Tooth decay can damage your teeth, which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Teeth caps are a type of dental restoration that is used to protect and restore teeth function and appearance. They cover the damaged teeth to protect them from further damage. They can be made from different types of materials, including porcelain or metal. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits and types of teeth caps for adults.
Benefits & Uses
Teeth caps, also known as dental crowns, are dental restorations that cover teeth to restore their shape and function. Benefits and uses of teeth caps for adults include:
- Protection: They protect the damaged teeth from further damage. Also, they protect weak teeth, for example, teeth with large fillings or have been treated with a root canal.
- Restore tooth functions: They can restore the biting and chewing functions of teeth.
- Aesthetics: They improve the appearance of your teeth and smile. Dental crowns can be made to match the natural color of teeth. Also, they can be used to cover misshapen or severely discolored teeth.
Types of Teeth Caps for Adults
Teeth caps for adults can be categorized according to the material used to make them. They include:
- Metal caps: They can be made from gold, palladium, or nickel-chromium alloy. Metal caps are affordable, strong, and durable. However, they are unesthetic because of their metallic color.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM): These teeth caps consist of a metal base that is covered with a layer of porcelain. The metal base covers the tooth and the porcelain mimic the tooth’s natural color. PFM is the most common teeth cap for adults because it is strong, durable, and aesthetic.
- All-Ceramic caps: They are made entirely from porcelain. They provide the most natural teeth color. However, they are the most expensive tooth caps option for adults.
- All-resin caps: They are made from composite or acrylic resin. All-resin crowns are not strong and can break easily. They are usually used as temporary caps.
The Procedure of Teeth Caps for Adults
The procedure usually takes 2 to 3 visits to the dentist. First, your dentist will examine the tooth and take a few x-rays to determine the best treatment option. If the tooth is severely decayed or the infection reached the tooth pulp, your dentist may perform a root canal treatment before the tooth cap procedure. During the first visit, your dentist will prepare the damaged tooth to receive the dental crown. The procedure of teeth caps for adults include:
- Anesthetic injection: The teeth caps procedure for adults is usually performed under local anesthesia.
- Preparation of the tooth: Your dentist will file down and remove part of the outer layer of the tooth to make space for the crown
- Taking an impression: Your dentist will use molding material to take an impression of the teeth and bite and then send it to a dental laboratory for the fabrication of the crown.
- Temporary cap: A temporary crown is usually placed on the prepared tooth to protect it while waiting for the permanent cap. If your temporary crown broke off, visit your dentist immediately to replace it.
During the second visit, your dentist will remove the temporary cap and place the permanent cap over the tooth. Your dentist will check the fitting and color of the permanent tooth cap. Then, your dentist will secure it in place with dental cement.
Same-day Teeth Caps for Adults
With the advances in dental technology, teeth caps for adults can be made in a single visit using CAD/CAM technology. Instead of taking an impression of the teeth, your dentist will use a digital scanner to create a 3D image of the teeth. This 3D image is then used to design the crown.
After that, the crown is fabricated using a computer-controlled milling machine. The whole process takes about an hour. The advantage of same-day teeth caps is that there is no need for a second visit, and you don’t have to wear a temporary crown. However, not all dentists have CAD/CAM technology, and this technique is more expensive than the traditional way.
Home Care
It is important to take care of dental crowns to make them last longer. Here are some tips:
- Brush your teeth twice a day. Caps need to be brushed just like natural teeth. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss teeth at least once daily. Flossing is important to remove food particles and plaque from teeth.
- Avoid using your teeth to open things. Caps can crack or break if you use them to open things.
- Avoid chewing or biting on hard objects. Chewing or biting on hard objects such as ice or fingernails can cause damage.
- Visit the dentist regularly. It is important to visit the dentist every six months for professional teeth cleaning
Possible Complications
Teeth caps are usually safe. However, there is a risk of complications such as:
- Discomfort or sensitivity: A newly capped tooth can be sensitive to hot or cold temperatures. Sensitivity may occur due to tooth preparation/reduction.
- Allergic reaction: It is rare, but some people can have an allergic reaction to the metal used in dental crowns.
- Crown chipping: PFM crowns can chip, exposing the base metal. Your dentist can repair your chipped crown with exposed metal. However, It is recommended to replace it if the crown is old.
- The tooth cap falls off: This may happen because the tooth cover is not properly cemented in place.
- Gum Disease: If the capped tooth begins to accumulate food debris, it can lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
- Dark line on the capped tooth next to the gum line: This can happen if you have a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown. The dark line is due to the metal underneath the porcelain.
Call your dentist if you experience any of these complications.
Teeth Caps for Adults – Conclusion
Teeth caps for adults are a great way to restore damaged teeth. They are made from different materials such as porcelain, ceramic, and metal. It usually takes two visits to the dentist to get a tooth cap. However, with advances in dental technology, they can be made in a single visit.
Tooth caps can last for many years with proper care. So, brush your teeth twice a day, floss your teeth at least once daily, and visit the dentist regularly. If you consider getting a dental crown, talk to your dentist to see if they are the right option for you.
