Tooth Cap (Dental Cap): What It Is, When You Need One and Types

Cap and crown are two names for the same thing. The visible part of a tooth is called its crown, and a dental crown is a made-to-fit covering that replaces or strengthens it. A cap sits over the whole tooth down to the gumline, held in place by dental cement. It is not a veneer, which covers only the front surface.

Because a cap covers the tooth on every side, it protects what is underneath from further breaking. For the types and the process in more detail see our guides on types of dental crowns and the dental crown procedure.

A cap is usually advised when a tooth is too weak to hold a filling, or too damaged to function alone. Common reasons are a root-treated tooth, a large area of decay, a cracked or broken tooth, a heavily worn tooth, or to anchor a bridge. Sometimes a cap is also used for the appearance of a misshapen or discoloured tooth.

Not every root canal tooth needs a cap, and not every cap needs a root canal. Our guides on whether you need a crown after a root canal and on a crown without a root canal cover both. The wider treatment is described on our root canal treatment page.

Caps differ mainly by material. Metal caps are strong but visible. Porcelain-fused-to-metal caps have a metal core with a tooth-coloured layer. All-ceramic and zirconia caps are tooth-coloured throughout and are popular for visible teeth. A dentist chooses by tooth position, bite force, gum health and appearance.

Our guide on the zirconia dental cap covers one of the common options.

A cap usually takes two visits: the tooth is reshaped and a temporary cap fitted, then the finished cap is cemented after the laboratory makes it. Read about the temporary stage in our guide on the temporary crown. The cap can stand for many years with good care. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, clean between teeth and keep to regular check-ups, because decay can still start at the edge of a cap.

Market price ranges are on the dental crown cost page.