Cosmetic dentistry is something that happens more often than you may think. It can occur when someone breaks, chips or loses a tooth and wants to replace it for their own appearance; it can also happen when a person does not like the shape or placement, or the color of their teeth as well. There are a number of different ways to go about this, including caps and crowns. This leads people to ask the question: “what is the difference between cap and crown?” In this article, we will talk about the answer to that question.
Considering Crowns
Cosmetic crowns are also known as caps. So, to start right off, there is no difference between them. These crowns or caps are cosmetic only. They are good for those who have a tooth or two that is unsightly or damaged. These crowns or caps can be applied to one or more teeth in a row and will make them a good choice for those with unsightly visible teeth.
If you have a good bite but you find that you have irregular teeth, crowns or caps might be good for you. These are also good options for anyone who has a discolored, cracked or decayed tooth who is not interested in wearing a bridge or a denture.
The Procedure
The procedure for putting on your crowns or caps will take place in two different stages. Both can happen in the dentist’s office and do not require surgery. You will need to talk to your dentist to see if this is the best option for you, and after a brief consultation, you will begin getting ready.
The first step that the dentist will take will be to prepare your tooth to get the crowns or caps put on them. If you end up having deep cavities in your teeth, you might need to see another dentist to see if you need a root canal. The dentist can make sure that every tooth is going to be the correct size for you to get the crowns or caps.
During this appointment, you will also have an impression of your mouth made. This will be sent off to a lab where they will create your permanent crown. Usually, you will also get fitted with a temporary crown while you are waiting for the permanent one to be made.
Sometimes, it might take a week or two before it gets delivered. That said, it could take only a week or so with the way that dentists have their caps made in an in-house lab. The dentist will take off the temporary crowns or caps that were put on so that they can put on the permanent crowns once they get them back.
This will happen at your second appointment. When you both like how the appearance and the fit of the crowns or caps look, it will be cemented onto the tooth to ensure that it is stable. This will be done using dental cement.
Pros and Cons of Crowns
Having a permanent tooth cap, also known as a cosmetic crown, means that you will be able to enjoy the crown for a minimum of 15 years. This is only true if you are practicing good dental hygiene. That said, the crown does have the possibility of becoming loose and falling out, so that is a risk. If it does come out, your dentist will likely be able to refit it.
These crowns or caps will help you maintain the appearance of your smile while protecting individual teeth. Caps can also help to preserve the spacing of your other teeth. This can stop them from shifting or becoming loose. By doing this, you won’t have to worry about developing a malocclusion or a bad bite.
Some of the downsides of a crowns or cap option is that the placement process takes a while. It also costs more than just bonding your teeth. On the upside, the crowns are strong and, as mentioned, will last for a long time–even longer than a bond would.
Taking Care of Your Crown
It is important that you are taking care of your teeth. This is, of course, important without the use of any sort of crowns or caps, but it is especially true when you get these put on. In fact, that is solid advice for any sort of dental work that you have done; they often cost a good deal of money, and you wouldn’t want to waste that.
You also want to keep a pretty smile on your face, and not taking care of your teeth can ruin that smile and make you feel embarrassed. Taking care of your crowns or caps is a no brainer because of this. You need to maintain good oral hygiene to keep your teeth looking nice.
This includes brushing your teeth twice a day. You will want to use a toothpaste that contains fluoride as always. Flossing is important as it also helps to clean the spaces in between the teeth that the toothbrush cannot reach. Finally, finish with some mouthwash. You should look for something that has germ killing or antibacterial properties in it. This will help to reduce the plaque and keep your mouth clean and healthy.
Doing this will ensure that you can keep your crowns or caps in your mouth for as long as possible. Enjoy your beautiful new smile.
Conclusion
Cosmetic dentistry has been around for quite a while and does not appear to be going anywhere. If you are interested in getting something done involving these caps and crowns, it is best to know the difference between cap and crown. Did this article clear that up for you? Do you have any questions for us? Perhaps you even have a cap or a crown? Let us know all of your comments, questions and concerns in the comments section that can be found below.
Leave a Comment