Caps on teeth restore and protect damaged or weak teeth. Their role can be compared to that of a cap that is worn on the head to protect it from cold, sun, wind or possible embarrassment of bad hair. Dental caps are also known as crowns. They provide a great way of fixing worn or broken teeth while maintaining the integrity of a natural tooth. After the removal of a tooth, bone is lost. This is followed by an unwanted facial collapse. Placing caps on teeth ensures that the tooth part that is responsible for anchoring it onto the jaw and the root are retained. Dental caps also provide a cost-effective way of restoring teeth. They fit very easily over natural teeth while providing a lasting solution if they are placed by an experienced dentist like Dr. Gabe Doria at his dental practice in Bayonne, NJ in Hudson County.
In some cases, fillings can be used to restore damaged teeth. These materials are effective because they replace the missing part of a tooth yielding good results. However, there are cases where the damaged teeth lose too much structure making it difficult or impossible for them to hold fillings. In such cases, a professional dentist like Dr. Gabe Doria will recommend a teeth restoration technique that attaches to the remaining part of the teeth. This ensures that the restoration can withstand heavier use while meeting the necessary elaborate esthetic requirements. Placement of teeth caps on such teeth is the most ideal option. The caps are strong and they restore the top layer of the teeth. They can also form part of an attachment to the fixed bridge of replacement teeth. Teeth caps strengthen teeth because they provide a casting that covers them from the outside. This casting can be made of ceramic or metal and it wraps up while splinting the tooth.
Chewing is improved by reshaping the cap to match an opposing tooth more efficiently. The cosmetic aspect of teeth caps can be improved using ceramic processes to produce a more natural color or translucency.
Making teeth caps entails a pretty simple process.
Step 1: The first step entails assessing the patient. This includes the use of X-ray to ensure that damaged teeth will support the caps. The patient is also examined to determine whether the damaged tooth is surrounded by a healthy area.
Step 2: A tooth impression is taken and used in making the cap.
Step 3: The damaged, decayed or weak part of the tooth is ground away to create room for placing or bonding the tooth cap. A tooth cap is placed on the surface of the tooth using dental cement.
Step 4: A temporary cap is placed on the teeth until a permanent cap is made and ready for placement.
Step 5: A permanent cap is placed on or bonded to the tooth.
Teeth caps materials
Caps for teeth can be made using any of the following materials:
- Resin
- Metal
- Porcelain fused to a metal
Generally, teeth caps are safe and they can be used in children with baby teeth that need capping. With proper placement and care, caps can last forever.
How to take care of caps on teeth
You should take care of your teeth caps the way you take care of your natural teeth. Ideally, brush and floss your teeth caps properly. Make sure that you floss the area below your gum line. Although dental caps protect the remaining teeth from further decay, the base of the caps should be protected from gum disease and bacterial growth. This can be done with regular flossing, brushing and dental checkup.
Teeth caps have many purposes. A cap that is bonded to a tooth will not only restore its size and shape. It will also improve its appearance while maintaining its integrity.
Dental caps are mainly used to:
- Keep dental bridges in their place
- Hide dental implants
Are teeth caps suitable for you?
The only way to determine if a tooth cap will help you is to contact a reputable dentist like Dr. Gabe Doria at his dental practice in Bayonne, NJ in Hudson County.
Get in touch with us now to find out if teeth caps are ideal for you.
