The terms dental crowns and caps are synonymous. If dental decay, cracked fillings, root canals, clenching or grinding the teeth have caused extensive damage to the underlying tooth structure a dental filling may not be a sufficient restoration. The only way to completely restore the cosmetic appearance and function of this tooth is often full coverage with a dental crown. The good news is that a completed dental crown looks and feels like a natural tooth.
In addition to restoring a single natural tooth, crowns can be used in other situations including being the supporting ends of dental bridge, covering dental implants, or as coverage for a cracked tooth to prevent further breakdown. A crown may also be indicated when a discolored or stained tooth needs to be restored to its natural appearance. Crowns can be made of either porcelain baked onto a metal substrate, all-porcelain, or many of the new ceramic materials that have been developed.
They are two words for the same restoration. “Cap” is the everyday term and “crown” is the clinical one. Both describe a custom restoration that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth to restore its strength, shape and appearance.
A filling replaces a limited amount of lost tooth structure. When decay, a cracked filling, root canal treatment, or clenching and grinding have damaged a large portion of the underlying tooth, a filling may no longer provide enough support. In those cases full coverage with a crown is often the only way to completely restore both the function and the cosmetic appearance of the tooth.
Crowns can be made of porcelain baked onto a metal substrate, all-porcelain, or one of the newer ceramic materials that have been developed. The most suitable choice depends on where the tooth sits in your mouth, how much biting force it has to take, and the appearance you are looking for.
Yes. A completed dental crown is designed to look and feel like a natural tooth, with the shade and shape matched to the teeth around it.
Yes. In addition to restoring a single natural tooth, crowns are used to cover dental implants and to form the supporting ends of a dental bridge.
A crown may be indicated when a discoloured or stained tooth needs to be restored to its natural appearance — particularly where whitening cannot correct the discolouration, or where the tooth also needs structural support.
Longevity varies with the material used, the position of the tooth, your bite, and how well the crown and the surrounding gum tissue are cared for at home. Keeping up with routine checkups allows us to monitor both the crown and the natural tooth underneath it.
Brush and floss around a crown just as you would a natural tooth — the tooth structure beneath it can still develop decay at the margin. If you clench or grind your teeth, a night guard may be recommended to protect the restoration.
