What is the Difference Between a Dental Cap or a Crown?

What is the difference between and dental cap and a crown? Is there actually a difference? Please read below as we explore this topic in more detail.

You may sometimes hear people talk about dental caps and crowns, and be confused about the difference between these dental treatments. It may feel as if the two words are being used interchangeably – and that’s because they are the same thing!

There is no difference between a cap and a crown. For a long time, dental crowns were referred to as caps, and even now you may still hear the term ‘cap’ used by older people and by those who do not work in dentistry.

Most dentists today use the term ‘crown’ instead.

What Are Dental Caps/Crowns?

A dental crown is a prosthetic that completely covers the tooth. Crowns can be made from metal or porcelain, and they are fixed to your tooth. They are used to cover broken or decayed teeth or teeth that have been chipped or damaged.

Sometimes they can be used for aesthetic reasons too, even on teeth that are not damaged. To fit a crown, the dentist will need to drill the tooth down to provide an area for the crown to be attached to.

Crowns need to be made specifically for the tooth in question, so it usually takes more than one visit to get a crown fitted. On the first visit, the dentist will examine your mouth and take the measurements/map required to fit you for the crown.

Then they will send the information to the lab so that they can make the crown for you.

Temporary Crowns

If your tooth is severely damaged then the dentist may provide you with a temporary crown to cover the damaged area while the permanent crown is being made.

Temporary crowns are made from an acrylic or composite material so they will not last as long as a ceramic or metal crown.

Choosing the Right Material

Ceramic crowns are highly desirable because they look quite natural, so at first glance, it’s hard to tell that they are not a normal tooth. Metal crowns can either be gold or white (silver).

Gold crowns are not pure gold, because gold is a very soft metal and would not be strong enough to serve as a replacement tooth. Rather, they are made from a gold alloy which is a mixture of gold and an inert, non-precious metal.

Ceramic crowns are a popular choice for front teeth because they look so natural, however, they are brittle and are more likely to crack or chip, so you need to take good care of them.

A popular compromise is Porcelain Fused to Metal – a hybrid where the inner part of the crown is metal, which is covered in ceramic to make it look nicer. The layering doesn’t quite look as natural, but the crown should last longer.

How Much Do Crowns Cost?

The cost of a dental cap or crown can vary depending on where the crown needs to be fitted, and how damaged the underlying tooth is, as well as the type of material that you would like the crown to be made from.

Are you searching for a reliable dental clinic in Taylors Lakes Australia for your dental crown procedure? If so, then look no further than Gardens Dental.

Gardens Dental offers a full array of dental services in Taylors Lakes and Caroline Springs to help you and your family maintain healthy teeth. 

We offer a range of different types of crown so you should be able to find something that suits your preferences and budget. We accept all HICAPS participating health funds and BUPA health insurance, and we offer a selection of payment options too.

So don’t delay getting dental care. If you have a cracked or damaged tooth or are otherwise worried about your oral health, call us as soon as possible. We would be happy to work with you and help you get the best crown, cap or filling for your needs.

To learn more about our services or make an appointment, please contact us today on (03) 9449 2626 or through our website.