A crown is a tooth-shaped cover placed over a tooth that is badly damaged or decayed. A crown, which many people call a cap, is made to look like your tooth.

Crowns may be placed for several reasons, but generally the tooth has been extensively damaged by decay or breakage and filling material can't replace the missing tooth structure and make the tooth strong enough. A crown may hold together parts of a cracked tooth and can be used to hold a bridge in place. Crowns are also used for cosmetic purposes to cover misshapen or badly discolored teeth.