A dental cap is also commonly referred to by professionals as a dental crown. A cap is a fixed object that is simply cemented onto an existing tooth in the mouth. As such, it is like any other sort of prosthetic, only one that is designed for oral use. Temporary caps are sometimes fitted in cases of emergency dental work, but normal ones are designed to last a long time.
The main function of dental crowns is to create a protective layer over damaged or worn teeth. However, caps also have the added benefit of strengthening the teeth so that they can bite, chew and tear better. For many people, they also improve the appearance of a smile and make for a better oral alignment of the teeth.
Caps are manufactured after an impression of the bite of the teeth has been taken. In some cases, the tooth to which the cap or crown will be fitted needs to be reshaped so that it is suitable for a good fitting. Either way, dental patients usually have the choice of four different types of dental cap. Let's take a look at each of them in more detail.
Dental Cap Options
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Ceramic caps are mostly frequently used for a restorative effect and are therefore common for incisors at the front of the mouth. They are a popular choice because ceramic tends to blend with the natural colour of the patient's teeth.
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Porcelain and metal caps are another common choice because of the bite-strengthening nature of the material. The porcelain is fused to a metal substructure which is highly durable and ideal for canines and molars. Generally speaking, they offer a strong bond which gives patients a good deal of peace of mind.
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Gold is also used for dental caps, but these days they tend to be made from a mixture of metals in the form of an alloy. A dental crown of this type is likely to be made from gold and copper. These are a good choice where there is not much tooth left to protect because they cause minimal wear once fitted. They also provide a long-lasting bond.
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Non-noble metal alloys are another option offered by modern dentists for caps. These prosthetics are constructed from base metals which are chosen because they are highly corrosion-resistant. Also offering a strong bond between the tooth and the crown, in skilled hands this type of cap requires only a minimal amount of a healthy tooth to be reshaped in order to be fitted.
