DENTAL CROWN/CAP

A dental crown, also sometimes referred to as a “cap,” is a type of dental restoration that fits over the remains of a tooth to restore the appearance of the natural tooth or to protect it from further damage. The crowns, when cemented into place, fully encase the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line.

Why is a Dental Crown needed?

A dental crown is needed in the following situations

• • To protect a weak tooth (for instance, from decay) from breaking or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth.
• • To restore an already broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down.
• • To cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there aren’t a lot of teeth left.
• • To hold a dental bridge in place.
• • To cover misshaped or severely discoloured teeth.
• • To cover a dental implant.
• • To make a cosmetic modification.

Dental Caps Types

Dental caps come in three different types:

• Metal cap
  This can be used only for back teeth; it can be made up of gold, palladium, or nickel chrome.
• Metal ceramic cap (Porcelain fused to metal)- PFM
  Can be used for front and back teeth. The colour of the cap is matched to the colour of adjacent teeth, so it has a more natural tooth colour..
• (a) But the problem with PFM is that metal shows through the ceramic, giving it an unnatural look
• (b) ) If the ceramic gets chipped, the black colour of the metal shows, making the cap look ugly.
• Metal-free or all ceramic caps
  
• (a) There is no metal used so they give a life-like appearance providing great aesthetics/ looks.
• (b) They are fabricated with CAD/CAM technology, so their fit and accuracy are better.
• (c) They are strong and long-lasting.
• (d) Kind to our body (biocompatible) and not likely to cause an allergic reaction.