Posted November 11, 2025 in Dental Crowns
If you have a cracked or damaged tooth or teeth that are worn down or permanently discolored, you may be researching options to restore your smile to its former glory. You have several choices, including covering it with a cap versus a crown. If you’ve never needed restorative dentistry before, the terminology can feel confusing, especially since the words “cap” and “crown” are often used interchangeably.
Both terms (“dental cap” and “dental crown”) actually refer to the same dental restoration—a tooth-shaped cover used to restore damaged or weakened teeth. The difference between a dental cap and a dental crown is mostly in terminology, as they both describe the same procedure and function. However, the nuances behind each treatment matter when you’re thinking about how you want your results to look and function.
In this blog, we’ll help you understand the similarities and differences between a dental cap and a dental crown so that you can go into your appointment feeling confident and prepared to choose the right restoration for you.
5 Min Read:
Table of Contents
- What Is a Dental Cap?
- What Is a Dental Crown?
- Is a Dental Cap the Same as a Dental Crown?
- Do Dental Caps and Crowns Cost the Same?
- Pros and Cons of Dental Caps and Dental Crowns
- Do I Need a Crown or a Cap to Protect My Natural Tooth Structure?
What Is a Dental Cap?
A dental cap is an older term that originally referred to early cosmetic dental restorations placed over the front of your tooth to improve its appearance. Before modern bonding or veneer techniques existed, dentists created tooth caps using thin layers of acrylic or porcelain that were cemented to the surface of the tooth needing repair. This approach functioned much like the earliest version of today’s porcelain veneers.
Dental caps were dental restorations that were primarily used for cosmetic purposes. They were often used to contour misshapen teeth, repair broken teeth, hide gaps, and improve the overall appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth. A tooth cap covers only part of the tooth surface and is less invasive than a full crown, preserving more of the existing tooth and natural tooth structure. However, one problem with dental caps was their lack of durability and natural appearance compared to those achievable with today’s methods and materials used for crowns and veneers.
As dental science and techniques advanced, caps evolved into more sophisticated, longer-lasting full-coverage tooth restorations, eventually merging into what we now call crowns. While the word “cap” is still used casually, the term actually refers to earlier versions of veneer-like cosmetic dentistry restorations. Dental caps are typically less expensive and less durable than crowns, as they involve less material and a simpler application process.
A dental cap is simply an informal name for a crown, and modern caps are made from a variety of materials designed to look natural and blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth. While the term is outdated, many people still say “cap” when they could be referring to either crowns or veneers. Dental caps are suitable for minor dental issues and aesthetic improvements, while crowns are preferred for more severe damage.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cover that is custom-made to restore the shape, size, strength, and appearance of a broken, cracked, damaged, or weakened tooth, and to protect the underlying tooth. Crowns are recommended when a person has severe tooth decay, has undergone root canal treatment, has a large fracture, needs long-lasting protection, or needs restoration of a damaged or decayed tooth.
Dental Crown Fabrication
Dental crowns are fabricated from impressions of your teeth, taken either digitally or traditionally, and can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, lithium disilicate, metal alloys, or porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), depending on your needs. Porcelain is the most popular material due to its ability to match the color of natural teeth, while all-metal crowns are the most durable and ideal for molars that endure heavy chewing pressure. Porcelain and ceramic crowns offer the best color match for front teeth.
Unlike fillings or bonding, crowns encase your entire existing tooth above the gum line, providing comprehensive coverage, making them more durable, and allowing you to chew, bite, and smile with confidence. Most dentists today use the term “crown,” but it refers to the same type of restoration some patients call a “cap.” Crowns can also be used to support dental bridges and dental implants, providing stability and restoring both function and aesthetics.
Dental Crown Process
The dental crown procedure begins with a consultation, where your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth and mouth and take impressions or digital scans to ensure a perfect fit for your custom crown. After deciding on the type of dental crown—porcelain crown, ceramic crown, zirconia crown, gold crown, or other tooth crown—tooth preparation begins with numbing the area and removing decay, preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible. The procedure typically involves two dental visits: the first for examination, impressions, and tooth preparation, and the second for placement of the permanent crown. A temporary dental crown covers the prepared tooth to protect it while the permanent crown is being made.
Advanced Crown Technology
At Gentle Care Dentistry, we use CEREC® technology to offer our patients same-day crowns. CEREC® technology enables our dentists to design, mill, and place full crowns, partial crowns (also known as inlays or onlays), and even veneers in just one appointment. After preparing and shaping the tooth, a detailed 3D digital scan is captured, and your restoration is milled right in our office using high-strength materials like compressed porcelain, zirconia, or e.max® lithium disilicate. The crown is then polished, stained, and glazed for a completely customized fit and a seamless, natural-looking result—all without multiple visits. If a same-day crown is not used, a temporary crown will protect the prepared tooth until the permanent crown is ready.
Dental Crown Longevity
Crowns can last between 5 and 15 years, depending on the material and proper care, including maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. The location of the crown in the mouth, such as on molars that endure more pressure, can influence its durability. Both dental crowns and dental caps can last many years if cared for properly, but may eventually need to be replaced if they become too worn down. Consulting your dentist is important to determine the right treatment plan and crown material for your needs.
Is a Dental Cap the Same as a Dental Crown?
Many people use the terms crowns and caps interchangeably; however, historically, a cap was a restoration placed primarily for cosmetic improvement. A crown, on the other hand, has always been used for medical or structural reasons, to protect weak teeth and restore full function. Both dental crowns and caps can be custom-made to match the color of your natural teeth.
Today, both terms usually refer to the same procedure: covering the entire visible portion of your tooth with a custom-created shell. There is no significant functional difference between a dental cap and a dental crown. While the terminology can sometimes make them sound like completely different procedures, both dental caps and crowns are used to reshape your teeth and improve the appearance of your smile. Functionally, they also achieve the same outcome by restoring strength and protection to your tooth. Both caps and crowns can last many years if properly cared for.
Do Dental Caps and Crowns Cost the Same?
The cost of dental crowns and caps depends on several factors, including the material used (such as metal, PFM, porcelain, or resin) and the complexity of the procedure. Dental insurance may cover some costs for medically necessary crowns, but coverage for cosmetic crowns is less common. Patients should consult their dentist for a tailored cost estimate and to discuss insurance coverage options.
Pros and Cons of Dental Caps and Dental Crowns
Dental caps and dental crowns are restorations that are both designed to restore and protect damaged teeth; however, subtle differences can make a difference in which procedure you choose.
If you’re still deciding which option feels right for you, below are some of the pros and cons of each type of restoration to help you determine which choice might be right for you.
Dental Cap Pros
- Often associated with primarily cosmetic, natural-looking results
- Uses modern ceramic materials that blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth
- Can improve the color, shape, and overall appearance of your teeth
- Provides full-coverage protection for damaged or weak teeth
- Long-lasting when properly cared for
Dental Cap Cons
- Not a formal clinical term, which can cause confusion
- Historically associated with older materials like porcelain-fused-to-metal
- May not convey the full functional benefits compared to the word “crown”
Dental Crown Pros
- “Crown” is the official clinical term widely used in dental treatment and documentation
- Can be crafted using a variety of materials, including zirconia and metal alloys (and often in just one appointment)
- Offers strong, durable protection for teeth that have significant structural damage or tooth decay
- Provides more comprehensive coverage than caps, fully encasing the entire tooth and offering greater durability
- Ideal for teeth that have undergone root canal therapy
- Ideal for supporting dental bridges and dental implants, providing stability and restoring function
- All-metal crowns are the most durable and best suited for molars that endure heavy chewing pressure, while all-porcelain crowns and porcelain crowns offer the best color match to natural teeth, making them ideal for front teeth
- Provides excellent functional and cosmetic results
Dental Crown Cons
- Requires more extensive preparation than a filling or veneer
- Costs can vary depending on the material used and the location of the tooth
- The cost of dental crowns is typically higher than that of dental caps
- The average cost of dental crowns can vary significantly depending on the material, with all-porcelain crowns being the most expensive option
- Requires precision and possibly multiple appointments unless same-day technology is used, such as the approach we offer to eligible patients at Gentle Care Dentistry
- Some materials, such as metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), may be less aesthetically pleasing in more visible areas
Do I Need a Crown or a Cap to Protect My Natural Tooth Structure?
The first step in getting a dental crown or cap is a consultation, during which the dentist evaluates the tooth’s condition and your overall dental health. Impressions or digital scans are then taken to ensure a perfect fit for the custom crown or cap crafted in a dental lab. After deciding on the type of crown or cap, preparation of the tooth begins with numbing the area and removing any tooth decay.
Because caps and crowns refer to the same type of restoration, the real question is not which term you use, but what material, design, and treatment approach best suits your needs. When determining which is right for you, your dentist will consider factors such as tooth location, the extent of the damage, your bite alignment, and your cosmetic goals. For front teeth, highly aesthetic ceramic materials like zirconia or e.max® may be recommended. For back teeth that require maximum strength, zirconia or PFM may be ideal.
Once the permanent crown is ready, it is bonded to the tooth with adjustments for a comfortable fit, providing a long-term, durable solution.
If you’ve been told you need a “cap,” your dentist is likely referring to the cosmetic aspect of the restoration. If you’ve been told you need a “crown,” they’re emphasizing the tooth’s functional needs. In practice, though, crowns and caps are the same procedure, so your choice truly comes down to material, appearance, and durability.
Explore Your Dental Crown Options in Las Cruces
Are you ready to restore your smile and achieve a long-lasting, natural-looking result that improves your dental health? Then it’s time to schedule a consultation with the experts at Gentle Care Dentistry to learn whether a full or partial dental crown is the right fit for your dental needs.
To make an appointment to explore your dental restoration options at Gentle Care Dentistry, call our office today at (575) 524-3722 or complete our online contact form.