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If you’ve ever looked into restorative dentistry for your teeth, then you have likely heard of dental crowns and caps. These are frequently used to cover and protect the damaged tooth while restoring a beautiful smile. One question patients often ask is, “What is the difference between dental crowns and caps?” The answer is simple: they are the same thing!
Dental Caps & Crowns Protect Your Teeth
No matter what name you prefer, the purpose of dental caps and crowns is to protect a damaged tooth. They can also be used as a cosmetic treatment to conceal discoloration or improve the appearance of a tooth that is not the same size or shape as surrounding teeth.
Outside of aesthetic purposes, the purpose of caps and crowns lies in restorative dentistry. We apply these tooth-colored coverings to prevent patients’ teeth from falling prey to bacteria and disease.
A dental crown can strengthen a weak tooth and potentially save it from needing a root canal or extraction later. This can help you preserve your natural teeth, avoid the need for implants, and help prevent bone loss.
How Long Does It Take to Get Dental Caps?
The entire process is relatively straightforward and takes about two hours to complete. You will receive a temporary crown first, then come back to the dentist for your permanent crown to be placed.
Before placing any crown, your dentist will treat any underlying decay or other oral health concerns. The primary goal is to ensure there is no bacteria or decay present when the crown is placed over the tooth.
How to Prepare for Dental Crowns
At The Smile Centre, we offer crowns in four materials:
- Porcelain: This material mimics the natural sheen of real dental enamel, providing the most natural-looking results.
- Ceramic: Dental ceramic crowns have a translucent finish that looks like your normal teeth; it is also stain-resistant and biocompatible.
- Gold: Gold is naturally resistant to corrosion and gentle on surrounding teeth.
- BruxZir® Zirconia: This dental zirconia is made from ceramic and is extremely durable.
Depending on the location of your damaged teeth, personal preferences, and budget, we will recommend the best material for your crowns. Your crowns may be placed in one day or multiple visits.
We can also use crowns to form a device called a bridge. A dental bridge fills in a gap from a missing tooth by connecting a porcelain replacement tooth to two crowns, which are placed on adjacent teeth. Essentially, the new artificial tooth sits as a “bridge” between the two crowns.
Explore Your Smile Options Today
At The Smile Centre in Sarasota, FL, we’re in the business of making you love your smile. To explore restorative dentistry options with a skilled professional, please call us at 941-351-4468, or request an appointment through our contact page.