Is there a difference between a cap and a crown?

Hello Claire,A crown and a cap are the same.  A crown wraps entirely around the tooth and is used to repair a fractured tooth, protect a tooth with a large filling or improve the appearance of teeth. I always recommend selecting an experienced cosmetic dentist that really knows what they are doing. The best indicator to determine if the dentist is going to give you the results that s/he claims, is by viewing before and after photos of his/her patients that have undergone similar or the same procedures. Good luck and I hope this helps. Follow me if you have more questions.Sarah Thompson, DMDSt. Louis, MO area (O'Fallon, IL)Real Self 100

A cap is the same thing as a crown. A tooth requires a crown when strength and protection is needed, or when there is too much tooth structure missing ie.extensive decay, a large failing filling,  a root canal treated tooth, etcthe crown restoration can wrap around the entire outside of the whole tooth or be a partial coverage.There are several different cermamic materials, gold materials and metal that dentists can choose between.  Each with its benefits and is dependant on esthetics, strength, and clinical situation.

A cap and a crown are the same. Both cover most or all the tooth surfaces. A crown or cap are used to restore a tooth when a considerable portion of the natural tooth is destroyed by decay or trauma. It is also used for cosmetic reasons.