Have you ever wondered if there’s really a difference between a toothcap and a crown? You’re not alone. In dental conversations, “cap” and “crown” are terms often used interchangeably—but understanding the subtle distinctions and why dental crowns are often preferred can help you make a more informed decision about your dental health.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore tooth cap vs crown, the differences between them, the types of dental crowns available, and why crowns tend to offer more benefits for restoring damaged or decayed teeth.
Let’s Set the Record Straight: Is There a Difference Between a Cap and a Crown?
You may have heard your dentist refer to a “crown” while your grandma still calls it a “cap.” So, is there any real difference between a cap and a crown?
Technically, no. A dental cap and a dental crown both refer to the same thing: a tooth-shaped cover placed over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its function, strength, and appearance.
So why is there a debate on “tooth cap vs crown”? It’s mostly a matter of terminology. “Tooth cap” is the more old-school or layman’s term, while “dental crown” is the professional term modern dentists prefer.
That said when we delve deeper into the world of dental restorations, dental crowns usually use more advanced materials, precision, and techniques that make them a more durable and aesthetic option.
Why Might a Tooth Need a Crown (or Cap)?
Dental crowns and caps are used for various reasons, particularly when the tooth is:
Cracked or fractured (hello, cracked tooth).- Severely worn down.
- Holding a large dental filling.
- Subject to severe tooth decay.
- Treated with root canal therapy.
- Misshapen or discoloured.
- Used to support a dental bridge or placed over a dental implant.
- A baby’s tooth needs protection from cavities.
Cracked or fractured (hello, cracked tooth).These are all situations where a tooth cap covers the vulnerable tooth structure, preventing further damage and preserving your oral health.
Cracked, Broken, or Decayed Tooth? Here’s Where Crowns Shine
Whether you’re dealing with a broken tooth, a decayed tooth, or an already broken tooth, a dental crown offers far more stability than a simple filling or bonding. Crowns essentially act as a protective shell, saving the entire tooth beneath it.
Let’s break it down:
- Cracked or damaged tooth: A crown distributes biting force evenly across the surface, reducing stress and preventing further cracking.
- Decayed tooth: When decay is too extensive for a filling, a crown fully restores the tooth’s shape and strength.
- Tooth trauma: After accidents or injury, crowns can preserve what’s left of the natural tooth.
Temporary Crown vs Permanent Crown: What’s the Deal?
During a dental crown procedure, your dental professional will likely place a temporary crown while your permanent crown is being custom-made in a dental lab. The temporary crown protects your tooth and maintains function in the short term, but it isn’t built to last.
Permanent crowns, on the other hand, are designed for long-term durability, strength, and aesthetics. They’re colour-matched to your natural teeth and can endure 10-15 years or more with proper care.
Types of Dental Crowns: Which One’s Right for You?
Not all crowns are created equal. Modern dentistry offers a variety of materials, each with its own advantages depending on your needs, especially when restoring front teeth versus molars.
Here’s a closer look at the most common types of dental crowns:
1. Porcelain Crowns
- Highly aesthetic and great for front teeth.
- Matches natural tooth structure.
- Fragile under heavy biting forces.
2. Zirconia Crowns
- Incredibly strong and durable.
- Metal-free—great for people with metal allergies.
- Suitable for both front and back teeth.
3. Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM Crowns)
- Strong core with a porcelain exterior.
- Combines strength with a natural look.
- It can sometimes show metal edges over time.
4. Metal Crowns (e.g., Gold Crowns)
- Extremely durable and long-lasting.
- It is not ideal for visible teeth due to colour.
- Best for back molars and severely damaged tooth cases.
5. Ceramic Crowns
- It’s all ceramic, with no metal at all.
- Excellent aesthetics and biocompatibility.
Each material plays a specific role depending on where the affected tooth is located, your bite strength, and your cosmetic goals.
The Dental Crown Procedure: What to Expect
Wondering what happens during a dental crown procedure? Here’s a simplified step-by-step:
- Dental Visit #1:
- The dentist examines the damaged or decayed tooth.
- Prepares the tooth by reshaping it to fit the crown.
- Takes impressions to send to a dental lab.
- Fits a temporary crown.
- Dental Visit #2 (after about 1–2 weeks):
- The permanent crown is placed.
- The dentist checks the fit and bite.
- The crown is cemented in place.
You’ll walk out with a fully restored tooth surface and peace of mind.
Dental Caps and Crowns: How Crowns Outperform Old-School Caps
Although the terms dental cap and dental crown are often used interchangeably, modern crowns offer significant advantages over the older cap concept.
Traditional caps were mostly functional, often made from basic metal and designed to cover a tooth with minimal attention to aesthetics. They did the job—but with limited durability and a noticeable appearance.
Today’s crowns are far more advanced. Crafted from materials like porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, and porcelain-fused-to-metal, they restore both function and appearance. These materials closely match the look and feel of natural teeth while offering greater strength and longevity.
Crowns are custom-made using digital impressions and advanced lab technology, ensuring a precise fit, proper bite alignment, and long-term comfort. Unlike old caps, which could look bulky or unnatural, modern crowns are designed to blend in seamlessly—especially important for front teeth.
In terms of durability, crowns also come out ahead. With proper care, they can last over a decade, resisting wear, stains, and chips more effectively than their predecessors.
Ultimately, while caps serve their purpose, today’s dental crowns provide a stronger, longer-lasting, and far more natural-looking solution for restoring damaged or decayed teeth.
What About Tooth Caps for Kids?
Tooth caps (or crowns) aren’t just for adults. They’re often used in baby teeth to protect against early tooth decay, especially when fillings won’t suffice. Paediatric stainless steel crowns are common for restoring function until the natural teeth fall out.
Dental Crowns Cost: What Should You Expect?
Costs vary depending on the crown type, the dental procedures involved, and your location in Australia.
- The starting price for a basic crown is around $1,500 AUD.
- Porcelain fused or ceramic crowns may cost more depending on the dental lab work and material quality.
Keep in mind that the investment protects your tooth structure, supports surrounding teeth, and helps avoid more invasive dental treatments like extractions or implants.
Can Crowns Be Used with Dental Implants?
Absolutely. Crowns are commonly used to top dental implants and replace missing teeth. Once the implant is placed into the jawbone, a tooth crown is secured on top to restore full function and aesthetics.
Crowns can also anchor a dental bridge, filling in the gap left by a loose tooth or extraction.
Cosmetic Dentistry Bonus: Crowns for Discoloured or Misshapen Teeth
Not just for damaged tooth situations—crowns also serve in cosmetic dentistry to cover discoloured teeth, misshapen teeth, or even gaps between teeth when veneers or bonding aren’t suitable.
Tooth Crown Aftercare: How to Keep It in Top Shape
Your crown may be strong, but it still needs care. To get the most life out of your dental crown:
- Brush and floss daily to prevent decay at the gumline.
- Avoid chewing hard items (ice, pens, etc.) to prevent cracks.
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleans.
- Watch out for signs of tooth sensitivity or changes in the bite.
Good oral hygiene ensures your crown stays strong and your surrounding natural teeth remain healthy.
When Might You Need to Replace a Crown?
Crowns are long-lasting but not eternal. You might need to replace your crown if:
- It becomes loose.
- It develops cracks or chips.
- There’s decay underneath.
- Your bite changes significantly.
Your dentist will evaluate the integrity of the crown during your dental visit and recommend whether it’s time for a new one.
Final Thoughts: Choosing Crowns Over Caps Is the Smart Move
While the terms “cap and crown” may refer to the same thing, today’s tooth crowns are superior in almost every way—from the materials used to the fit, longevity, and cosmetic result.
So, the next time you hear someone talk about getting a cap, you’ll know the better term—and better option—is a dental crown.
They don’t just protect a damaged or decayed tooth—they restore your confidence, enhance your smile, and keep your oral health in check for years to come.
Ready for a Smile Upgrade?
Talk to your local dental professionals about the best crown options for your needs—whether you’re dealing with broken or decayed teeth, planning a dental implant, or just want to enhance the look of your front teeth. A dental crown is more than just a fix—it’s a long-term solution for a stronger, healthier, more beautiful smile.
Contact Advanced Dental Care at (02) 6188 7103 to discuss your options and restore your confident smile today!
References
- Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Dental implant surgery. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dental-implant-surgery/about/pac-20384622
- WebMD. (n.d.). Dental crowns: What are they, types, procedure & care. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/dental-crowns
- Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Dental impressions. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22671-dental-impressions
- Medical News Today. (n.d.). Temporary crown: Procedure, care, and more. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/temporary-crown
