a Tooth Cap?
A tooth cap, also known as an onlay or inlay, is similar to a crown except that it only covers a piece of the tooth surface rather than the full structure. A dental cap can be used by dentists to treat tooth decay, fractures or cracks in molars and premolars, tooth trauma, or tooth sensitivity. Tooth caps are normally composed of porcelain and can be customized to match the color of your teeth.
What Is Common Between Them?
Tooth caps, also known as dental crowns, are tooth-shaped restorations constructed of tooth-colored porcelain, ceramic, or composite resin. These tooth restorations can be custom-made to match the color and tint of your teeth, blending in seamlessly with your smile once installed. Dental crowns and tooth caps can also be used to treat decaying teeth, fractures or cracks in the tooth, trauma to the tooth, and tooth sensitivity.
Differences Between Tooth Caps and Dental Crowns
While tooth caps and crowns have many similarities, you should be aware of the following major differences:
- The main distinction between a tooth cap and a dental crown is the amount of tooth structure they cover. A tooth cap covers the biting surface and one or two sides, whereas crowns completely surround teeth;
- Tooth caps are less invasive than dental crowns since they just cover a portion of the tooth's surface;
- Tooth caps are typically less expensive than dental crowns;
- If a tooth cap does not fit properly, your dentist can simply remove and replace it. This may not always be the case with dental crowns.
When Should You Get a Tooth Cap or a Dental Crown?
While tooth caps and crowns share many characteristics, they also offer distinct advantages. If you are unsure whether tooth restoration is ideal for you, consult with your dentist, who will evaluate your teeth and recommend the best alternative based on your circumstances.
Your dentist may also take a digital image of your tooth and give different treatment alternatives based on their assessment of its condition.
Dental crowns
A dental crown can be used for a variety of purposes, including restoring tooth structure, strengthening fractured or cracked teeth, and anchoring dental bridges. They can also be used to support dental implants and shield teeth from further harm. A dental crown protects and strengthens the entire natural tooth structure since it completely encases it.
Tooth Caps
If you have a rotting tooth, a cracked tooth, or fissures in molars and premolars, tooth trauma, tooth sensitivity, or teeth that have received root canal therapy, a dental cap may be the best option.
Many people choose tooth caps over dental crowns since they involve less invasive treatment and do not replace the complete structure of your tooth. Additionally, tooth caps are usually less expensive than dental crowns.
