Cap vs. Crown: Is There a Difference?

When you hide your smile because you are self-conscious about cracks, chips, or stains, cosmetic dental procedures can change your appearance and your confidence. It can be confusing to know which treatment will work best for you, with words like caps and crowns buzzing around your dentist’s office. This blog will help you understand exactly what a crown is and whether there is a difference between a ceramic tooth cap and a dental crown.

4 Min. Read:

Table of Contents

• The Difference Between Caps vs. Crowns for Teeth
• Benefits of Dental Crowns or Caps
• Materials for Dental Crown vs. Cap
• Cap vs. Dental Crown Cost
• Porcelain Caps vs. Veneers
• One-Day Crowns Offer Convenience and Natural Beauty
• Caring for Your Tooth Crown or Cap

The Difference Between Caps vs. Crowns for Teeth

Dental crowns and caps are often used interchangeably to refer to the same covering placed over a damaged tooth. Dentists typically refer to them as “crowns,” while patients often come in requesting “caps.” The tooth-shaped covering is customized to match the precise shape and color of the patient’s natural teeth, creating a seamless repair that is virtually indistinguishable from them.

Some dentists may refer to an onlay or an inlay as a “tooth cap,” which covers a smaller portion of the tooth. These devices may treat small cracks or decay, and typically require less time and expense to apply. However, this type of cap is less common than the standard dental crown, and most doctors use the two terms interchangeably to refer to a traditional tooth crown.

Benefits of Dental Crowns or Caps

Dental caps and crowns offer multiple benefits for patients looking to brighten their smiles, including:

• Restoration of severely damaged teeth
• Protection for weakened teeth
• Reduction in tooth sensitivity
• Creates a consistent, beautiful smile
• Provides long-lasting improvements

Once your crowns are in place, they should provide the same level of function as your natural teeth, in addition to your enhanced appearance. With various options for dental crowns available today, patients can find a solution that meets their oral health needs, aesthetic goals, and budget.

Materials for Dental Cap vs. Crown

Caps and crowns for teeth come in different materials, such as:

• Porcelain
• Ceramic
• Composite resin
• Metal

Porcelain crowns offer superior cosmetic results and optimal durability, which is why Dr. Tomazin offers those in his practice. He does not use any metal in the fabrication of his crowns to ensure the best aesthetic result and protect his patients’ health.

Cap vs. Dental Crown Cost

Patients considering cosmetic dentistry often want to know how much dental caps or crowns cost. Some dentists will offer temporary dental caps that cost less than traditional crowns and require less time in the dentist’s chair. However, these products are inferior to porcelain crowns in appearance and durability.

The cost of a dental crown varies based on where you receive treatment, your dentist’s experience, and the number of teeth you need treated. Dr. Tomazin will customize your treatment plan and provide a complete cost estimate for your procedure at your initial consultation.

Porcelain Caps vs. Veneers

Patients may also confuse dental caps with porcelain veneers. While “cap” typically refers to a dental crown, veneers are a completely different treatment. These coverings are applied only to the front surfaces of the teeth to hide imperfections such as stains, gaps, and chips. Like crowns, dental veneers blend beautifully with the shape and color of your natural teeth, making them unnoticeable to others. Veneers can also last as long as crowns—up to 15 years for some patients.

The right treatment for you depends on factors such as the number of teeth requiring treatment and the extent of the damage. Dr. Tomazin will determine the best course of treatment for you after a full assessment at your initial consultation.

One-Day Crowns Offer Convenience and Cosmetic Improvement

Patients who determine that dental crowns or caps are the right choice for them also have options in the crown type. Patients who want crowns primarily for functional reasons, or who don’t have time for multiple visits, can consider one-day crowns or CEREC® restorations. This advanced process uses a special camera to take digital impressions of your teeth. While your teeth are prepared for the crown, Dr. Tomazin designs your restoration using the digital impressions in 15 to 20 minutes.

Patients seeking crowns primarily for cosmetic purposes will likely achieve superior results with the traditional process. The procedure begins by preparing the teeth and taking impressions to send to the lab for a customized crown design. The color of the crown is also tailored to the precise shade of your natural teeth. You receive a temporary crown at this visit to protect teeth until your permanent crown is ready. When that occurs, you will return to the office to have your new crowns placed on your teeth.

Caring for Your Tooth Crown or Cap

Your dental crown or cap provides long-lasting protection and enhancement, as long as you take proper care of your crowns. We recommend brushing your teeth and crowns twice a day, and flossing once daily to keep them clean and free from harmful bacteria. See your dentist twice a year for professional cleanings and check-ups. Good oral health is important for protecting your crowns.  If you grind your teeth, talk to your dentist about steps you can take, such as wearing a nightguard, to protect your crowns from damage.

Learn More About Dental Crowns in Riverside, CA and the Inland Empire

Whether you call them dental caps or crowns, they are an excellent way to protect your teeth, enhance your smile, and boost your confidence. Dr. Chad Tomazin has extensive experience with dental crowns and performs all procedures using biocompatible, holistic dental care to preserve his patients’ health and well-being. To learn more about dental crowns in Riverside, call our office today at (951) 686-3666 or complete our online contact form.