Crowns vs caps: Which one do you need?

If you’ve heard of people having their teeth capped, you may have wondered exactly what that meant. The truth is that both words can be used interchangeably by some people and not by others. Below, we’ll cover the nature of the two words and what you should know.

What Is a Crown?

A crown in Owensboro, KY is a partial or full artificial tooth, and it’s used to correct anything from cracks to decay. You may need a crown if you had a root canal because the procedure will weaken the natural tooth on top. Or you may need it if you’ve sustained damage (even if the nerve and inner tissues are still healthy). Crowns are a very common procedure, and thanks to today’s technology, you have plenty of options should you need one.

What Is a Cap?

The one depends on who you ask. Some people refer to crowns as caps, while others refer to veneers or onlays/inlays as caps. There is a significant difference between these two types of dental procedures. A dentist in Owensboro, KY will place a veneer as a cosmetic fix, ensuring that your teeth look white and uniform all across your mouth. Onlays, inlays, and crowns are all done to fix damage to the teeth. If you don’t want to get confused, the best thing you can do is clarify the difference if someone uses the term cap.

Visiting Your Dentist in Owensboro, KY

While dental terms can be confusing even for people in the profession, you don’t have to go into the procedure blind. At Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry, with locations in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, we can define our services and explain your options so you feel entirely comfortable moving forward!