Tooth Cap vs. Crown: All You Need to Know
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Tooth Cap vs. Crown: All You Need to Know

January 15, 2025

Dental jargon can make getting treatment a tad confusing. For example, “tooth cap” and “crown” are often used interchangeably but do they mean the same thing? Fortunately, we are here to demystify these terms and help you understand your dental concerns. Let’s look into the tooth cap vs. crown debate: What are dental crowns and caps? What is the difference between the two? What must you know about these two procedures before your next dentist visit? 

Tooth Cap vs. Crown: What Are They?

Tooth caps and dental crowns are dental procedures designed to help protect and strengthen an individual’s teeth. The cap or crown acts as armor and tooth structure, giving patients the exterior necessary to restore essential dental functions. Dental caps and crowns are often seen on decayed or damaged teeth, impairing normal tooth function. 

The tooth cap vs. crown debate rages on, but these terms refer to the same technique. A “crown” is a more formal term used by dentists, while a “tooth cap” is a more informal term used by patients. No matter the term you use, a tooth cap or crown is necessary to extend your tooth’s lifespan and prevent further damage. 

What Is a Tooth Cap?

We established that a tooth cap is a dental procedure to help maintain normal tooth function. Tooth caps act as a stand-in for your damaged tooth. It provides the structure of a tooth, allowing you to carry on as usual instead of working around a damaged or decayed tooth. 

Tooth caps are also used for aesthetic appeal. Our smiles are an important confidence factor, and discoloration and other issues can significantly dip someone’s self-esteem. Dentists can hide these imperfections with a tooth cap and help patients regain confidence in their teeth. 

Tooth Cap vs. Crown: The Biggest Differences

While tooth caps and crowns are the same, the terms sometimes denote different uses. As mentioned above, tooth caps restore tooth function and help with aesthetic appeal. They are often seen as an aesthetic solution to tooth discoloration. On the other hand, the term “crown” refers more to structural repair, i.e., a tooth cap that helps restore a patient’s tooth’s function. 

Function is the major determining factor for a tooth protection crown, while looks are the major determining factor for a tooth cap. 

Conclusion

Tooth caps and crowns are two popular dental terms. They are used interchangeably because they refer to the same procedure: providing support, structure, and aesthetics to a damaged tooth.

The only difference between the terms is when they’re used. Dentists mostly use the term “crown” to refer to a structural solution, while “tooth caps” are more informal and generally refer to visual fixes. With the jargon out of the way, invest in the best dental crown from Bloom Dental in Arlington. Let us help with all your dentistry needs.