In short: There’s no difference — “cap” is just the everyday word for a dental crown. Both refer to a custom cover that fits over a damaged, weak or heavily filled tooth to restore its strength, shape and appearance. Dentists say “crown”; many patients say “cap” — they’re the same thing.
This one causes a lot of confusion, so the simple answer is reassuring: a “cap” and a “crown” are exactly the same thing. “Crown” is the correct dental term; “cap” is the popular, everyday word people have used for years. When your dentist says crown and your relative says cap, they mean the identical treatment.
So what is a crown/cap? It’s a custom-made cover that fits right over a tooth, encasing the visible part like a helmet, to restore it. It’s used when a tooth is too damaged or weak for a simple filling, for example:
- A tooth that’s badly decayed or has a very large filling.
- A cracked or broken tooth that needs holding together.
- A tooth that’s had a root canal (which leaves it brittle and needing protection).
- To cover a dental implant, or anchor a bridge.
- To improve the shape or appearance of a misshapen or discoloured tooth.
Crowns are made from various materials — tooth-coloured porcelain or ceramic for a natural look, metal, or a combination — chosen to match the tooth’s position and function.
The crown is custom-made to fit your tooth and bite, then cemented firmly in place, restoring the tooth’s strength, shape and appearance so you can eat and smile normally.
If you have a weak, cracked or heavily filled tooth, book an appointment to see whether a crown is the right way to protect it.