Teeth Cap Types: Discover the Best Options for You

Are You Considering a Tooth Cap but Confused About Which Type Suits You? Here’s a Comprehensive Guide to Help You Decide on the Ideal Cap

What is a Tooth Cap?

Teeth Caps are protective coverings placed over the decayed tooth. They restore the shape and size of the tooth and maintain its function, beautifully concealing all the imperfections of the tooth. Teeth caps are also called Dental Crowns.

The Essential Role of Tooth Caps

It plays a crucial role in strengthening and restoring the function of decayed teeth.

Types of Tooth Caps

Dental crowns are crafted using various materials like ceramics and metals. Different materials serve different purposes. On the basis of aesthetics and function, let's classify them:

Ceramic Crown

Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia crowns are the most premium caps among all others, known for delivering celebrity-like smiles. They are made from zirconia dioxide and match the natural tooth color. Zirconia crowns come in various shades of natural teeth and have good translucency, seamlessly blending with existing dentition. The cost of Zirconia caps ranges between Rs 6000 to Rs 20,000, depending on the quality of zirconia stone used.

Benefits:

• Highly crack-resistant, stable under thermal changes, and does not stain.

• Does not wear off the opposite tooth and is good at taking loads.

• Causes no allergies.

Disadvantages:

• Difficult to match the tooth's natural shade with Zirconia stone, requiring customization to match translucency and shade without compromising your smile.

Porcelain Crowns

These crowns are made from tooth-colored ceramics and are widely accepted for their life-like appearance. The cost of porcelain caps ranges between Rs 8000 to Rs 25,000, depending on lab costs and overheads.

Benefits:

• More affordable compared to Zirconia caps and aesthetically appealing with adequate strength.

• Highly recommended for both front and back tooth restorations.

Disadvantages:

• Ceramic caps can chip over time and are opaque, unlike Zirconia caps. If the cap shade does not match existing teeth, it may appear unnatural.

Emax Crowns

Emax crowns are made from lithium disilicate, easily blending with other natural teeth. These are among the most expensive caps and are considered better than Zirconia crowns due to being lightweight and sturdier.

Benefits:

• Highly durable, matches natural teeth, and is recommended for front teeth restorations.

• Crack-resistant, does not cause allergies, does not oxidize in the mouth, and provides more mechanical strength than porcelain caps.

Disadvantages:

• Emax crowns are slightly more expensive than other dental crowns.

Porcelain Fused Metal Crowns (PFM)

PFM crowns have a porcelain outer layer fused to a metal inner layer, also known as Metal Ceramic Crowns. Metal enhances mechanical strength and extends the crown's lifespan, while porcelain provides a natural appearance. The cost typically ranges between Rs 6000 to Rs 12,000 per crown.

Benefits:

• Recommended for patients with heavy biting habits, as the metal increases durability.

Disadvantages:

• Metal may get exposed in PFM caps and can cause allergies. Patients must remove PFM crowns to undergo an MRI scan.

Metal Crown

Gold Caps

Gold caps are made from gold alloys, which do not match the natural tooth color. Gold caps were popular two decades ago. Metals like palladium and nickel are added to gold to increase its strength. The price of gold caps begins at Rs 12,000 and can go higher due to the high cost of gold and the extensive crafting process.

Benefits of Gold Caps:

• Gold caps are tough, durable, require less tooth preparation, and can last up to ten to fifteen years.

Disadvantages of Gold Caps:

• The gold color is visible and less aesthetically appealing compared to Porcelain and Zirconia caps. They are also very expensive.

Nickel Chromium Alloy Crowns

These crowns are the oldest and most durable restorations in dentistry. Nickel and chromium are strong and corrosion-resistant, making them reliable. Precision Casting methods produce accurate metal caps faster than traditional methods. The cost is around Rs 3500 to Rs 5000.

Benefits:

• Superior mechanical strength, reasonable compared to non-metal caps, and can easily withstand oral environments.

Disadvantages:

• No longer used as they are highly visible in the mouth, and patients may experience metal allergies.

DMLS Crowns - Direct Metal Laser Sintering

DMLS crowns are designed using laser technology, where metal powder is sintered layer by layer using a high-power laser. These caps possess higher mechanical strength than traditional metal caps and are 3D printed using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) data. Once the framework is ready, it is polished and cleaned with machines.

Benefits:

• DMLS caps have an excellent marginal fit, ensuring minimal leakage and reduced chances of tooth reinfection. The thickness and fit can be customized precisely.

Disadvantages:

• Highly visible and noticeable, which does not support aesthetics. More expensive than traditional metal caps.

How Do You Choose the Right Tooth Cap for You?

Selecting the appropriate tooth cap involves considering several factors:

• Location of the Tooth: Zirconia, porcelain, or E-max caps are recommended for front teeth due to their aesthetic appeal. PFM crowns are suggested for back teeth as they can handle heavy masticatory forces.

• Budget: Your dentist will help you decide the right dental cap according to your budget. Metal crowns are cheaper than non-metal caps.

• Good Shelf-life: Zirconia and PFM crowns are highly durable and recommended for patients with bruxism due to their mechanical strength and natural appearance.

• Preserve Natural Smile: Porcelain and zirconia crowns easily blend with surrounding natural teeth.

• Cost: Zirconia and Porcelain crowns are slightly more expensive than others, but their natural appearance makes them worth the investment. These caps last for at least ten to fifteen years if properly maintained.

• Material Sensitivity: Metal caps, though robust, are not aesthetically accepted by everyone. Many people are sensitive to nickel in metal caps, so non-metal caps are advised in such cases.

Maintenance of Tooth Caps

Dental crowns may last up to fifteen or more years if maintained properly.

• Regularly Brush and Floss: Clean your teeth regularly with a soft bristle toothbrush to prevent plaque buildup around the teeth and dental caps. Flossing removes accumulated food particles between them and keeps gums healthy.

• Regular Dental Check-ups: Visit your dentist at least twice a year for a deep cleaning of the teeth. It enhances the lifespan of dental caps.

• Avoid Staining of the Crowns: Rinse your mouth after meals or beverages to avoid staining the caps.

• Do Not Bite on Hard Food Items: Though dental crowns are strong enough to withstand strong masticatory forces, avoid unnatural forces.

Takeaway

Now, you can confidently select a tooth cap that aligns with your dental needs. Always prioritize the appearance and longevity of the dental crowns. The dentist highly recommends Zirconia, Porcelain, and E-max crowns. Visit your dentist today to discuss dental cap options and take the first step towards a healthy smile.