Cap vs. Crown — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Published on December 28, 2024
A cap is a protective covering for a tooth, while a crown restores a tooth's shape, size, and appearance.
Difference Between Cap and Crown
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Dental caps and crowns are often used interchangeably in dentistry, but both serve the purpose of covering a damaged tooth. A cap is essentially a type of crown, designed to fit over a tooth to protect it from further damage or decay. On the other hand, a crown is a more specific term used to describe a dental restoration that completely encases the tooth or dental implant.
Caps are typically used to protect, cover, and restore the shape of your teeth when fillings don't solve the problem. Crowns, however, not only serve a protective function but are also used to improve the cosmetic appearance of teeth, offering a solution for broken, cracked, or misshapen teeth.
While both caps and crowns can be made from various materials such as porcelain, metal, or a combination of both, crowns are often specifically designed to match the color and appearance of your natural teeth. This cosmetic aspect is especially important in crowns used for front teeth restoration.
The process of fitting a cap or crown involves reshaping the damaged tooth to ensure a proper fit of the restoration. For both treatments, the tooth is filed down, and an impression is taken to create a custom cap or crown that fits perfectly over the tooth.
In terms of durability and function, both caps and crowns aim to strengthen and protect the tooth, allowing for normal chewing and biting. Regular dental hygiene practices are required to maintain the health and longevity of both caps and crowns.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Purpose
To cover and protect a damaged tooth.
To restore a tooth's shape, size, strength, and appearance.
Usage
Often used interchangeably with crowns.
Specifically refers to a dental restoration that encases the entire tooth.
Material
Can be made from porcelain, metal, or a combination.
Often designed to match natural tooth color, especially for front teeth.
Cosmetic Appearance
Functional, may not always match the natural tooth color.
Aesthetically designed to blend with surrounding teeth.
Process
Involves reshaping the tooth and fitting the cap.
Similar process, with emphasis on cosmetic restoration.
Compare with Definitions
Cap
A protective cover for a damaged tooth, often referred to as a crown in dentistry.
The dentist recommended a cap to protect her weakened tooth from further decay.
Crown
A dental restoration that completely covers or "caps" a tooth or dental implant, often used for aesthetic purposes.
She got a crown to restore her front tooth, which was chipped in an accident.
Cap
Made from a variety of materials, chosen based on the tooth's location and function.
For his back tooth, a durable metal cap was chosen to withstand the pressure of chewing.
Crown
Like caps, crowns require regular dental care and hygiene to prevent decay at the tooth-crown margin.
Regular dental check-ups were essential to monitor the condition of her crown and surrounding gums.
Cap
Primarily focuses on protecting the tooth and restoring its basic function.
After the cap was placed, she could chew comfortably without pain.
Crown
Frequently made to resemble the natural tooth color, using porcelain or ceramic materials.
The porcelain crown matched his natural teeth so well that it was virtually indistinguishable.
Cap
Requires good oral hygiene to maintain its integrity and prevent gum disease.
He was advised to maintain diligent oral hygiene to ensure the longevity of his cap.
Crown
Restores the tooth's appearance, strength, and functionality, improving overall dental health and aesthetics.
The crown not only strengthened his weak tooth but also significantly improved his smile.
Cap
Custom-fitted to encase the entire tooth, protecting it from further damage.
The cap fit snugly over her damaged tooth, sealing it off from bacteria.
Crown
Designed to blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth, enhancing the tooth's cosmetic appearance.
Her new crown was crafted to complement the shape and color of her adjacent teeth perfectly.
Cap
A usually soft and close-fitting head covering, either having no brim or with a visor.
Crown
An ornamental circlet or head covering, often made of precious metal set with jewels and worn as a symbol of sovereignty.
Cap
A special head covering worn to indicate rank, occupation, or membership in a particular group
A cardinal's cap.
A sailor's cap.
Crown
The power, position, or empire of a monarch or of a state governed by constitutional monarchy.
Cap
An academic mortarboard. Used especially in the phrase cap and gown.
Crown
The monarch as head of state.
Cap
A protective cover or seal, especially one that closes off an end or a tip
A bottle cap.
A 35-millimeter lens cap.
Crown
A distinction or reward for achievement, especially a title signifying championship in a sport.
Cap
A crown for covering or sealing a tooth.
Crown
Something resembling a diadem in shape.
Cap
A truck cap.
Crown
A coin stamped with a crown or crowned head on one side.
Cap
A tread for a worn pneumatic tire.
Crown
Abbr. cr. A silver coin formerly used in Great Britain and worth five shillings.
Cap
A fitted covering used to seal a well or large pipe.
Crown
Any one of several coins, such as the koruna, the krona, or the krone, having a name that means “crown.”
Cap
Chiefly Southern US See eye.
Crown
The top or highest part of the head.
Cap
A summit or top, as of a mountain.
Crown
The head itself.
Cap
An upper limit; a ceiling
Placed a cap on mortgage rates.
Crown
The top or upper part of a hat.
Cap
(Architecture) The capital of a column.
Crown
The highest point or summit.
Cap
The top part, or pileus, of a mushroom.
Crown
The highest, primary, or most valuable part, attribute, or state
Considered the rare Turkish stamp the crown of their collection.
Cap
A calyptra.
Crown
The part of a tooth that is covered by enamel and projects beyond the gum line.
Cap
A percussion cap.
Crown
An artificial substitute for the natural crown of a tooth.
Cap
A small explosive charge enclosed in paper for use in a toy gun.
Crown
(Nautical) The lowest part of an anchor, where the arms are joined to the shank.
Cap
Any of several sizes of writing paper, such as foolscap.
Crown
(Architecture) The highest portion of an arch, including the keystone.
Cap
(Sports) An appearance by a player in an international soccer game, traditionally rewarded with a hat.
Crown
The upper, spreading part of a tree or shrub.
Cap
A capital letter.
Crown
The part of a plant, usually at ground level, where the stem and roots merge.
Cap
Capital
Venture cap.
Crown
The persistent, mostly underground base of a perennial herb.
Cap
Capitalization
Market cap.
Crown
See corona.
Cap
To cover, protect, or seal with a cap.
Crown
The crest of an animal, especially of a bird.
Cap
To award a special cap to as a sign of rank or achievement
Capped the new women nurses at graduation.
Crown
The portion of a cut gem above the girdle.
Cap
To lie over or on top of; cover
Hills capped with snow.
Crown
To put a crown or garland on the head of.
Cap
To apply the finishing touch to; complete
Cap a meal with dessert.
Crown
To invest with regal power; enthrone.
Cap
To follow with something better; surpass or outdo
Capped his last trick with a disappearing act that brought the audience to its feet.
Crown
To confer honor, dignity, or reward upon.
Cap
To set an upper limit on
Decided to cap cost-of-living increases.
Crown
To surmount or be the highest part of.
Cap
To capitalize.
Crown
To form the crown, top, or chief ornament of.
Cap
A close-fitting hat, either brimless or peaked.
The children were all wearing caps to protect them from the sun.
Crown
To bring to completion or successful conclusion; consummate
Crowned the event with a lavish reception.
Cap
A special hat to indicate rank, occupation, etc.
Crown
(Dentistry) To put a crown on (a tooth).
Cap
An academic mortarboard.
Crown
(Games) To make (a piece in checkers that has reached the last row) into a king by placing another piece upon it.
Cap
A protective cover or seal.
He took the cap off the bottle and splashed himself with some cologne.
Crown
(Informal) To hit on the head.
Cap
A crown for covering a tooth.
He had golden caps on his teeth.
Crown
To reach a stage in labor when a large segment of the fetal scalp is visible at the vaginal orifice. Used of a fetus.
Cap
The summit of a mountain, etc.
There was snow on the cap of the mountain.
Crown
A royal, imperial or princely headdress; a diadem.
Cap
An artificial upper limit or ceiling.
We should put a cap on the salaries, to keep them under control.
Crown
A wreath or band for the head, especially one given as reward of victory or a mark of honor.
Cap
The top part of a mushroom.
Crown
(by extension) Any reward of victory or mark of honor.
The martyr’s crown
Cap
(toy) A small amount of percussive explosive in a paper strip or plastic cup for use in a toy gun.
Billy spent all morning firing caps with his friends, re-enacting storming the beach at Normandy.
Crown
Imperial or regal power, or those who wield it.
Cap
A small explosive device used to detonate a larger charge of explosives.
He wired the cap to the bundle of dynamite, then detonated it remotely.
Crown
(metonym) The sovereign (in a monarchy), as head of state.
Cap
(slang) A bullet used to shoot someone.
Crown
The state, the government (headed by a monarch).
Treasure recovered from shipwrecks automatically becomes property of the Crown.
Cap
A lie or exaggeration.
No cap
Crown
The top part of something:
Cap
(sport) A place on a national team; an international appearance.
Crown
The topmost part of the head.
Cap
(obsolete) The top, or uppermost part; the chief.
Crown
The highest part of a hill.
Cap
(obsolete) A respectful uncovering of the head.
Crown
The top section of a hat, above the brim.
Cap
(zoology) The whole top of the head of a bird from the base of the bill to the nape of the neck.
Crown
The raised centre of a road.
Cap
(architecture) The uppermost of any assemblage of parts.
The cap of column, door, etc.; a capital, coping, cornice, lintel, or plate
Crown
The highest part of an arch.
Cap
Something covering the top or end of a thing for protection or ornament.
Crown
The upper range of facets in a rose diamond.
Cap
(nautical) A collar of iron or wood used in joining spars, as the mast and the topmast, the bowsprit and the jib boom; also, a covering of tarred canvas at the end of a rope.
Crown
The dome of a furnace.
Cap
(geometry) A portion of a spherical or other convex surface.
Crown
The upper part of certain fruits, as the pineapple or strawberry, that is removed before eating.
Cap
A large size of writing paper.
Flat cap; foolscap; legal cap
Crown
(architecture) A kind of spire or lantern formed by converging flying buttresses.
Cap
(finance) Capitalization.
Crown
Splendor; culmination; acme.
Cap
(informal) An uppercase or capital letter.
Crown
Any currency (originally) issued by the crown (regal power) and often bearing a crown (headdress); (translation) various currencies known by similar names in their native languages, such as the koruna, kruna, krone, korona.
Cap
(electronics) A capacitor.
Parasitic caps.
I had to replace the caps in that thing to get it to work again.
Crown
(historical) A former pre-decimalization British coin worth five shillings.
Cap
(colloquial) A recording or screenshot.
Anyone have a cap of the games last night?
Crown
(botany) The part of a plant where the root and stem meet.
Cap
(slang) A capsule of a drug.
Crown
(forestry) The top of a tree.
Cap
(colloquial) A capitalist.
Crown
The part of a tooth above the gums.
Cap
Capillary
Crown
(dentistry) A prosthetic covering for a tooth.
Cap
(obsolete) A wooden drinking-bowl with two handles.
Crown
(nautical) A knot formed in the end of a rope by tucking in the strands to prevent them from unravelling
Cap
(transitive) To cover or seal with a cap.
Crown
(nautical) The part of an anchor where the arms and the shank meet
Cap
(transitive) To award a cap as a mark of distinction.
Crown
(nautical) The rounding, or rounded part, of the deck from a level line.
Cap
(transitive) To lie over or on top of something.
Crown
(paper) In England, a standard size of printing paper measuring 20 × 15 inches.
Cap
(transitive) To surpass or outdo.
Crown
(paper) In American, a standard size of writing paper measuring 19 × 15 inches.
Cap
(transitive) To set an upper limit on something.
Cap wages.
Crown
(chemistry) A monocyclic ligand having three or more binding sites, capable of holding a guest in a central location
Cap
(transitive) To make something even more wonderful at the end.
That really capped my day.
Crown
(medical) During childbirth, the appearance of the baby's head from the mother's vagina
Cap
To select a player to play for a specified side.
Crown
(firearms) A rounding or smoothing of the barrel opening
Cap
To shoot (someone) with a firearm.
If he don't get outta my hood, I'm gonna cap his ass.
In a school shooting, where some kid caps a bunch of other kids, where did he get the weapon? From a family member, probably their gun cabinet.
Crown
(geometry) The area enclosed between two concentric perimeters.
Cap
To lie; to tell a lie.
Crown
(religion) A round spot shaved clean on the top of the head, as a mark of the clerical state; the tonsure.
Cap
To select to play for the national team.
Peter Shilton is the most capped English footballer.
Crown
A whole bird with the legs and wings removed to produce a joint of white meat.
Cap
To salute by uncovering the head respectfully.
Crown
A formal hat worn by women to Sunday church services; a church crown.
Cap
To deprive of a cap.
Crown
The knurled knob or dial, on the outside of a watch case, used to wind it or adjust the hands.
Cap
To convert text to uppercase.
Crown
Of, related to, or pertaining to a crown.
Crown prince
Cap
(transitive) To take a screenshot or to record a copy of a video.
Crown
Of, related to, pertaining to the top of a tree or trees.
A crown fire
Cap
A covering for the head
Crown
To place a crown on the head of.
Cap
The top, or uppermost part; the chief.
Thou art the cap of all the fools alive.
Crown
To formally declare (someone) a king, queen, emperor, etc.
Cap
A respectful uncovering of the head.
He that will give a cap and make a leg in thanks.
Crown
To bestow something upon as a mark of honour, dignity, or recompense; to adorn; to dignify.
Cap
The whole top of the head of a bird from the base of the bill to the nape of the neck.
Crown
To form the topmost or finishing part of; to complete; to consummate; to perfect.
Cap
Anything resembling a cap in form, position, or use
Crown
To declare (someone) a winner.
Cap
A large size of writing paper; as, flat cap; foolscap; legal cap.
Crown
(medicine) Of a baby, during the birthing process; for the surface of the baby's head to appear in the vaginal opening.
The mother was in the second stage of labor and the fetus had just crowned, prompting a round of encouragement from the midwives.
Cap
To cover with a cap, or as with a cap; to provide with a cap or cover; to cover the top or end of; to place a cap upon the proper part of; as, to cap a post; to cap a gun.
The bones next the joint are capped with a smooth cartilaginous substance.
Crown
(transitive) To cause to round upward; to make anything higher at the middle than at the edges, such as the face of a machine pulley.
Cap
To deprive of cap.
Crown
To hit on the head.
Cap
To complete; to crown; to bring to the highest point or consummation; as, to cap the climax of absurdity.
Crown
(video games) To shoot an opponent in the back of the head with a shotgun in a first-person shooter video game.
Cap
To salute by removing the cap.
Tom . . . capped the proctor with the profoundest of bows.
Crown
(board games) In checkers, to stack two checkers to indicate that the piece has become a king.
“Crown me!” I said, as I moved my checker to the back row.
Cap
To match; to mate in contest; to furnish a complement to; as, to cap text; to cap proverbs.
Now I have him under girdle I'll cap verses with him to the end of the chapter.
Crown
(firearms) To widen the opening of the barrel.
Cap
To uncover the head respectfully.
Crown
(military) To effect a lodgment upon, as upon the crest of the glacis, or the summit of the breach.
Cap
A tight-fitting headdress
Crown
(nautical) To lay the ends of the strands of (a knot) over and under each other.
Cap
A top (as for a bottle)
Crown
(slang) being about to take a poop (usually trying to hold it in, derived from obstetric use: metaphor of "giving birth" to solid poo)
Cap
A mechanical or electrical explosive device or a small amount of explosive; can be used to initiate the reaction of a disrupting explosive
Crown
(archaic) crow
Cap
Something serving as a cover or protection
Crown
A royal headdress or cap of sovereignty, worn by emperors, kings, princes, etc.
Cap
A fruiting structure resembling an umbrella that forms the top of a stalked fleshy fungus such as a mushroom
Crown
The person entitled to wear a regal or imperial crown; the sovereign; - with the definite article.
Parliament may be dissolved by the demise of the crown.
Large arrears of pay were due to the civil and military servants of the crown.
Cap
An upper limit on what is allowed;
They established a cap for prices
Crown
Imperial or regal power or dominion; sovereignty.
There is a power behind the crown greater than the crown itself.
Cap
Dental appliance consisting of an artificial crown for a tooth
Crown
Anything which imparts beauty, splendor, honor, dignity, or finish.
The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.
A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband.
Cap
The upper part of a column that supports the entablature
Crown
Highest state; acme; consummation; perfection.
Mutual love, the crown of all our bliss.
Cap
Lie at the top of;
Snow capped the mountains
Crown
The topmost part of anything; the summit.
The steepy crown of the bare mountains.
Cap
Restrict the number or amount of;
We had to cap the number of people we can accept into our club
Crown
The topmost part of the head (see Illust. of Bird.); that part of the head from which the hair descends toward the sides and back; also, the head or brain.
From toe to crown he'll fill our skin with pinches.
Twenty things which I set down:This done, I twenty more-had in my crown.
Crown
The part of a hat above the brim.
Crown
The part of a tooth which projects above the gum; also, the top or grinding surface of a tooth.
Crown
The vertex or top of an arch; - applied generally to about one third of the curve, but in a pointed arch to the apex only.
Crown
Same as Corona.
Crown
That part of an anchor where the arms are joined to the shank.
Crown
The upper range of facets in a rose diamond.
Crown
The dome of a furnace.
Crown
The area inclosed between two concentric perimeters.
Crown
A round spot shaved clean on the top of the head, as a mark of the clerical state; the tonsure.
Crown
A size of writing paper. See under Paper.
Crown
A coin stamped with the image of a crown; hence,a denomination of money; as, the English crown, a silver coin of the value of five shillings sterling, or a little more than $1.20; the Danish or Norwegian crown, a money of account, etc., worth nearly twenty-seven cents.
Crown
An ornaments or decoration representing a crown; as, the paper is stamped with a crown.
Crown
To cover, decorate, or invest with a crown; hence, to invest with royal dignity and power.
Her who fairest does appear,Crown her queen of all the year.
Crown him, and say, "Long live our emperor."
Crown
To bestow something upon as a mark of honor, dignity, or recompense; to adorn; to dignify.
Thou . . . hast crowned him with glory and honor.
Crown
To form the topmost or finishing part of; to complete; to consummate; to perfect.
Amidst the grove that crowns yon tufted hill.
One day shall crown the alliance.
To crown the whole, came a proposition.
Crown
To cause to round upward; to make anything higher at the middle than at the edges, as the face of a machine pulley.
Crown
To effect a lodgment upon, as upon the crest of the glacis, or the summit of the breach.
Crown
The Crown (or the reigning monarch) as the symbol of the power and authority of a monarchy;
The colonies revolted against the Crown
Crown
The enamel covered part of a tooth above the gum
Crown
A wreath or garland worn on the head to signify victory
Crown
An ornamental jewelled headdress signifying sovereignty
Crown
The part of a hat (the vertex) covering the crown of the head
Crown
An English coin worth 5 shillings
Crown
The upper branches and leaves of a tree
Crown
The top point of a mountain or hill;
The view from the peak was magnificent
They clambered to the summit of Monadnock
Crown
The award given to the champion
Crown
The top of the head
Crown
The center of a cambered road
Crown
Invest with regal power; enthrone;
The prince was crowned in Westminster Abbey
Crown
Be the culminating event;
The speech crowned the meeting
Crown
Form the topmost part of;
A weather vane crowns the building
Crown
Put an enamel cover on;
Crown my teeth
Common Curiosities
Is the process of fitting a cap or crown painful?
The process involves tooth preparation, which may cause discomfort, but it is usually performed under local anesthesia to minimize pain.
Are caps and crowns suitable for all teeth?
Yes, they can be used on any tooth that requires restoration, but the choice of material may vary depending on the tooth's location and function.
How long do dental caps and crowns last?
With proper care, dental caps and crowns can last 5-15 years or longer, depending on the material and oral hygiene practices.
Can a tooth with a cap or crown still get cavities?
Yes, the tooth beneath a cap or crown can still develop cavities, particularly at the margin where the restoration meets the tooth.
Can caps and crowns be whitened like natural teeth?
No, the materials used in caps and crowns do not respond to teeth whitening treatments. It's important to match the color carefully at the time of placement.
How are caps and crowns fixed to the tooth?
They are cemented onto the prepared tooth using a special dental adhesive, ensuring a strong and durable bond.
What happens if a cap or crown falls off?
If a cap or crown falls off, it's important to contact your dentist as soon as possible for reattachment or replacement to protect the underlying tooth.
Can I eat normally with a cap or crown?
Yes, once a cap or crown is properly fitted and cemented, you can eat normally, though it's wise to avoid very sticky or hard foods that might damage the restoration.
Do caps and crowns require special care?
While they don't require special care, maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups is crucial to ensure their longevity.
Is there an alternative to caps or crowns for tooth restoration?
Depending on the extent of tooth damage, alternatives may include fillings, onlays, or veneers, but these may not offer the same level of protection and restoration as caps or crowns.
What is the difference between temporary and permanent caps or crowns?
Temporary caps or crowns are used to protect the tooth while the permanent restoration is being made; they are not as durable and are meant to be in place for only a short period.
Can I choose the material for my cap or crown?
Yes, your dentist will discuss the best material options for your specific needs, considering factors like tooth location, function, and aesthetic preferences.
What should I do if my cap or crown is uncomfortable?
If you experience discomfort or improper fit with a cap or crown, it's important to return to your dentist for an adjustment or correction.
Are caps or crowns noticeable?
Modern caps and crowns are designed to blend in with your natural teeth, making them virtually unnoticeable.
How is the color of a crown matched to my other teeth?
The dentist uses a shade guide to match the crown color as closely as possible to the surrounding natural teeth, ensuring a uniform appearance.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Lollipop vs. MarshmallowAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
