If you suffer from broken or misshapen teeth, you could be the right candidate for dental caps. While these are often used to simply improve the appearance of a smile, dental caps also serve many other dental functions for long-term oral health beyond mere aesthetic appeal.
What is a Dental Cap?
You might have heard of dental caps referred to as crowns, but it’s all the same form of dental restoration. This is a
tooth-shaped cap that restores a decayed, broken, weak or worn-down tooth. A prosthodontist or general dentist may use a crown to cover teeth that have undergone root canals or to cover dental implants. They are made from various material types – metal, resin and porcelain – and, with proper care, can last between 5 and 15 years.
1. Dental Caps Protect Vulnerable Teeth
One of the benefits of dental caps is that they can keep your teeth strong and healthy. If you have a weakened tooth that has undergone a root canal treatment or had multiple fillings, it might need further protection. A dental cap will not only protect the tooth, it will prevent further decay and damage that could lead to bacterial infections. Dental caps prevent further wear and tear and protect you from possible nerve damage.
2. Dental Caps Reduce the Risk of Tooth Damage
When a dental cap is placed over the tooth, it provides an extra layer of protection, shielding against external forces such as chewing which could lead to chips and cracks. If you suffer from weak or brittle teeth due to decay or an underlying condition, dental caps will produce the necessary protection to prevent further damage. Another condition that dental caps can help with is bruxism – grinding your teeth at night. Dental caps protect the teeth by evenly distributing the force across the crown’s surface rather than against the natural tooth.
3. Dental Caps Can Ease Tooth Pain
Tooth pain can be debilitating, and if you’re suffering you must get it attended to right away. Dental caps can cover a damaged tooth, alleviating this pain and restoring your smile. The dental cap will create an artificial barrier that protects the sensitive nerve endings in your mouth, as well as your surrounding gum tissue from bacteria. Modern dental caps are also incredibly durable, making them a great option for treating tooth pain.
4. Dental Caps Restore Tooth Function
You might have undergone a procedure like a root canal or filling to attend to the structure of the tooth, but to restore the function of the tooth, a dental cap will be applied. This reinforces your tooth structure so that you can chew your food without any risk of damage or pain.
5. Dental Caps Help with Dental Alignment
Another great reason for dental caps – without just being aesthetically pleasing – is the correction of minor dental alignment issues. If you have more complex alignment concerns, you will require orthodontic treatment. However, if you’re missing a single tooth or a small group of teeth that are impacting dental alignment, then a dental cap will suffice. In addition to the cosmetic benefits of dental alignment, it will improve your bite alignment, making it easier to chew while eradicating discomfort. The dental cap will also prevent further shifting and associated pain.
6. Dental Caps Help with Oral Hygiene
Finally, dental caps are an important contributor to good oral hygiene. Contrary to misconceptions about capped teeth being susceptible to cavities, dental caps are easy to clean, and a well-fitted cap will ensure a healthy oral environment thereby reducing the risk of tooth decay or gum disease.
If you need dental restoration in Melbourne, then get in touch with Manningham Dental Specialists. This friendly team of dental specialists can give you a comprehensive consultation to determine whether a dental cap or another form of tooth restoration is required. They will ensure your treatment is a priority and that your smile is restored, as well as the functionality of your teeth. Don’t wait a moment longer if you’re in any pain or discomfort, get in touch with MDS today!